Elizabeth Fones, English-American settler (d. 1673)

Elizabeth Fones Winthrop Feake Hallett (21 January 1610 – c. 1673) was a truly remarkable and resilient figure in the early history of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Born into a prominent family, she was the daughter of Thomas Fones and Anne Winthrop, making her the niece of the influential Governor John Winthrop, a key founder and leader of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Her life, though marked by significant societal challenges, reflects the pioneering spirit and the strict moral codes that defined early Puritan New England.

Pioneering Spirit: The Founding of Greenwich, Connecticut

In 1640, Elizabeth Fones, alongside her then-husband, Robert Feake, played a pivotal role as a co-founder of Greenwich, Connecticut. This act was a testament to their entrepreneurial drive and the ongoing expansion of English settlements from the Massachusetts Bay area into new territories. Greenwich, strategically located on Long Island Sound, quickly became an important hub, demonstrating the early colonists' ambition to establish new communities and secure land in the New World.

The Puritan Scandal: A Marriage Under Scrutiny

Elizabeth Fones's life took a particularly challenging turn due to the rigid social and legal strictures of the Puritan colony, especially concerning marriage and personal conduct. She entered into her third marriage with William Hallett while her second husband, Robert Feake, was still alive. Feake, unfortunately, had become incapacitated by severe mental illness, leading to their separation. However, in 17th-century Puritan society, divorce was virtually impossible to obtain. Unlike modern legal systems that allow for divorce on various grounds, colonial New England laws permitted it only in extremely rare circumstances, such as desertion or bigamy, and often required specific legislative acts. Mental incapacity, while tragic, was not a recognized ground for dissolving a marriage.

Consequently, her marriage to William Hallett was widely regarded as bigamy and, more critically, as adultery by the strict moral standards of the Puritan community. Adultery was considered a grave transgression against both religious law and societal order, frequently punishable by severe penalties including public shaming, whipping, or even, in theory, the death penalty (though this ultimate punishment was rarely applied in cases like hers). This situation created a significant scandal, placing Elizabeth Fones at the center of public scrutiny and legal entanglement, profoundly impacting her reputation and standing within the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

Frequently Asked Questions About Elizabeth Fones Winthrop Feake Hallett

Who was Elizabeth Fones Winthrop Feake Hallett?

Elizabeth Fones Winthrop Feake Hallett (1610-c. 1673) was an early English settler in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, known for her family connections (niece of Governor John Winthrop), her role in founding Greenwich, Connecticut, and the significant social challenges she faced regarding her third marriage in a strict Puritan society.

What was her role in the founding of Greenwich, Connecticut?

In 1640, Elizabeth Fones, along with her second husband, Robert Feake, were among the pioneering founders of Greenwich, Connecticut. Their efforts contributed to the westward expansion and establishment of new settlements in colonial New England.

Why was her third marriage considered a scandal in the Massachusetts Bay Colony?

Her third marriage to William Hallett was controversial because her second husband, Robert Feake, was still alive, although separated and incapacitated by mental illness. In 17th-century Puritan society, divorce was extremely difficult to obtain and not permitted on grounds of mental illness, rendering her new marriage an act of perceived bigamy and adultery under the prevailing strict legal and religious codes.

What were the laws regarding divorce in Puritan New England?

Divorce in Puritan New England was exceptionally rare and highly restricted. It was not easily granted for reasons such as incompatibility or separation, but typically only for severe transgressions like desertion, bigamy, or extreme cruelty, often requiring a specific legislative act rather than a simple court decree.

How was adultery punished in 17th-century Puritan colonies?

Adultery was considered a grave sin and crime in 17th-century Puritan colonies. Punishments varied but often included public shaming, wearing identifying letters (like "A"), whipping, branding, or fines. While capital punishment was technically a possibility in some codes, it was rarely applied for adultery, especially in cases where the circumstances were complex, as in Elizabeth Fones's situation.