Mary Rowlandson's capture and redemption

rowlandson marker By the mid-17th century, some native American tribes felt they must share their land with white settlers. Others, such as King Philip, did not. Philip was leader of the Wampanoags of southern Massachusetts. He began organizing some of the tribes into what would become a full-fledged rebellion. He did what no one else was able to: To bring together the Pequots, Narragansetts, Nipmucks, Nashaways, Wampanoags and others.

In February 1676, Joseph Rowlandson, Lancaster's pastor, went to Boston to get help. But the natives arrived at sunrise. Joseph's wife, Mary was kidnapped, along with 23 others, and 13 people were killed, including Mary's sister, brother-in-law, nieces and nephews. One of Mary's daughters died on the trip. Mary was sold as a slave. Two of her children went to other masters.

But Mary, who had brought her Bible and work needles with her, made herself useful by mending clothes. King Philip paid her a shilling to make a shirt for his boy. She received payment in many forms, including a knife or broth.

rowlandson pineOn May 2, 1676, the natives ransomed Mary to some English settlers for 20 pounds at a rock near Mount Wachusett, known today as Redemption Rock.

She later was reunited with her husband and surviving relatives in Boston. A tree (left) was planted to mark the site of Rowlandson's house.

Mary Rowlandson published her experiences in 1682 as "Narrative of Mary Rowlandson: The Soveraignty and Goodness of God, Togetherness, With the Faithfulness of His Promises Displayed (1828 version;  1858 version)."

 Also see an informative essay on Rowlandson:

Incidents during King Philip's War