In 1575, there lived in Austerfield, Yorkshire County, England, one William Bradford. It has been found impossible to trace the family beyond this point but there is strong probability that this William Bradford was a relative of the celebrated preacher martyr, John Bradford, who was burned at the stake at Smithfield [Eng.], January 31, 1555, for his opposition to papacy. It has also been supposed that this William Bradford was a relative of a Bradford who participated in connections with Thomas Stafford, son of Lord Stafford, in a rebellion against the hated Queen Mary, for which he was executed at Tyburn, May 29, 1557.

There is evidently some reason why the founder of the family in this country, the celebrated Pilgrim, who will hereafter be known as [Governor] Gov. William, was always silent on the subject of his own family, notwithstanding his numerous writings on the early colonists.

It may be interesting to mention that the name of Bradford is supposed to have originated at a time when families were frequently called after places near their homes, and that the first family of this name lived near a "broad ford." The name is frequently spelled Bradfurth and Bradfourth, in the church records of England. The family of William Bradford, of Austerfield, belonged to a class called yeomanry, which was at that time next to the gentry, and had the right to use coats-of-arms. They usually owned [the] lands they occupied, and were, to use the language of today, farmers of large estates. This William Bradford has four children, viz.: William, Thomas, Robert, and Elizabeth. The dates of their birth are not known, but Robert was baptized June 25, 1561, and Elizabeth July 16, 1570. The oldest son, William, married Alice Hanson, June 21, 1584. She was the daughter of John Hanson, the only man in Austerfield at that time besides William Bradford who paid taxes to the crown. William Bradford and Alice Hanson had the following children: Margaret, born March 8, 1585; Alice, born October 30, 1587; and William the Pilgrim, baptized March 19, 1589/90. The Pilgrim's father died July 1591, leaving him an orphan. He went to live with his grandfather and upon the death of the latter in January 1595/96 was cared for by his uncles, Thomas, Richard (?) [??], and Robert Bradford.

Gov. William in his younger days was prevented from entering into the pursuits of his relatives by the state of his health, but having inherited a comfortable estate, he was well provided for. When 12 years old, he manifested great interest in the Scriptures and sought the company of Richard Clifton and other Puritan preachers. Profiting by their teachings, he soon embraced the Puritan faith. In 1607, Gov. William, in company with the other Puritans, moved to Holland, in order to be able to enjoy freedom of worship. While on his way, he was imprisoned at Boston, England, for a time on account of his religious belief. They first went to Amsterdam but soon moved to Lydon [Lyden]. At this place, Gov. William Learned the art of dyeing silk, and when he came of age, sold his estate in England and engaged in commerce.

In 1620, Gov. William, in company with other Puritans, when to England from Holland and embarked in the Mayflower for America. In 1621, he was chosen Governor and re-elected every year until 1657 except the years 1633-34, 1636, 1638-44. In all, he served 30 years as governor, often against his wishes and during the five years he was not governor, served the colony in some capacity as a public officer. Gov. Bradford, according to Cotton Mather, was well acquainted with Greek, Latin, and Hebrew, particularly the latter. He spoke French and Dutch fluently, and well understood history, philosophy, and theology. He was the only historian of Plymouth Colony, and his "prose writings were above mediocrity." Gov. Bradford's manuscript history of Plymouth Colony, of two hundred and seventy pages, descended to his grandson, John, who presented it with some other manuscripts and a letter-book formerly belonging to the governor to the New England Library. These manuscripts were deposited in the tower of the old South Church, Boston, for safe keeping and so far as known were there when the city was taken by the British in 1775. It will be remembered that the British soldiers used this church as a riding school during their occupancy of the city.

