William Bradford (printer, born 1719) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Bradford
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A portrait of Bradford based on a portrait miniature in the possession of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, published in the Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography in 1891
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| Born | 1719 New York City, Province of New York, British America
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| Died | September 25, 1791 (aged 72)) |
| Resting place | "Presbyterian grave-yard in Arch-street", Philadelphia Arch Street Presbyterian Churchyard, formerly at 1724 Arch Street, Philadelphia |
| Citizenship | American |
| Occupation | Printer, soldier |
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William Bradford (1719 – September 25, 1791) was an important printer, soldier, and leader during the American Revolution. He lived in Philadelphia and helped shape the early United States.
Contents
William Bradford: A Printer's Life
William Bradford was born in New York City in 1719. He came from a family of printers. His grandfather, also named William Bradford, was a famous printer too.
When he was young, William learned the printing trade from his uncle, Andrew Bradford, in Philadelphia. They worked together for a while. In 1741, William traveled to England. He returned in 1742 with new equipment to start his own printing business and a library.
Publishing The Pennsylvania Journal
On December 2, 1742, William Bradford published the first issue of his own newspaper, The Pennsylvania Journal. This newspaper became very well known. Later, each issue featured a drawing of a snake cut into pieces. Below it was the motto "Unite or Die". This image was a symbol used by many American patriots, like Paul Revere and Benjamin Franklin. It encouraged the colonies to work together.
Standing Up to British Rule
In 1754, Bradford opened the London Coffee House in Philadelphia. He also started selling marine insurance, which protects ships and their cargo. As a publisher, he often wrote articles that criticized the British government. He was especially vocal against the Stamp Act in 1765. This act made colonists pay a tax on printed materials.
When the first Continental Congress met in Philadelphia in 1774, William Bradford was chosen as their official printer. He printed important documents like the Declaration of Rights. These papers helped explain why the colonies wanted to be free from British rule.
William Bradford: A Soldier's Journey
When the American Revolutionary War began, William Bradford was already middle-aged. But he was ready to fight for freedom. He left his printing business to his son and joined the Pennsylvania militia.
Bradford's Military Ranks and Battles
Bradford started as a major and was later promoted to colonel. He fought in several important battles. These included the Battle of Trenton and the Battle of Princeton. He also saw action at Fort Billingsport and Fort Mifflin.
During the Battle of Princeton, he was wounded. This injury continued to bother him. When British forces left Philadelphia, he resigned from the militia. He then returned to his home city.
Later Life and Family Legacy
After the war, William Bradford's son, Thomas, had been running The Pennsylvania Journal. William and Thomas then became business partners. They worked together to grow their publishing company.
Bradford Family's Contributions
William Bradford passed away on September 25, 1791. His son Thomas continued the family business. Another one of William's sons, also named William, joined the Continental Army. He later became a lawyer and served as Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. He even became the U.S. Attorney General.
The Bradford family continued their legacy in printing and public service for generations. Thomas's son, Samuel Fisher Bradford, also became a printer. He is known for printing the American version of Rees's Cyclopædia, a large encyclopedia.
Images for kids
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A portrait of Bradford based on a portrait miniature in the possession of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, published in the Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography in 1891
