Simon Bradstreet was born at Horbling, Lincolshire in March 1603. He was a son of Rev. Simon Bradstreet and Margaret. His father died when he was 14 and was committed to the care of Hon. Thomas Dudley. He, along with Mr. Dudley, Mr. Winthrop, and others agreed to emigrate and form a settlement in Massachusetts.

Simon and the others boarded the "Arbella" on 29 March 1630. They arrived June 12, near Naumkeak, now Salem. They founded the town of Newtown, now Cambridge. Simon also lived at Salem and Ipswich.

Simon Bradstreet was the first Secretary of the colony and was one of the first Commissioners of the United Colonies in 1643. He was Deputy Governor from 1672 to 1679, then Governor until 1686.