John Wanton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Wanton
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| 21st Governor of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations | |
| In office 1734–1740 |
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| Preceded by | William Wanton |
| Succeeded by | Richard Ward |
| 18th and 22nd Deputy Governor of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations | |
| In office 1721–1722 |
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| Governor | Samuel Cranston |
| Preceded by | Joseph Jenckes |
| Succeeded by | Joseph Jenckes |
| In office 1729–1734 |
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| Governor | Joseph Jenckes William Wanton |
| Preceded by | Thomas Frye |
| Succeeded by | George Hazard |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 24, 1672 Scituate, Massachusetts |
| Died | July 5, 1740 (aged 67) Newport, Rhode Island |
| Resting place | Coddington Cemetery, Newport |
| Spouse | Mary Stover |
| Occupation | Assistant, Deputy, Speaker of House of Deputies, Deputy Governor, Governor |
John Wanton (born December 24, 1672 – died July 5, 1740) was an important leader in the early American colonies. He served as the governor of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations for six years, from 1734 until his death in 1740.
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John Wanton: A Colonial Governor
John Wanton was the son of Edward Wanton, who built ships. His father became a Quaker (a religious group also known as Friends) after seeing how Quakers were treated unfairly. Edward Wanton also became a Quaker preacher. Before moving to Rhode Island, his family lived in places like York, Maine, and Boston, Massachusetts.
Early Life and Quaker Faith
John Wanton was a merchant, which means he bought and sold goods. Like his father, he was a Quaker. The records of the Friends say that he was a "valuable public friend" for many years. This means he was a respected member of the Quaker community and helped others.
A Leader in Rhode Island
John Wanton began working in public service in 1706. He was a "deputy" from Newport, which was like being a representative for the town. He served in this role for several years. He also became the Speaker of the House of Deputies, which meant he led the meetings of the deputies.
In 1706, he was called Colonel John Wanton. He went after French privateers with another person named John Dublin. Privateers were like private ships that were allowed by a government to attack enemy ships. John Dublin was hurt during this action.
Between 1721 and 1734, Wanton served as the Deputy Governor for the colony. After his brother, William Wanton, passed away, John Wanton became governor in 1734. He continued to serve as governor until he died in 1740. He was buried in the Coddington Cemetery in Newport.
Family Connections
John Wanton was married to Mary Stover. She was the daughter of Sylvester and Elizabeth Stover from Cape Neddick, Maine. John and Mary had five children together.
His brother, William Wanton, was also a governor before him. Later, his nephews Gideon Wanton and Joseph Wanton also became governors of the colony. This shows that the Wanton family played a big role in the history of Rhode Island.
