The Founding of New England ? Who was John Winthrop and what was his vision for Massachusetts Bay? John Winthrop was a well-educated country squire who had became the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He led the Puritan exodus with 900 migrants in 1630. They would hold office for church members to ensure rule by the godly as stated in the book. They established Puritism as the state-supported religion. ? What was the role of women in a Puritan family? The role of women in a puritan household was to ?love and reverence? her husband. They were not equal to men. They were viewed as helpmates. Their role was to bear and raise children. Also farmwives were given tasks like to spun thread and yarn to make clothing, made candles and