Reclaiming Her Role: RWU Professor’s New Research Highlights Mary Williams’ Influence in the Founding of Providence

BRISTOL, R.I. – For centuries, Roger Williams has been revered as the founding hero of Providence, his legacy immortalized in books, statues, and town names. But what about the woman by his side? In a fresh academic exploration, Professor of History Charlotte Carrington-Farmer shifts the spotlight onto Mary Williams, Roger’s wife, whose role in early colonial history has largely been forgotten – until now.

In her recently published article, “More Than Roger’s Wife: Mary Williams and the Founding of Providence,” in The New England Quarterly, Carrington-Farmer challenges the long-standing narrative that has relegated women like Mary to the shadows by reframing her historical context to emphasize the essential role of women’s involvement in understanding the past in its entirety.

“Mary Williams’ story is a reminder that history is rarely as simple as it appears, and that even the most celebrated figures didn’t stand alone,” she said. “I hope this research sparks new conversations about the contributions of women like Mary and encourages more scholars to dig deeper into the stories that have been overlooked for too long.”

This effort to spotlight women’s influence throughout history continues in her forthcoming book, “Roger Williams and His World,” set to be released in January by Broadview Press. Drawing upon her two decades of research on Roger Williams, the book delves into the complexities of his life and the pivotal figures who shaped it, including Mary.

An Influential Trailblazer

Mary Williams was a commanding presence in her own right, assuming the mantle of leadership during Roger’s frequent absences and navigating the nuances of colonial life, according to Carrington-Farmer. As head of the Williams household, she emerged as a vital player in the governance of Providence, where her influence extended far beyond her family.

Carrington-Farmer revealed that Mary was instrumental in mediating the land disputes that rocked the settlement in the 1660s. When the town sought clarification on the original land agreement with the Narragansett Sachems, it was Mary they turned to, relying on her keen recollection and insight. Her involvement in such crucial deliberations is a testament to her status as a trusted and respected figure in the community.

But Mary’s depth of knowledge and commitment to collective welfare stretched beyond politics, Carrington-Farmer wrote in her article. Known for her medical knowledge, she tended to her ill neighbors, and during the Pequot War, even saved a soldier's life. Her care for others was rooted in a practical, hands-on approach that mirrored her broader role as a stabilizing force within the colony.

Her independence was shaped by an upbringing that valued the wisdom and virtue of women. Raised in the household of Richard Bernard, a prominent religious figure, Mary was educated in ways few women of her time were. Carrington-Farmer’s research attests that not only could Mary read – expected in a family steeped in religious discourse – but she could also write, an ability that set her apart from most women of her era. This educational foundation equipped her to engage with the intellectual debates of her time and navigate a society that undervalued women’s perspectives.

Among the most poignant discoveries in Carrington-Farmer’s research is the only known surviving example of Mary’s handwriting. Archived in the Massachusetts Historical Society, this unsent letter addressed to her absent husband that begins with the heartfelt words, “For my deare & loveing husband,” serves as a rare glimpse into Mary’s personal life and emotions.

“Some said Mary couldn’t write, but that’s simply not true,” Carrington-Farmer said. “The existence of this letter, as well as her mark on land evidence in the 1660s where she signed with her initials, ‘MW,’ proves she could write, and in the 17th century, reading and writing were often seen as distinct skills. So the fact that she could do both is remarkable.”

Carrington-Farmer also said that Mary’s childhood and personal beliefs may have played a key role in shaping her decisions. Although she lived alongside men known for their radical religious views – her father, an avid writer who published widely on issues ranging from witchcraft to ministering to the imprisoned, and her husband, Roger, a fierce advocate of religious freedom – Mary’s convictions were her own.

While Mary’s voice may not have echoed through history as loudly as Roger’s, her actions within the colony, from governance to caregiving, suggest a woman deeply committed to her faith and community. Through her leadership, compassion, and resilience, Carrington-Farmer brought Mary to life as a trailblazer whose story, long obscured, is now being recognized for its true significance.

Bridging the Past

The deep dive into Mary Williams’ history began unexpectedly for the RWU professor when she was invited by the Plimoth Patuxet Museum in early 2020 to deliver a talk in honor of Women’s History Month. At that time, her knowledge of Mary’s story was limited, but as she began to sift through the available sources, her intrigue quickly evolved into passion.

Telling her story, however, was not without its challenges. Unlike Roger, whose extensive writings provide a robust account of his life and beliefs, Mary’s voice remains faint in the historical record. Yet Carrington-Farmer reveals that traces of Mary’s engagements are subtly embedded within the fabric of colonial history.

“Initially, it seemed there was little to uncover about Mary, and I wondered how one could tell her story with just a few surviving words in her hand. Yet, we can,” Carrington-Farmer said. “One key point is that as an elite white woman, we have far more information about [Mary] than we would for an enslaved African woman or an Indigenous woman in the 17th century, and it’s important to view her in that context.”

Building on her profound insights, Carrington-Farmer took her quest to uncover Mary’s legacy into the classroom, enlisting RWU students as essential collaborators in her research efforts. Engaging with primary sources, they offered new perspectives that significantly enhanced the modern understanding of Mary’s historical significance. Their enthusiasm fostered a dynamic learning environment, and their impactful input earned them citations in the footnotes of the article and book.

“When I first taught my Mary Williams and Her World class, I was in the early stages of this research, and the students and I were muddling through it together. That experience was incredibly helpful, and the students in that class profoundly shaped this article,” said Carrington-Farmer, whose integration of research and education emphasizes the importance of collaboration in amplifying disenfranchised voices. “It’s a privilege to teach what I’m working on, and having students weigh in on the material is invaluable.”

A New Chapter in Understanding Women’s History

This groundbreaking scholarship not only elevates Mary Williams’ story but also represents a pivotal step in the larger movement to reveal the voices of women whose participation have gone unacknowledged in the historical record. By focusing on Mary, Carrington-Farmer sought to illuminate the valuable contributions of women in early American history, questioning traditional narratives that often marginalize their roles and inviting others to explore these untold stories for a deeper understanding of their impact on society.

Looking ahead, Carrington-Farmer is determined to continue her inquiry of the Williams family, expressing optimism that more letters from Mary may still be discovered. “It's possible that there's something out there,” she said. “Historians are finding new stuff all the time.” She hopes her examination motivates others to view history not as a distant tale confined to textbooks, but as a dynamic story that continues to evolve with each new discovery.

“I hope this research complicates the narrative and inspires students or other historians to think more deeply about the overlooked women who shaped history, often without realizing they were making it,” she said. “Mary may never have a park named after her, but her story is important. If this work encourages someone to carry on more research into her life, to look for those lost letters, or to push back against the traditional narratives, that would be significant.”