Winthrop, John

(January 22, 1588—March 26, 1649), one of the chief founders and historians of New England, was born near Groton, in England. He was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, and became a justice of the peace and attorney. His sympathies were with the Parliamentary opposition to the Stuart policy, and in 1629 he was chosen Governor of Ma achusetts. He arrived in Salem in the summer of 1630, and soon proceeded to the site of Boston. He continued as the chief magistrate until 1634. In the short following period, when Vane was Governor, and the Anne Hutch in son controversy was the burning question, Winthrop opposed Vane. He was Governor again from 1637 to 1640 and from 1646 until his death. No name stands higher among the colonists in respect to ability and character combined. Governor Winthrop wrote a valuable journal of events in the colony, published by Savage under the title ‘‘ History of New England.’ His ‘‘ Life and Letters’? were edited by R. C. Winthrop.