Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Rowlandson, Mary
ROWLANDSON, MARY (fl. 1682), colonist, daughter of John White of New England, married Joseph Rowlandson, first minister of Lancaster, Massachusetts. On 10 Feb. 1675 Lancaster was attacked and destroyed by the Indians, and Mrs. Rowlandson, with her children, carried into captivity. After nearly three months she was released by agreement. She wrote an account of her captivity, very graphic and interesting, albeit at times a little confused in detail. This was published at Cambridge in New England and also in London in 1682 under the title ‘A True History of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson, a Minister's Wife in New England, whereunto is annexed a Sermon by Mr. Joseph Rowlandson, her Husband.’ The work, of which several editions have appeared in America, was printed in the ‘Somers Tracts,’ vol. viii. While the narrative illustrates the ferocity of Indian character and the squalor of Indian life, it yet shows that Mrs. Rowlandson was treated with a certain capricious kindness.
[Savage's Genealogical Register of New England; Tyler's History of American Literature.]