When Boston was evacuated in the spring of 1776, Gov. Bradford's manuscript history of Plymouth Colony, and many other valuable documents, among them his letter-book, were missing. The letter-book was discovered in a grocery store at Halifax, Nova Scotia, some years after (a large portion of it having been destroyed) and sent to the Massachusetts Historical Society. The history could not be found, and it [was] supposed that it had been destroyed. Previous to 1775, several early colonial historians had mad extracts from this history and the tenor of these extracts was known by those well versed in early colonial history. In 1855, it was discovered by the Massachusetts historian, Rev. John S. Barry, that a volume entitled "A History of the Protestant Episcopal Church in America" by Samuel, Lord Bishop of Oxford, London, 1846, contained extracts from a manuscript in the Fulham Library similar to some of the above mentioned. The Fulham Library is a manor-house or palace, located in the village of Fulham, a few miles from London! This palace is the residence of the Lord Bishop of London. This discovery having been brought to the attention of the Massachusetts Historical Society, an agent was employed to examine the Fulham manuscripts. The result of the examination was that the manuscripts proved beyond a doubt to be the original history of Plymouth Colony written by Governor William Bradford's own hands. The Society had the manuscript opened and published. The publication was in 1856. The original manuscript still remains in the Fulham Library, England, and the agency by which it reached there from New England Library, Boston, is still unknown.

Gov. Bradford, while living in Holland, married Dorothy May, and English Puritan December 10, 1613. By this marriage he had one son who did not come over in the Mayflower, but in another vessel some years later. The Governor's wife, Dorothy, was drowned in Cape Cod harbor, December 17, 1620. August 14, 1623, the Gov. married Alice Carpenter Southworth, widow of Edward Southworth. Gov. Bradford died at Plymouth, May 9, 1657. His wife Alice died at the same place March 26, 1670, aged about 79 years.

Children by 1st wife:

• John, married Martha Bourne of Marshfield, Mass. about 1615 [must be born date], died Norwich, Conn., 1678, without issue.

By 2nd wife:

• William, [Maj.] born June 17, 1624.
• Mercy, born about 1626. Married Benjamin Vermayes 1648.
• Joseph, born 1630. Married Jael Hobard of Hingham in 1664.

William was the oldest child by the second wife, and the oldest descendent of Gov. William who left issue. He was generally known as Major [Maj.] William. He lived in what is now Kingston, Mass. He succeeded Miles Standish as the principal military commander of the colony and was commander-in-chief of the Plymouth forces during King Philip’s war. At the Narragansett Fort fight he was wounded by a musket ball, which he carried for the rest of his life. He served as Deputy Governor and Treasurer of the Plymouth Colony, also as a member of the Council of Massachusetts. Maj. William was married three times, first, Alice Richards of Weymouth. She died December 12, 1671, aged 44. Maj. William's grandmother, mother, and wife were all named Alice, as well as an aunt. The aunt is supposed to have been the wife of George Morton who came over in the Fortune in 1621. Maj. William's second wife, was a widow named Wiswall. Third, Mrs. Mary Holmes, daughter of John Wood, alias Atwood, of Plymouth. By his first wife he had ten children, first son John, second son William, first daughter Alice. By his second wife, one child. By his third wife, four children who grew up, making a total of 15. Members of the Bradford family now living remember that one of the Major's grandsons who died in Turner stated that his grandfather had 18 children, probably three died in infancy or when young. [This suggests this passage is a quote from some document not referenced, as Maj. William’s grandchildren mostly died in the early 1800s. It is unlikely that the author (who typed the copies I am working from, would have met people in the early 1900s who knew the Major's grandchildren. Nor is there any evidence that trips to Turner were part of the research.] Major William died February 20, 1703, aged 79 years. He was buried at Plymouth and his tombstone is beside the monument of his father. His third wife, died January 6, 1714/15. Ephriam, son of Major William, was the second child of the third wife, date of birth unknown, probably somewhere about 1680-1685. He married Elizabeth Bartlett [Ephriam married Elizabeth Brewster!] . Two of his brothers married Bartletts of Duxbury, and it is presumed his wife came from the same stock. He lived in Kingston, Mass. The dates of death of Ephriam and his wife cannot be learned nor many of the circumstances of their lives. There is nothing to mark their resting places. He had ten children who lived to be adults, the eighth child Ezekiel born in 1728.

