I have concluded that Roger Williams deserves to be much better known in RI.
I also think he should definitely be better known nationally. There have been many books written about him
but Rhode Islanders have no idea about his life or his work.
So, I would like to create a group or a movement to being RW back to life for Rhode Islanders. The Gaspee
affair was once celebrated throughout the state, and not just in Warwick.
You see, at this point in time, RW's ideas have been either intentionally or accidentally taken out
of circulation. His life of 80 years, too, has disappeared, but there is no doubt that his role in the
life of our colonies was profound and memorable. The Key into the Language of America (Which I have found was probably
"Key to the Indian Languages" in the Introduction of his The Complete Writings of Roger Williams
Volume One) is simply put, an incredible study of the Narrangansetts--especially RW's love, respect, and appreciation
of them. After I read it, I had the distinct feeling that we should use "Indian" to describe these fine people. They
were never from India, and continuing the term does not come near to describe. The Narragansetts are Narragansetts,
and that is a discussion that RW would consider valid. In The Bloudy Tenent of Persecution, for the Cause of Conscience, Discussed in a Conference Between Truth and Peace, asserts that Christians are not allowed to harm others due to religious beliefs, and he limns the best definition for the foundation for the separation of church and state.
So, let me finish. I have questions, many questions and suggestions. The questions are below, and my goal here is that there be established a group or center to promote the life and work of RW. I would hope that this group could sponsor a yearly or biennially a nationwide conference on RW's work an this contributions to America. Perhaps there is a journal dedicated to RW, but I have not found it. Here are my questions:
1. When did RW start working for and with Edward Coke ("Cook")? Some say 15, and some say 9!
2. Why is it that many of the biographies call RW's stenography "Taking Notes."
3. Did RW do stenography for the court only or with the Star Chamber?
4. By 1626, RW spoke and wrote six languages (Latin, Greek, Hebrew, French and Dutch), and yet, no one knows this. What we do about this?
5. A Grave site locator reported that Mary Barnard Williams is buried between the Casino at Roger Williams and Elmwood Ave. at Pole #241. Is this correct?
6. Did RW "buy" the land from the Narragansetts? "Buy" is the word used by almost all of the bios that I have read. A really good source told me that the agreement was more like" "Yes, you can set up here, and we will have a symbolic relationship of sharing resources. Which is right?
7. Were RW and Oliver Cromwell cousins, and was that the reason that The Key published quickly?
8. What are the reasons that RW has disappeared from the Rhode Island landscape?
9. Some have mentioned that RW received an inheritance upon his mother's death. Did this last ny length of time?
10. Have any of you read my professor's play, The Bloody Tenant by James Schevill?
11. Would any of you like to post on my new Blog: Roger Williams: American Hero. https://rogerwilliamsamericanhero.blogspot.com?
12. I have read about RW, and I found that there is a great deal written about him, and some deep disagreements about his views. Could any of you provide a list of the best books and articles that I should read?
Here are the links about my storytelling piece:
Presentation Description: http://www.marcwkohler.com/a-burning-of-the-gaspee-storytelling-presentation/
Letter to the Editor about Roger Williams: http://www.marcwkohler.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=946&action=edit
Newspaper Column about RW and the Gaspee Affair: http://www.marcwkohler.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=900&action=edit
Ms. Lianne Masucci of the Westerly Library and Wilcox Park wrote this recommendation for the presentation: “…Marc’s presentations are fun and engaging as well as informational. He interacts well with the kids and sparks their interest in the history of Rhode Island. Marc’s presentation teaches children facts without being overwhelmingly informational. Overall his show was a great addition to our summer reading program…”
