Roger Williams (theologian)

Roger Williams (c. 1603 – March 1683)^[1] was an English-born New England minister, theologian, author, and founder of the Providence Plantations, which became the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations and later the State of Rhode Island. He was a staunch advocate for religious liberty, separation of church and state, and fair dealings with the Native Americans.^[2]

The Reverend Roger Williams
Roger Williams (1872)
9th President of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
In office 1654–1657
Preceded by	Nicholas Easton
Succeeded by	Benedict Arnold
Chief Officer of Providence and Warwick
In office 1644–1647
Preceded by	Himself (as Governor)
Succeeded by	John Coggeshall (as President)
Governor of Providence Plantations
In office 1636–1644
Preceded by	position established
Succeeded by	Himself (as Chief Officer)
Personal details
Born	c. 1603 London, England
Died	between 21 January and 15 March 1683 (aged 79) Providence Plantations
Spouse(s)	Mary Bernard
Children	6
Education	Pembroke College, Cambridge
Occupation	minister, statesman, author
Signature

For other people named Roger Williams, see Roger Williams (disambiguation).

Famous descendants

These are some famous descendants of Roger Williams:

• Nelson Rockefeller
• Gail Borden
• Charles Eugene Tefft
• Michelle Phillips
• Julia Ward Howe
• Sarah Palin^[3]
• Bill Gore