John Sanford (governor) - Early Life

Early Life

Likely from Essex, England, Sanford probably served in the English Army before emigrating from England. He was a trained surveyor, familiar with military matters, and in his inventory were listed some pieces of armour. He was mentioned in a letter dated 2 March 1629/30, just prior to the sailing of the Winthrop Fleet, written by Massachusetts magistrate John Winthrop to his wife, stating "our 2 boyes and Ja Downinge, Jo Samford and Mary M. and most of my servants are gone this daye towards S Hampton: the good Lord be with them and us all." However, earlier references by Winthrop, back to 1624, concerning "my man-servant John" very likely refer to Sanford. There was a period of time when "servant John" was not mentioned in Winthrop's correspondence, and this is probably when Sanford was pressed into military service with John Winthrop, Jr. in a disastrous campaign to relieve the Huguenots at the Isle of Rhe. Sanford became experienced in the use of artillery during this campaign in which nearly 60 percent of the English force became casualties.