John Cutt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Cutt
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|---|---|
| President of New Hampshire | |
| In office 1680–1681 |
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| Succeeded by | Richard Waldron |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
John Cutt
Wales |
| Died | April 5, 1681 (age 68) Portsmouth, New Hampshire |
| Spouses | Hannah Starr, Ursula |
| Children | John, Elizabeth, Hannah, Mary, Samuel |
| Occupation | President (Governor) of colonial New Hampshire and merchant, magistrate, councilor. |
| Signature |  |
John Cutt (born 1613 – died April 5, 1681) was an important leader in early America. He was the very first president of the Province of New Hampshire. This means he was like the first governor of the area.
John Cutt was born in Wales, a country that is part of the United Kingdom. He moved to the American colonies in 1646. He became a very successful businessman in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He owned stores and mills, which are places that make things like flour or lumber.
He was married to Hannah Starr. Her father, Dr. Comfort Starr, was a surgeon from England. He was also one of the people who helped start Harvard College, a famous university in the United States.
Becoming a Leader: New Hampshire's First President
On January 1, 1680, John Cutt made history. He became the first president of the royal Province of New Hampshire. At this time, New Hampshire was just becoming its own separate area. Before this, it was part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
As president, John Cutt led a group of seven important people called the royal provincial council. They helped him make decisions for the new province. A very old copy of the document that officially made Cutt and his council leaders is still kept safe today in New Hampshire.
A Time of Sickness and Beliefs
Soon after becoming president, John Cutt became very ill. On March 1, 1681, the leaders of New Hampshire decided to hold a special day. They called it a "Fast Day," which was a day for public fasting and prayer.
The council and assembly believed that Cutt's sickness and a recent sighting of a comet were signs. They thought these were signs of "divine displeasure," meaning God was unhappy. They hoped the Fast Day would help, but sadly, John Cutt passed away on April 5, 1681.
After John Cutt's death, another leader named Richard Waldron took over as acting president.
John Cutt's Family Connections
John Cutt traveled from Wales to Portsmouth with his two brothers, Richard and Robert. Many years later, one of Robert Cutt's family members became famous. This was Hampden Cutts, who lived in North Hartland, Vermont.
Hampden Cutts married Mary Pepperrell Sparhawk Jarvis. Her father, William Jarvis, was important because he brought merino sheep to America. Merino sheep are known for their very soft wool. Interestingly, Mary Jarvis was also a descendant of John Cutt through her father's side of the family.
