The Grave of a Pilgrim

William Bradford.                ~ Plymouth Colony Governor                                                                                                                                  “Thus out of small beginnings greater things have been produced by His hand that made all things of nothing, and gives being to all things that are; and, as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone unto many...”

The Mayflower departed Plymouth, England in September of 1620. The small, 100-foot ship had 102 passengers and a crew of 30-40 in terribly cramped conditions.  In November of 1620, after about 3 months at sea, including a month of delays in England, they finally spotted land.

After returning from an exploration party on land,  William Bradford made his way back on board the ship, where he was told of the death of his wife, Dorothy. One day after he had embarked with the exploring party, Dorothy had fallen over the side of the Mayflower and drowned. Bradford recorded her death in his journal.

The grave site of WilliamBradford

Bradford had delayed writing his will in hopes that he could obtain the services of his friend, Thomas Prence. But "feeling himself very weak and drawing on to the conclusion of his mortal life," he made out a nuncupative will on the day of his death.

 William Bradford was buried on Burial Hill in Plymouth, MA.  His current stone is made of slate and is preserved nicely within a granite support.
The epitaph on the stone reads:

"He lived long but was still doing 
good,
And in his countrys service lost 
much blood;
After a life well spent, he's now 
at rest,
His very name and memory
is blessed."