William Aspinwall
Encyclopedia
William Aspinwall was an Englishman who emigrated to Boston aboard the Winthrop Fleet
in 1630 and played an integral part in the early religious controversies of the Massachusetts Bay Colony
.
Aspinwall took the side of the adherents of Anne Hutchinson
and John Wheelwright
, aided in drafting their famous petition, and departed with them to Rhode Island
(at Portsmouth where he signed the covenant of formation) in 1638, but moved to New Haven in 1641. By 1642 Aspinwall had rehabilitated his relations with the Boston authorities and soon began to acquire employment in many jobs there that involved the recording of official documents. It was declared by the Boston court in 1644 that Aspinwall "shall be a public notary for his jurisdiction," and he continued at this post until 1651 when he returned permanently to England
.
As a skilled surveyor, he joined a group of other Boston merchants who embarked on an unsuccessful expedition up the Delaware
in search of furs. He was one of Boston's delegates to the Cambridge Synod of 1646.
Relations ran afoul for Apinwall again in Boston, and in 1652 he sold his property and returned to England where he was living in Cheshire
as late as April 13, 1662. Upon his return to England he became one of the Fifth Monarchists
, a radical religious sect that had a brief existence in the turmoil of the Commonwealth of England
.
Aspinwall's notary records were published in 1903 by the Boston Record Commissioners: A Volume Relating to the Early History of Boston Containing the Aspinwall Notarial Records from 1644 to 1651.
Winthrop Fleet
The Winthrop Fleet was a group of eleven sailing ships under the leadership of John Winthrop that carried approximately 700 Puritans plus livestock and provisions from England to New England over the summer of 1630.-Motivation:...
in 1630 and played an integral part in the early religious controversies of the Massachusetts Bay Colony
Massachusetts Bay Colony
The Massachusetts Bay Colony was an English settlement on the east coast of North America in the 17th century, in New England, situated around the present-day cities of Salem and Boston. The territory administered by the colony included much of present-day central New England, including portions...
.
Life
At the time of the Antinomian ControversyAntinomianism
Antinomianism is defined as holding that, under the gospel dispensation of grace, moral law is of no use or obligation because faith alone is necessary to salvation....
Aspinwall took the side of the adherents of Anne Hutchinson
Anne Hutchinson
Anne Hutchinson was one of the most prominent women in colonial America, noted for her strong religious convictions, and for her stand against the staunch religious orthodoxy of 17th century Massachusetts...
and John Wheelwright
John Wheelwright
John Wheelwright was a clergyman in England and America.-Early life:...
, aided in drafting their famous petition, and departed with them to Rhode Island
Rhode Island
The state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, more commonly referred to as Rhode Island , is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest U.S. state by area...
(at Portsmouth where he signed the covenant of formation) in 1638, but moved to New Haven in 1641. By 1642 Aspinwall had rehabilitated his relations with the Boston authorities and soon began to acquire employment in many jobs there that involved the recording of official documents. It was declared by the Boston court in 1644 that Aspinwall "shall be a public notary for his jurisdiction," and he continued at this post until 1651 when he returned permanently to England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
.
As a skilled surveyor, he joined a group of other Boston merchants who embarked on an unsuccessful expedition up the Delaware
Delaware
Delaware is a U.S. state located on the Atlantic Coast in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. It is bordered to the south and west by Maryland, and to the north by Pennsylvania...
in search of furs. He was one of Boston's delegates to the Cambridge Synod of 1646.
Relations ran afoul for Apinwall again in Boston, and in 1652 he sold his property and returned to England where he was living in Cheshire
Cheshire
Cheshire is a ceremonial county in North West England. Cheshire's county town is the city of Chester, although its largest town is Warrington. Other major towns include Widnes, Congleton, Crewe, Ellesmere Port, Runcorn, Macclesfield, Winsford, Northwich, and Wilmslow...
as late as April 13, 1662. Upon his return to England he became one of the Fifth Monarchists
Fifth Monarchists
The Fifth Monarchists or Fifth Monarchy Men were active from 1649 to 1661 during the Interregnum, following the English Civil Wars of the 17th century. They took their name from a prophecy in the Book of Daniel that four ancient monarchies would precede Christ's return...
, a radical religious sect that had a brief existence in the turmoil of the Commonwealth of England
Commonwealth of England
The Commonwealth of England was the republic which ruled first England, and then Ireland and Scotland from 1649 to 1660. Between 1653–1659 it was known as the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland...
.
Works
He was well educated and published politico-theological tracts following his return to England, where he may have attended one of the lesser inns of court in London. Aspinwall compiled the Boston Book of Possessions, listing the property of every freeman of the city.Aspinwall's notary records were published in 1903 by the Boston Record Commissioners: A Volume Relating to the Early History of Boston Containing the Aspinwall Notarial Records from 1644 to 1651.