History Comes Alive

John Underhill had an interesting life. There always seems to be a bigger than life aspect to his experiences. He was a part of some of the biggest controversies in Puritan New England. His service in New Netherland would be just as controversial. The backstory to his arrival is fascinating. He truly was a unique man for a unique time. In this episode we'll examine the rapidly changing atmosphere in the Dutch colony that precipitated John Underhill's arrival. Buckle your seat belt; the narrative will move pretty quickly.

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There were many men who helped shape the Colonial landscape of New England. Many dynamic and energetic men. One of the most prolific, and active men of the 1630s had to be John Underhill. When we last met, we developed a little of his family background. This episode we will look at his time among the English colonies. He held positions in Massachusetts Bay, Connecticut, New Haven, New Hampshire, and played a major role in the Mystic Massacre. It was not always pretty. We are building toward his second career in New Netherlands...that's right: this episode will only cover half of his story.

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We often consider the English Colonization of North America in the 17th century along the lines of national identity and pride. The English against the French. The English against the Spanish. Or, to a lesser extent, the English against the Dutch. These considerations are true but they are not the whole truth. The united front we often imagine within England at this time did not exist. There was much infighting and jockeying for power. Many great and powerful men fell victim to their own ambitions, and to the ambitions of others. These defeats often spanned generations within influential families. The 2nd Earl of Essex, Robert Devereux, was such a man who fell victim to his own ambition. John Edward Underhill also fell victim to the Earl's ambition and so did his son. John Underhill, although born into a prominent family in England, spent a large portion of his life in the Netherlands. He was later hired by English colonizers in New England as a soldier. John Underhill had an amazing career within both the English and Dutch colonies. Why did his family flee England? Join us in this episode of History Comes Alive and find out!

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Imagine a New England without the Puritan Oligarchy... it almost happened. In our last episode, we met the young John Mason. Navy seaman, pirate, and Colonial Governor. In this episode, we'll consider his later years. The active military service, the business ventures, his various colonial endeavors. We'll meet a man whose resume stands up to any of his contemporaries. A man who represents the other side of the colonial "coin" of the Puritan movement. From Newfoundland through the southern colonies of Maine and New Hampshire John Mason seemed to be everywhere. All the while participating in monumental fashion in both the war with Spain in 1625 and then France in 1627. His patrons and contacts included some of the most powerful and influential men of his day. He served them all with distinction, while contributing to the well being of the common man as well. Listen and see if his story does not inspire you! There are few among us that could keep his pace for a short time, let alone the 25 years he did. He died, suddenly, still in the throws of an extraordinary life, fully engaged and on his way to a new adventure. An adventure that, if completed, would have changed the English colonial landscape in New England permanently. Imagine a New England without the Puritan Oligarchy... it almost happened.

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We've seen the advancement of the Pilgrims and Puritans into New England. We've begun to understand their challenges and opportunities in the new world. With expansion came tension. New England was not the only northern colonialism taking place. There was Newfoundland and hopes for New Scotland. These areas were colonized by a different group of men. Non-Puritans. They looked South for their expansion. As they moved south, their settlements moved ever closer to New England. There were councils like The Council for New England and The Scottish Privy Council. There were men of position and ambition like Sir William Alexander, the Earl of Stirling and Ferdinand Gorges. These all played a role in the arrival of John Mason to the New England Region. His story is remarkable. His contributions to the development of English Colonialism in these Northern regions were significant. In this episode we'll meet John Mason and follow him through the early years of his career. From his misfortunes to his ultimate successes in Newfoundland...and the opportunities they afforded him.

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In this episode, we tie up some loose ends in our narrative about both Roger Williams and Anne Hutchinson. These two characters represent the same coin. The focus of each seems to have represented both sides. Roger Williams challenged the civil magistrates. Anne Hutchinson challenged the theocracy that was Massachusetts Bay. Together they left a legacy that inspired generations. The battles they fought can still teach us today. What happened to the Huchinson family after they were forced out of Massachusetts Bay was tragic. The mantle picked up by Roger Williams in the years after his banishment was astounding. As we wrap up our time with these two trail blazers we will consider the fallout of their lives, but also, deviating more than usual I will share more of my personal opinion on what this time in history tells me. How do the events and actions of the 1630s Bible State compare to the events we are witnessing in our day? Are there parallels? What can we take away from the narrative? It's the principles that are most important...how we conduct ourselves as a society and as individuals, which tells us a lot about who we really are.

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In our last episode, we were introduced to Anne Hutchinson. A strong willed and intelligent Puritan woman who developed a following among not just the women of her day, but men as well. Men of influence. Men of authority. In this episode we'll see what happened to Anne Hutchinson and her supporters. As we follow the storyline we'll realize that the bigger issues of conscience and conviction are situations we can all identify with. This is a story filled with emotional and philosophical drama. Few of us have ever had to take a stand like Anne Hutchinson. Few of us will ever have to take such a stand alongside a friend. In the end, it was not just Anne Hutchinson who was destroyed but everybody around her. Either by forfeiture of their own livelihoods or the denial of their own consciences...What would you have done? What would you do now? Could this type of scenario happen today? Are there parallels to our own generation? Have you ever asked yourself what part you would play? Sometimes, self examination, in the shadow of controversy, reveals a side of ourselves we'd rather not acknowledge, but really should.

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On the heels of the stifling of Roger Williams, there arose another threat of dissent for the Puritan magistrates to wrestle with. Roger Williams had challenged the Bible State on issues revolving around freedom of conscience and how property ought to be purchased and distributed. Anne Hutchinson's threat ran deeper. It threatened not only the society being built, it threatened to divide the leadership. Her challenges and struggle left her isolated. She was of strong character and convictions; she had been raised for this challenge and embraced it. Though most of the Puritan elite had begun to rally against her, she stood her ground.

In this episode, we will develop the woman who was Anne Hutchinson. Her background and convictions. We'll set the stage for her final showdown with the magistrates of Puritan Massachusetts Bay Colony. The struggle of Anne Hutchinson is a struggle many of us can relate to. It goes beyond the subject matter of her day and has much to tell us about the times we live in; her shadow runs long on our culture... even to this day.

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Roger Williams was a provocative character in a world full of provocative characters. He had a life before and after his banishment. In our last episode we established his identity. He was a Puritan. He challenged the accepted relationship between church and state in Massachusetts Bay Colony. He refused church membership. He questioned the prevailing views on land acquisition. For these positions and more he was banished from the colony. Instead of becoming a footnote of history he made his own. In this episode, we will explore what came next. His legacy includes good relations with the natives, a recognized authority on native life, he opened Colonial America to Quakers, Baptists, and Jews, he was an abolitionist against the legal introduction of slavery. Most importantly, he maintained a lifelong dedication to the concept of freedom of conscience. A dedication we all benefit from to this current age.

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You may have heard of Roger Willimas. You may even recognize him as the founder of Rhode Island. But you may not know the whole story. His was really a story of bravery and personal conviction. Although he was a Puritan, he posed serious challenges to the Puritan leadership of Massachusetts Bay Colony. His challenges led to trials, banishment, and ultimately fleeing Salem into the wilderness. In this episode we will examine some of the controversies surrounding Roger Williams including freedom of conscience, attendance of Anglican worship services, and royal charters. Not from a contemporary mindset but that of a 17th century Puritan in New England. Our story will lead us to the great escape. Eluding Captain John Underhill, Roger Williams settled in today's Rhode Island.

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