Background
Winthrop was born on February 12, 1606 in Groton, England, the son of John Winthrop, founding governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. His mother died when he was nine.
Winthrop was born on February 12, 1606 in Groton, England, the son of John Winthrop, founding governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. His mother died when he was nine.
Winthrop was educated at the Bury St. Edmunds grammar school, King Edward VI School, and Trinity College, Dublin, and he studied law for a short time after 1624 at the Inner Temple, London.
Admitted to Inner Temple, London, England., 1625. Arrived in New England, 1631. Elected assistant Massachusetts General Court, 1631.
A founder Ipswich (Massachusetts), 1633.
In England, 1634-1635, received appointment as governor Connecticut settlements, became governor Connecticut, 1636. Returned to Massachusetts, established residence at Salem, 1639.
Went to England to gain capital for promotion of foundry venture, 1641. Built furnaces at Lynn and Braintree, Massachusetts, 1644.
Magistrate of Pequot (later New London), Connecticut, 1648.
Moved to Connecticut permanently, 1649. Made freeman of Connecticut, 1650. Elected assistant Connecticut General Court, 1651.
Governor Connecticut, 1657-1658, 59-76, deputy governor, 1658-1659.
More successful mission to England to secure new and more liberal charter for Connecticut, 1661-1663. Became member Royal Society, 1663 (1st American member).
Fellow of the Royal Society
Able and charming, Winthrop was noted for his tolerance in a generally bigoted age.
Married Martha Jones, February 8, 1631. Married second, Elizabeth Reade, October 6, 1635.
Governor of Connecticut