Ezekiel Bradford, son of Ephriam, married Betsy (Betty) Chandler of Duxbury, Mass., and lived in Kingston. Ezekiel and is wife emigrated from Kingston to New Gloucester about 1782, and soon afterward to Turner, then Sylvester plantation. They settled on what is now known as the Justus Conant farm where they lived and died.

The following is from the pen of the late Dr. Philip Bradford of Turner, relative to his grandparents, Ezekiel and Betsy. "Notwithstanding the hardships and privations incident to new settlements, they persevered with Christian fortitude and their labors were crowned with abundant success. She rendered herself eminently useful as a midwife, often traveling many miles seated on horseback going through footpaths in dense forests, climbing over mountains and fording streams, guided by the light of a lantern carried by a pedestrian at her side. At other times, mounted on a wide sled with horses attached and driver mounted as a postillion driving Jehu-like through deep snow."

Ezekiel 's sons, William and Jesse and daughter Deborah preceded him in emigrating to Maine, then a district of Mass. Ezekiel died September 1816, aged 88 years. His wife Betsey, died October 24, 1811. Both are buried in Turner in "Upper St." burying ground.

He had the following children:

• Ephriam born December 13, 1750
• Deborah born August 18, 1752
• William born March 9, 1754
• Rebecca born September 22, 1756
• Jesse born March 7, 1758
• Ezekiel born December 15, 1759
• Chandler born August 15, 1761
• Martin born October 17, 1763
• Philip born June 8, 1765
• Betsey born August 22 1767.

These children settled in New Gloucester, Turner, and Minot.

Ephriam Bradford, son of Ezekiel, settled in New Gloucester when in 1777 he married for his first wife Judith Morten of that place. The exact date of his emigrating from Kingston is not known.

About 1800, he married Anna Warren of Portland for his second wife. He was a prosperous farmer. He died at New Gloucester in 1817. By his first wife he had five children. By his second wife he had two children. This family has been scattered and none of the descendants are now living in New Gloucester. One son, Stephen, lived and died in Turner. His house was on Snell's Hill and was afterward occupied by his son Alanson. Another son, Isaac, moved to Ohio in 1817 and all traces of his family have disappeared.

Deborah Bradford, daughter of Ezekiel, married Barnabas Winslow of New Gloucester in 1777. She died in 1827.

William Bradford, son of Ezekiel, was very closely identified with the early history of Turner, and was the first Bradford to enter the town. William left Kingston, Mass., in the year 1774/75. His worldly possessions were a small bundle of clothing, one silver dollar and an ax. He paid the dollar for his passage on a coasting vessel to Yarmouth, and on his arrival chopped wood for the vessel on which he came until he earned the dollar back. He then walked to New Gloucester and from there to Turner. He took up, as it was called, a lot of land on the "Lower Street" being a part of the farm now owned by Asa Staples. Thirty lots of land of 125 acres each were given by the proprietors of the township to those who would settle upon them and the expression "taking up" meant to comply with these terms.

William cleared a piece of land, planted some corn, built a log cabin, and then returned to New Gloucester. When he again entered Turner, a few months later, he was accompanied by his wife, Asenath Mason, of New Gloucester, whom he married in 1776. To illustrate the hardships of those early pioneers, it is only necessary to state that William and his wife were guided only by spotted trees to their early home, and that the first seed for planting and sowing had to be carried on his back all the way from New Gloucester. William prospered in everything he undertook, and became for his time and locality a wealthy man. His wife was born in 1758. William and Asenath had two children. William, born August 6, 1778. Asa born February 4, 1780. The first [son William] was the second male born in Turner. William and his sons were liberal patrons of one of the first churches built in town of the Universalist faith.

