Peleg Sanford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Peleg Sanford
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| 10th Governor of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations | |
| In office 1680–1683 |
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| Preceded by | John Cranston |
| Succeeded by | William Coddington Jr. |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 10 May 1639 Newport, Rhode Island |
| Died | 1701 |
| Spouses | Mary Brenton Mary Coddington |
| Occupation | Captain, Assistant, Deputy, Governor |
Peleg Sanford (born May 10, 1639 – died 1701) was an important leader in the early days of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. He served as the governor of the colony for three years, from 1680 to 1683.
Contents
Peleg Sanford: A Colonial Leader
His Family and Early Life
Peleg Sanford was the son of John Sanford and his second wife, Bridget Hutchinson. His father, John, had been a soldier in Boston. However, John and his family had to leave Boston in 1637. This happened because Peleg's grandmother, Anne Hutchinson, was forced out for her religious beliefs.
Anne Hutchinson and her followers, including the Sanfords, moved to what became the Rhode Island colony. They helped start the town of Portsmouth. Peleg's father, John, even served as governor for a short time. He governed the towns of Newport and Portsmouth.
Serving in the Militia
Peleg Sanford grew up in Newport. When he was a young man, he became a captain in the local horse troop. This was a group of soldiers who rode horses.
After a big conflict called King Philip's War, Peleg Sanford helped find a Native American leader named King Philip. King Philip was found and killed the next day. In 1677, Sanford traveled to England. He went there to discuss problems with the neighboring colony of Connecticut.
In 1679, Peleg Sanford was promoted to major. This meant he was in charge of the Rhode Island Militia. Later, in 1687, he became a lieutenant colonel.
His Political Journey
Peleg Sanford started his political career in 1667 when he was 28 years old. He first served as an "assistant" for three years. An assistant was a helper or advisor in the government.
After that, he was a "deputy" for seven years. A deputy was like a representative for the people. He then served as an assistant again for two more years. His time as an assistant ended in 1679. From May 1679 to May 1680, he was the major in charge of the colony's militia.
In May 1680, Peleg Sanford was chosen to be the governor of the colony. He took over after Governor John Cranston passed away. Sanford served as governor for three years in a row, until 1683.
Later, from 1686 to 1689, the New England colonies had their local governments changed. This was part of a plan called the Dominion of New England. During this time, Peleg Sanford was a member of the council for Sir Edmund Andros. Sir Andros was the governor of this larger dominion.
Peleg Sanford wrote his will in 1701. His will was officially approved on September 1 of that year.
His Personal Life
Peleg Sanford had one child with his first wife, Mary Brenton. Sadly, this child died very young. In 1674, Peleg married Mary Coddington. She was the daughter of another governor, William Coddington. Peleg and Mary had six children together.
His granddaughter, Margaret Sanford, married Thomas Hutchinson. Thomas Hutchinson later became the governor of Massachusetts. Peleg Sanford's brother-in-law, William Coddington Jr., became the next governor after him.
