Held rank of major in military
From the marker at his grave in Plymouth:
H I WILLIAM BRADFORD of Austerfield Yorkshire England. Was the son of William and Alice Bradford He was Governor of Plymouth Colony from 1621 to 1633 1635 1637 1639 to 1643 1645 to 1657
Major William Bradford "removed to Kingston, Massachusetts, was assistant deputy governor, was one of Governor Andro's council in 1687, and was the chief military officer of Plymouth colony."
245William "res Northside of Jones River in section known as Stony Brook, Kingston. Inherited large estate from father. Maj Comm-in-chief of Plymouth Forces at Great Swamp Fight 1675 and severely wounded. Dep 1657, assistant 1658-81. Dep Gov of Plymouth 1682-6, 1689-91. Mem of Council of Mass 1691. Treas 1679-85, 1689-91. Mem of Council of War 1657-8. Councillor of Provinse of Mass Bay in Charter of 1692. Councillor 1692-8. One of Gov Andros Council in 1687."