GHOST WRITER: Mary Ludlam Scudder: Silent for 300 Years, She Returns to Tell Her Story

Book excerpt: Mary Ludlam, a young Puritan woman of the 17th Century, leaves Matlock, England and sails to the New World with her family. Here, under the strict Mosaic Law enforced by the Puritan government, women are subservient to men.Mary's uncle warns her to guard her tongue, lest she face the gallows, accused of being either a heretic or a witch. When Mary is seventeen she marries Thom Scudder who is delighted by Mary's wit and wisdom and is pleased to give her unusual freedom for the time.On her husband's deathbed, she promises to write the story of the struggles and tragedies she has faced, as well as the joy she has found in her husband and family. Thom says,'That is God's purpose for you, Mary, so others may gain courage by your example.' Not until 300 years later does she find a way to complete her task.