These sons introduced the first musical instruments, William an organ and Asa a piano. William died in Turner May 26, 1828, aged 74. His wife Asenath died December 25, 1833 aged 75. Both of them are buried in Turner Village. There are but three mail descendants of William now living, one grandson, Philip, and two great grandsons. William Bradford was tithing man in 1788, one of the selectmen and assessors, 1789-90 and 1810. He was treasurer of the town from 1791 to 1806. He was on the school committee 1796-97, and 1799. He was one of the signers of the bond taken for security for performance of contract for building the first meeting house. William was of [the] trustees to sell the ministerial and school land in said town of Turner.

In the pretty little "Upper Street" cemetery in the town of Turner, there is a granite monument erected to the memory of Ezekiel Bradford, and his wife, by their descendants. This founder of the Turner branch of the Bradford family was the great-grandson of William Bradford of Plymouth Colony -- the Miles Standish of Longfellow's poem. A recent visit to one of the Bradford homes has suggested a few reminiscences of the family that are common property in the good old town. The old home of Uncle "Bill" Bradford, who was the second male child born in Turner, still stands in the west part of the town on what is known as Snell's Hill, very much as it was in the early pioneer times. Talk about the modern tile ornamented grate, and the luxury of a furnace! Here is a house with seven fireplaces, four of them built to take four foot wood. In one of them is fitted the first fire frame ever brought into this part of the country. And talk about those fancy chimneys built on the outside of the house just for the looks of the thing. Her is a tremendous chimney with five separate apartments, and each one making by it self a good roomy flue.

The Bradford family have been noted as lovers of music. But with Uncle Bill it was an absorbing passion. He himself was no mean performer on the bass viol. About the year 1830, he had a pipe organ built for him in Portland, and sent his daughter to that city to learn to play it. When it came to town it made a bigger sensation than the advent of our long expected Railroad where it to appear to us today. People came from Far and near to see the big organ. Sleighing parties came from all the country around. When couples were married, instead of going to Saratoga, the World's Fair, or even Lewiston, they celebrated their nuptials by going up to Uncle "Bill's" to enjoy the "big organ." The good old mean was boundless in his hospitality, and felt richly repaid for all the trouble and expense by the appreciation which his organ met. Many a winter night he turned his cattle out into the barnyard that the guests' horses might be sheltered, and then bundled out into the cold again to put up his cattle after the company was gone. This historic organ was finally presented to the Universalist Church at Turner Center, where it still does service. In this church the daughter, grand-daughter, and great granddaughter of Uncle "Bill" have successively played this organ he loved so well.

The old brass clock of Ezekiel Bradford today ticks away the fleeting hours in the sitting room of Leonard Bradford. He is the possessor of it, envied by many a member of this honored family. For many years, it was kicked about in the attic and shed, the plaything of many generations of little Bradfords. Its fine mahogany case was destroyed and finally it was given away to be melted into brass shoe heels. Happily it drifted back into the family an escaped so ignoble a fate.

We often hear and read how the Jewish race hands down the characteristics of features and forms, of heart and intellect, generation after generation. We tell about the Spartan race, how their spirit and courage followed far down the ages in the lives of their children. But we don not stop to think that the student of the Anglo-Saxon race finds just as strong resemblances in studying the descending lines of old families. Have not we Yankees the same blood of Hengest, and Horsa, of Canute and Alfred? Saxon grit has come down to us generation after generation and the Bradford family has its full share. They have been expert players in the great family game of "Follow my leaders." In their children is seen that quality of heart and intellect, of form and feature, that characterized their oldest ancestors. The saying "You can tell a Washburne as far as you can see him," has become proverbial and equally true it is "Once a Bradford, always a Bradford." Upright, genial, hospitable, generous, yet through it all a dogged, good-natured persistence that keeps right steady at it, characterizes the whole family. There is a good deal of slack rope, but when the limit is reached, like the doughty old Governor, they send but the rattlesnake full of bullets. Their generosity is well illustrated in the story told of a well-known Bradford, who when a small boy went to a circus and bought some peanuts. He gave the vendor a quarter and when he offered to hand back the change, he said, "You needn't mind about that, I've got plenty more where that came from!"

