Ann Hutchinson

Ann Hutchinson

Ann Hutchinson was born in England in July 1591. At the age of 21, she married William Hutchinson, a wealthy merchant. The Hutchinsons considered themselves members of the Puritan movement. Ann was particularly outspoken. In 1634, Ann and her family moved to Boston. Once in Boston, Ann became the center of a group of women who met to discuss the Bible and other matters. Ann stated at these meetings that one should not have to pray to God through ministers. She felt people should be free to pray directly to God. Ann stated that church leaders had too much control over the lives of people in the colony and that women should be given more freedom and power.

In 1637, Hutchison was put on trial for her beliefs. The general court determined that she was "a woman unfit for our society" and she was banished from the colony. Hutchinson moved with her family and friends and founded Portsmouth, south of Providence. In 1642, she moved to New Amsterdam, after her husband died. She was killed in 1643, during a war with the Native American.

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