William Bradford (printer, born 1663)

William Bradford (1663-1752) was a significant printer and publisher in colonial America. Born in Leicestershire, England, he apprenticed to a printer in London before emigrating to the American colonies.

Bradford arrived in Philadelphia in 1685 and established the first printing press in Pennsylvania. He quickly became involved in religious and political controversies due to his willingness to print dissenting views, particularly those of the Quakers, despite opposition from the colonial government. This led to legal challenges and eventually his departure from Philadelphia in 1693.

He then moved to New York City, where he was appointed the official printer for the Province of New York. He held this position for over 50 years, making him a central figure in the dissemination of news, laws, and official documents. Bradford established New York’s first newspaper, the New-York Gazette, in 1725, and continued to print it for nearly 20 years. He also printed books, pamphlets, and other materials, contributing significantly to the development of literacy and communication in the colony.

Bradford's long career and extensive output made him a key figure in the development of printing in early America. His willingness to challenge authority and his role in establishing early newspapers helped to shape the landscape of colonial communication and the spread of information.