The Bradfords are enterprising. They have scattered all over the country. They have become editors in NY, lawyers in Boston, railroad men in New Mexico and Arizona, officers in the army and navy, doctors far and near. In fact they are found in every walk of life. Their enterprising spirit always enables them to rise in the world. Witness the experience of a well-known citizen connected with Turner's one industry that is proof against hard times. When he was somewhat smaller than he is now, he was told to keep away from a certain bumble-bee's nest. Later he came into the house in tears. He said he had been down to that bee's next and the old bee was on. It is safe to say that the business end of a bee gave him his first start in business.

The spirit of devotion, nurtured in the old Plymouth Colony, still lingers with the Bradfords. Of course they go to church, and just think of it, would make any sacrifice for the sake of keeping awake even during the dullest sermon. The most noted musician among them attended church one hot Sunday afternoon. He had eaten a good dinner and the minister happened in manner and matter to be a regular soothing syrup. He felt drowsy. He held both feet off the floor and tried all those other little innocent devices known to sleepy church goers, but it wasn't any use. He was going to sleep in spite of himself. He desperately fumbled in his vest pocket in hopes of finding something to keep awake on. He pulled out a little candy globule and put it in his mouth and began to chew. It wasn't candy. It was a sugar coated pill. He had no more trouble to keep awake after that.

No matter if the Bradford blood is blue, a Bradford seldom has the blues. This fall a neighbor went in and found one of them singing gospel hymns. The neighbor said, "You seem happy!" "Of course I am. Sweet corn all dried up, potatoes not much better, wind blew my apples all off, so I had to fall back on my religion."

They are a race of story tellers and enjoy one even at their own expense. In this family, the women can tell an anecdote and not leave the funny part out. The feminine portion know the romantic part of their family history and repeat the love story of the old governor and pretty Alice Southworth. In every generation there has always been an Alice Bradford. Oddly enough a direct descendant of John Alden became the husband of one of the Bradford family of Turner.

Rebecca Bradford, daughter of Ezekiel. She married William True of Minot, Jan 18, 1786, and died 1832. Col. True of Turner was her son. William True after his marriage lived on what is known as Briggs' Hill, Auburn, then Minot.

Jesse, son of Ezekiel, has already been alluded to be as preceding his father in entering Maine. He came to Turner shortly after brother William and settled on the lot next south of him, what is commonly called the Barnum Jones place. He married Judith Weston of Kingston, Mass., in 1781. The first houses of William and Jesse were very near together. Jesse afterward built a large two story house. Still later he moved to Turner Center formerly known as Bradford Village, where he built another large house, and also lumber and flour mills. Jesse has more descendants living who bear the family name than any of Ezekiel's sons, and a large number are still living in Turner. Jesse died May 21, 1829, aged 71 years. His wife Judith died November 6, 1842. They were both buried at Turner Center.

Children of Jesse and Judith:

Ezekiel Bradford, son of Ezekiel, commonly known in Turner as Ezekiel Jr. He married Mary House of Hanover, Mass., December 14, 1786, and settled at the north end of "Upper Street" in Turner on the Andrew Bennett place. Ezekiel Jr. died October 28, 1829, aged 70 years. His wife died April 25, 1852. Both are buried at Turner Center.

Ezekiel Jr. had a family of five children, four daughters and one son. One of the daughters died in infancy and the son died young so that this branch of Ezekiel's family became extinct in name at the death of Ezekiel Jr. Three of the daughters of Ezekiel Jr. married leading men of Turner as follows: Betsey married first, Charles H. Richardson; second, Dr. Philip Bradford, son of Jesse. Sarah married Royal Whitman. Nancy married William B. Bray. The grandchildren of Ezekiel Jr. are noticeable for their ability, beauty and pleasing manners.

