Facts about Mary Rowlandson give the people information about a colonial American woman. The Native Americans caught her during King Phillip’s War. Rowlandson was born circa 1637 and died on 5 January 1711. Before the ransom was paid, Rowlandson became the hostage for 11 weeks. The publication of The Sovereignty and Goodness of God: Being a Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson took place six years after she was ordained in 1682. The work is important in the American literature for it reflects the captivity narrative.
Facts about Mary Rowlandson 1: the reception
The seminal work of Rowlandson, which narrated her captivity, was well received by the readers who live in New England colonies. In 1682, it was circulated in four printings.
Facts about Mary Rowlandson 2: the first American bestseller
The work about Rowlandson is considered as one of the first American bestsellers. It was popular in England.
Facts about Mary Rowlandson
Facts about Mary Rowlandson 3: the birthplace
The birthplace of Rowlandson was located in Somerset, England. Before 1650, her family relocated from England to live at Salem, Massachusetts Bay Colony. Then the family relocated to Lancaster in 1653.
Facts about Mary Rowlandson 4: personal life
Reverend Joseph Rowlandson and Mary married each other in 1656. His father was Thomas Rowlandson of Ipswich
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Facts about Mary Rowlandson 5: children
Between 1658 and 1669, the couple had four children. However, the first daughter did not survive adulthood.
Mary Rowlandson Facts
Facts about Mary Rowlandson 6: King Phillip’s War
During King Phillip’s War, Lancaster was attacked by the Native Indians of Nashaway/Nipmuc Indians, Wampanoag and Narragansett Indians on 10th February 1675 at sunrise.
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Facts about Mary Rowlandson 7: the dead people
Around 13 American people were killed by the Native Indians during the raid. They also captured 24 Americans including Mary and her three kids.
Facts about Mary Rowlandson 8: in the captivity
Rowlandson had to stay with the Native Indians for more than 11 weeks. The captives had to travel with the Indians to perform other raids.
Mary Rowlandson
Facts about Mary Rowlandson 9: the ransom
John Hoar of Concord paid the ransom for £20 for Mary Rowlandson after the women of Boston raised a public subscription.
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Facts about Mary Rowlandson 10: writing the captivity narrative
Mary was believed to write her captivity narrative when she lived in Boston along with her kids. In 1682, the publication took place in Cambridge, Massachusetts and in London. Before the narrative was published, the scholars believed that Mary had passed away.
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