Anne Hutchinson

Hutchinson on trial

Anne Hutchinson (baptized July 20, 1591 - 20 August 1643), was a religious dissenter in Puritan New England. Her parents are Francis Marbury and Bridget Dryden. Her father, being a clergy, homeschooled Anne Hutchinson. She got more education than most other girls at that time. She was the defendant in the most famous of the trials intended to suppress religious dissent in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. She was born Anne Marbury in Alford, Lincolnshire, England. She, her husband William, and their children left England for the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1634. Once settled, she began holding weekly meetings in her home to discuss sermons and theology.

Her religious views did not agree with those of her Puritan neighbors. They believed good works were necessary for salvation. Hutchinson believed that only faith (Sola fide) was necessary. She also believed that God revealed himself to people without the help of the clergy. Community leaders viewed Hutchinson as a threat. She was found guilty of heresy in 1637, and told to leave the colony.

Hutchinson and her family moved first to Rhode Island. After her husband's death in 1642, she settled near present-day Pelham Bay on Long Island Sound. In 1643, Hutchinson, all her children except one, and all her servants were killed in an attack perpetrated by Native Americans. Her death was regarded by some in Massachusetts Bay as evidence of divine judgment.

Anne Hutchinson Media

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  Marshalsea Prison, London, where Hutchinson's father was detained for two years for "heresy"

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  Reverend John Cotton was Hutchinson's mentor and her reason for emigrating to New England.

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  Reverend John Wheelwright was an ally of Hutchinson during the Antinomian Controversy, and both were banished.

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  Governor Henry Vane strongly supported Hutchinson during the colony's difficulties.

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  John Winthrop presided over Hutchinson's trial in 1637 as both accuser and judge.

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  Reverend John Wilson had been ridiculed by Hutchinson; he made the final pronouncement of excommunication during her church trial.

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  PortsmouthCompactdocument

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  Split Rock, near where the Hutchinson family was massacred

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  Statue of Anne Hutchinson at Massachusetts State House by Cyrus Edwin Dallin

References

• Encyclopedia: Anne Hutchinson
• PBS God in America: Anne Hutchinson