Chandler Bradford, son of Ezekiel, married Sarah French of Turner in 1783. He settled and lived with his father on the Justus Conant place, the old Ezekiel Bradford homestead, with the house built by his son Chandler is now in possession of the widow of the latter's grandson, Justus Conant. Chandler died in Turner February 21, 1849, aged 87 years. His wife died October 31, 1840, aged 76 years. Both are buried in the "Upper Street" burying grounds.

He had a family of 13 children, three sons and ten daughters. Benjamin, the oldest child, graduated in the first class of Hebron Academy. He settled in Livermore, where he was a physician of good standing, and profiting by his father's example, he also had a family of 13 children, many of whom became very prominent. Seth settled in Turner on the river road, where his descendants are still living. He was generally known as Major Seth. Chandler Jr. settled on a part of his father's homestead. Four of Chandler's daughter's died either in infancy or when young. The remaining six married and were closely identified with the history of Turner and vicinity during the last generation, as follows: Justus Conant, Luther Dillingham, Luther Bailey, and Horace Cary (married Lurana) of Turner. Elisha Stetson of Auburn and Ruel Tower (married Xoa) of Sweden.

Martin Bradford, son of Ezekiel, married Prudence Dillingham of Turner August 16, 1790, and first built and lived in the Barrell house on the farm owned by his nephew's son, Horace True. Afterwards he built and lived in a large house on the Alden Briggs place. The latter was torn down in 1871 to make room for a more modern one. His farm comprised a tract of 500 acres of land and he lived in the best style of this day. Prudence, wife of Martin, died of consumption, and this disease has been very prevalent among the descendants, a great many having died with it when young. The only descendants of Martin now living in the vicinity of Turner are the son and daughter of Richmond. Martin died June 17, 1832, aged 69 years. His wife died September 5, 1822 aged 65 years. Martin and his wife, and several of their children are buried in a lot adjoining their homestead, at the foot of Briggs Hill. It is a matter of great regret that with the exception of one of the children there is not a stone to mark their graves. He had a family of six children, five sons and one daughter. Amia, the daughter, and one son, Ezekiel, died when young. Martin and Freeman settled in the south part of the town near what is now called "Four Corners." Both died when middle aged, leaving families of children. Calvin moved to Patten Maine, in 1836, and died there September 19, 1875, aged 82 years. Richmond, the youngest son, lived in Auburn and was a physician of the homeopathic school. He died only a few years ago. [1880s or early 90s]

Philip Bradford, son of Ezekiel, married Polley Bonney of Turner in 1789 and died the same year without issue. He was then a young man of great promise.

Betsey Bradford, daughter of Ezekiel, married Daniel Briggs of Minot, February 14, 1788. She lived on Briggs's Hill, now in Auburn. Betsey Briggs died November 2, 1815 aged 48 years, and is buried in the same yard as her brother, Martin. Two of her children were H Briggs of Auburn, and Mrs. Drake.

There was a family of Bradfords settled in a part of Turner called "North Parish" that did not descend from Ezekiel. The names of some of the present generation are Seth and Philemon. Peabody Bradford, born in Duxbury, Mass., March 1757, settled in Bakerstown (now Minot and Auburn) in 1780. He died at the advanced age of 95 years and left a large family. Lewis Bradford of Auburn is one of his descendants, Peabody's grandfather, Gamaliel, and Ezekiel were own cousins and grandsons of Major William.

The most common names in the Bradford family are John, William, and Alice. A few straggling members of other branches of the family of the great Pilgrim have at times wandered into Maine but no great numbers exist anywhere except those descended from Ezekiel.

In "History of Turner:"

• Gov. Bradford's daughter's name is given as "Marcy." Mercy is probably correct.
• Maj. William's first wife is given as Alice Richardson, instead of Richards.
• Ephriam's wife's name is given as Brewster. Children of Ephriam and Elizabeth all born in Duxbury.
• Children of Ezekiel all born in Duxbury.
• Ephriam's [son of Ezekiel] wife given as Judith Moulton.

