William Brewster was born around 1566 in Doncaster, Yorkshire, England. He went to Cambridge for a while, but never got a degree. He eventually worked under William Davison, the Secretary of State. He later took over his father’s position as local postmaster. He helped to start a Separatist church and after its move to Amsterdam and then Leiden (both Holland). During his time in Holland he helped to publish anti-Anglican church literature, almost to the point of being arrested. When part of his congregation decided to travel to America, he was asked to go along with his family and serve as a religious advisor. When they arrived he became the senior elder of the colony and a close advisor to the governor, William Bradford. Being the only pilgrim university educated, he served as religious leader for several years until their official pastor arrived. For his service Brewster received some of the islands of Boston harbor, which still bear his name.
William Brewster had several large contributions to the colony. During his tenure he served as religious leader he probably helped to remind the colonists why they were there and given them support. He was also an advisor to William Bradford and was part of the main decision-makers. He bore responsibility for the religious life, which was quite a task during all of the hardships they faced. After his death in 1644, Bradford wrote of Brewster as being "sociable and pleasant amongst his friends, of a humble and modest mind, and tenderhearted and compassionate."
Nice bio for Brewster...
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