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 |  |
Roger Williams (c. 1603 – March 1683) 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.