In 1799, there was a William Bradford baptized by Rev. Charles Turner, a Congregational minister. Probably the son of William.

Jesse Bradford performed service in the Revolutionary Army, being on guard of Burgoyne's captured army, 1777. He was a collector of taxes 1790-91; on school committee 1796, and selectman 1811-12, 14-15. Jesse Bradford spent most of the active period of his life in business in the village. He with others built a sawmill and gristmill at Turner Center, in 1795. The gristmill was burned not long after its erection, and was rebuilt by Jesse.

Dr. Philip Bradford was born July 15, 1789. after gaining what education he could in the town schools, he studied at Hebron Academy for a considerable time. Having chosen the medical profession as the one to which he would devote himself for the remaining years of this life, he attended lectures in the medical school connected with Dartmouth and in due time received a diploma, showing that he had accomplished the prescribed course of study in a satisfactory manner. He chose to locate in his native town, and in the place of his birth. He was a successful practitioner, and did a large business in the wide field which was before him. He practiced in Green and Leeds, and other towns, as well as Turner. He enjoyed the confidence of the public both as a man and a physician, and was actively engaged in his profession until a week before his death. He died of pneumonia after a short sickness, June 24, 1863, aged nearly 74 years. He was one of the delegates to attend the convention of Delegates held in Portland, to form a constitution and frame of Government for the new state.

Hira Bradford took charge of the post office October 22, 1861, and retired from it April 22, 1869. Died March, 1903. A fulling mill was built at an early day, and Hira pressed and dressed cloth in it about 70 years.

• In "History of Turner", Mary House is given as coming from Abington.
• Chandler Bradford was selectman from 1796-1801, 1804-1807. He was on the school committee 1800 and 1802.
• Martin Bradford is called "Deacon."
• Daniel Briggs married Elizabeth Bradford February 4, 1788.
• Dr. Richmond Bradford, when a young man, opened an office at his father's near the south line of the town, but he soon removed to Auburn, where he became a well known physician, and continued in his profession until infirmities of age compelled him to relinquish his duties.
• Jesse, Ezekiel Jr., William, Chandler, and William Jr. were petitioners for [the] church of Universalist faith.
• The following Bradfords were trustees of the ministerial and grammar school funds in Turner, with their times of service as the records give information:

Some of the Bradfords [were] married by Rev. John Strickland; William True and Rebecca Bradford January 19, 1786. Ezekiel Bradford and Mary House, December 14, 1786. Daniel Briggs Jr. and Betty Bradford, February 14, 1788. Philip Bradford and Mary Bonney, April 9, 1789. Martin Bradford and Prudence Dillingham, August 10, 1790. By Ichabod Bonney: Benjamin Chamberlain and Mary Bradford, May 17, 1793. Snow Keen Jr., and Sarah Bradford, October 16, 1794.

Ethelbert, son of Jesse, born at Turner, July 16, 1781 [should be 1791]. Married for first wife, May 25, 1812, Abigail Tirrel of Minot. She died June 8, 1829, aged 33 years. Second wife February 14, 1830, Rebecca Rose of Green, daughter of Seth Rose. She died April 7, 1833, aged 36 years. Third wife, May 17, 1835, Pamelia Rose, sister to second wife. She died November 4, 1879. He died in Turner September 27, 1843, aged 52 years. He was a farmer and lived on the road leading from Bradford Village to Gen. Turner Hill. Both himself and wives are buried at Bradford Village. He had the following children by the first wife:

1. Lucy, born June 10, 1818, died August 23, 1856
2. Horatio, born November 14, 1819
3. Camilla, born February 20, 1821
4. Judith, born September 16, 1822
5. Abigail, born May 6, 1824, died July 6, 1835.
6. Lusia, born December 23, 1825

1. By the second wife:

1. Cynthia, born May 2, 1832

1. By the third wife:

1. Caroline, born October 9, 1835
2. Rebecca, born December 5. 1836
3. Melita, born March 17, 1838
4. Luther, born December 2, 1839
5. Leonard P., born May 16, 1841

Horatio, son of Ethelbert, born November 14, 1819; married first September 1842, Brittania Daniels of Paris, Maine. She died August 7, 1880. He married, second, Laura Larrabee of Winthrop. He died May 6. 1893. He lived on a farm at North Paris and for many years was in the cider and maple syrup business. Second wife died April 11, 1923.

