The Life and Work of Thomas Dudley: The Second Governor of Massachusetts

Thomas Dudley was a prominent figure in the early history of Massachusetts. He served as the colony's second governor and was instrumental in shaping its political and religious institutions. Dudley was a devout Puritan who believed in the strict enforcement of religious laws. He was also a strong advocate for education and played a key role in the founding of Harvard College.

The Life and Work of Thomas Dudley the Second Governor of Massachusetts

by David Ruppert

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Early Life and Education

Thomas Dudley was born in Northampton, England, in 1576. His father was a wealthy landowner and his mother was the daughter of a prominent Puritan minister. Dudley received a classical education at the University of Cambridge and went on to study law at the Inns of Court in London.

Career in England

After completing his legal studies, Dudley returned to Northampton and began practicing law. He quickly established a reputation as a skilled advocate and was elected to the House of Commons in 1628. Dudley was a vocal critic of King Charles I's religious policies and was one of the leaders of the Puritan opposition in Parliament.

Emigration to Massachusetts

In 1630, Dudley emigrated to Massachusetts with a group of Puritans who were seeking to establish a new colony based on their religious beliefs. Dudley was one of the founders of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and served as its deputy governor from 1630 to 1634.

Governorship of Massachusetts

In 1634, Dudley was elected governor of Massachusetts. He served in this role for four terms, from 1634 to 1636, 1640 to 1641, 1645 to 1646, and 1650 to 1651. As governor, Dudley was responsible for overseeing the colony's political, economic, and religious affairs.

Religious Beliefs

Dudley was a devout Puritan who believed in the strict enforcement of religious laws. He was a strong advocate for the Puritan Sabbath and opposed any form of religious toleration. Dudley was also a firm believer in the theocracy, the idea that the government should be controlled by the church.

Founding of Harvard College

In 1636, Dudley played a key role in the founding of Harvard College. He was one of the colony's leading proponents of education and believed that a college was essential for the training of future ministers and leaders. Dudley served as the college's first overseer and was instrumental in securing its financial support.

Later Years and Death

After leaving the governorship, Dudley continued to serve the colony in various capacities. He was a member of the Massachusetts General Court and served as an assistant to the governor. Dudley also played a role in the founding of the town of Billerica, Massachusetts.

Thomas Dudley died in Roxbury, Massachusetts, in 1653. He was 77 years old. Dudley is buried in the Granary Burying Ground in Boston.

Legacy

Thomas Dudley was a major figure in the early history of Massachusetts. He was a devout Puritan who played a key role in shaping the colony's political, religious, and educational institutions. Dudley's legacy continues to this day, as his ideas and beliefs continue to influence American society.

Bibliography

* Dunn, Richard S. Puritans and Yankees: The Winthrop Dynasty of New England, 1630-1717. Harvard University Press, 1962. * Morgan, Edmund S. The Puritan Dilemma: The Story of John Winthrop. Little, Brown and Company, 1958. * Philbrick, Nathaniel. Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War. Viking Books, 2006. * Shurtleff, Nathaniel B., and David Pulsifer. Records of the Governor and Company of the Massachusetts Bay in New England. 5 vols. Boston: William White, 1853-1854. * Winthrop, John. The Journal of John Winthrop, Governor of the Massachusetts Bay Company. Edited by James Kendall Hosmer. 2 vols. Harvard University Press, 1908.

The Life and Work of Thomas Dudley the Second Governor of Massachusetts

by David Ruppert

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	391123 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled
Print length	:	544 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE