Walter Barefoote facts for kids

Walter Barefoote (who was also known as Barefoot) lived from about 1655 to 1688. He was an important person in the early American settlement of the Province of New Hampshire. He served as a deputy governor and even as the acting governor of the province for a time.

Who Was Walter Barefoote?

Walter Barefoote was a colonist, which means he was one of the first people to settle in the new lands of America. He played a big role in the government of the Province of New Hampshire. This area is now part of the modern-day state of New Hampshire.

His Early Life and Moves

We don't know much about where Walter Barefoote came from originally. Some people think his family might have been connected to a famous English Puritan named Ezekiel Culverwell. Puritans were a group of people who had strong religious beliefs.

Barefoote came to the New World (America) in the 1650s. In 1658, he bought a house in a place called Kittery, Maine. But he didn't stay there for long. By 1661, he sold that house. He then moved to Dover, New Hampshire, which was nearby, and started working as a doctor.

His Religious Views

Even though some thought his family had Puritan connections, Walter Barefoote was actually a member of the Church of England, also known as an Anglican. This was important because the Puritans were in charge of many settlements in New Hampshire, especially those controlled by the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

Barefoote didn't agree with the Puritan leaders. He even helped a group called the Quakers. The Puritans were trying to force the Quakers out of the province in 1662, but Barefoote stood up for them.

Barefoote's Role in Government

When the Province of New Hampshire officially became its own province in 1680, Walter Barefoote started his career in government.

Working for the Province

He first worked as a deputy collector of customs. This meant he helped collect taxes on goods coming into the province. This was during the time when John Cutt was the governor.

Later, in 1682, when Edward Cranfield became governor, Barefoote was chosen to be a councilor. A councilor is like an advisor to the governor.

Becoming Deputy and Acting Governor

In January 1683, Walter Barefoote was given an even more important job: deputy governor. This meant he was second in command to the governor.

When Governor Cranfield left the province in 1685, Barefoote stepped up. He became the acting governor. He led the province until it became part of a larger government group called the Dominion of New England. Walter Barefoote also served on the council for the Dominion of New England.

His Final Years

Walter Barefoote wrote his will in October 1688. A will is a document that says what should happen to a person's belongings after they die. His will was officially accepted in February 1689. Because of this, people believe he passed away sometime between these two dates. We don't know much about his family life; his will doesn't mention a wife or children.