Children by the first wife (Brittania):

Camilla, born February 20, 1821, married February 1, 1846, William Lacroix of Winthrop, died May 9, 1886. Not carried out.

Judith, born September 16, 1822, married April 17, 1849, Samuel Webb of Winthrop.

Louisa, born December 23, 1825; Married December 5, 1848, George Morrill of Winthrop. Died September 29, 1861.

Cynthia, born May 2, 1832; married May 2, 1853, to William Henry Whiting, son of Luther Whiting, living on farm in Auburn, a shoemaker by trade. She died July 11, 1903. When first married, lived in Hartford. Children:

9. Frank Leslie born May 29, 1874; married September 27, 1893, Alice M. Hunt, Auburn. He died in 1911.
1. 
   

Caroline R. [Rose], born October 9, 1835; married May 23, 1858, Erastus Knight, born July 4 1813, son of Thomas Knight of Westbrook. She died May 14, 1905. He died July 16, 1881. Mrs. Knight lived at Woodfords, on the place where her husband was born and died. He was a carpenter by trade. [Their children:]

6. Daisy Elva, Born September 17, 1875, died July 11, 1946.

Rebecca R. born December 5, 1836; married December 31, 1862, Samuel Townsend of Auburn. He died August 15, 1885. He was a carriage-maker by trade. They lived in Auburn until October 10, 1882, when they were burned out losing all they had. Mrs. Townsend died March 18, 1925. Children:

2. Ethel May, born April 23, 1875; died March 15, 1956. Married Isaac Harris Ellinwood of Paris, April 17, 1896. Lived in West Paris. Five children: Hazel Mildred, born June 21, 1895; Morris Lee, born July 30, 1901; Rupert Merton, born August 14, 1903; Ellis Clinton, born June 21, 1909. One son died in infancy.

Melita, born March 17, 1838; died July 10, 1916; married May 4, 1856, Erastus B. Bennett of Westbrook, a mason by trade, for some years lived in Deering, lived in Freeport 1896. He died April 7, 1913. Children:

5. Walter Leslie, born August 18, 1875; died Jan 4, 1878.

Leonard P., born May 16, 1841; died January 2, 1912. Married Emma L. Thorpe, March 4, 1873, died February 24, 1922 of Turner. Living on "Old Homestead" in Turner. She was born May 8, 1848. One child, Philip Thorpe, born April 23, 1882, died November 1962.

Luther, son of Ethelbert, born December 2, 1839; died October 3, 1900; married January 12, 1868, Lovisa F. Knight of Harrison, daughter of Merrill and Rebecca Knight. She died January 13, 1928. When 22 years of age (August 41 [14], 1862 he was mustered into the 16th Maine Regiment. He took part in the following engagements: Fredericksburg, North Anna, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Tolopotomy, Bethesda Church, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, and Hatcher’s Run. He was wounded at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862; Weldon Railroad, August 18, 1864; and at Hatcher’s Run, February 6, 1865, was wounded and lost an arm while carrying the colors. He was taken prisoner at Gettsburg, July 1, 1863. He was promoted sergeant. Discharged June 5, 1865. He was [the] first one struck by a bullet at Fredericksburg, which lodged in his hand, where it remained for two days. He still has the bullet. The colonel of his regiment in his official report of the battle at the Wilderness says: "I desire to bring to notice of the General commanding, the name of Color Sergeant Luther Bradford, who was wounded in the left arm (causing amputation of same) while gallantly bearing the colors in advance of the line, urging the men on to their work." Children: