American Colonial Governor. A successful merchant, he emigrated to America in 1630 as Treasurer of the Massachusetts Bay Company. In 1637 he left Boston, Massachusetts because he was a supporter of Anne Hutchinson, who was exiled by the Puritans. Following the advice of Roger Williams, Coddington purchased land from Native Americans in what is now Rhode Island and founded the town of Portsmouth. In 1639 Hutchinson and Samuel Gorton deposed Coddington as Portsmouth's leader, and he formed the town of Newport. Having served as a Magistrate in England and Massachusetts and an Assistant to Governor John Winthrop, he continued to be looked to for leadership, serving as a Judge in Portsmouth and Newport. When Portsmouth and Newport organized as the colony of Rhode Island, he served as Governor from 1640 to 1647 and 1651 to 1653. In 1654 Providence and Warwick joined Portsmouth and Newport as the royal colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, and Coddington served as Deputy Governor from 1666 to 1667 and Governor from 1674 until his death. He was the father of William Coddington, Jr. who also served as Governor.
American Colonial Governor. A successful merchant, he emigrated to America in 1630 as Treasurer of the Massachusetts Bay Company. In 1637 he left Boston, Massachusetts because he was a supporter of Anne Hutchinson, who was exiled by the Puritans. Following the advice of Roger Williams, Coddington purchased land from Native Americans in what is now Rhode Island and founded the town of Portsmouth. In 1639 Hutchinson and Samuel Gorton deposed Coddington as Portsmouth's leader, and he formed the town of Newport. Having served as a Magistrate in England and Massachusetts and an Assistant to Governor John Winthrop, he continued to be looked to for leadership, serving as a Judge in Portsmouth and Newport. When Portsmouth and Newport organized as the colony of Rhode Island, he served as Governor from 1640 to 1647 and 1651 to 1653. In 1654 Providence and Warwick joined Portsmouth and Newport as the royal colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, and Coddington served as Deputy Governor from 1666 to 1667 and Governor from 1674 until his death. He was the father of William Coddington, Jr. who also served as Governor.
Bio by: Bill McKern
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