John Steere

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John Steere (c. 1634–1724) was an early Rhode Island settler, town official, and a founder of Smithfield. He was likely born around April 6, 1634, in Ockley near Dorking, Surrey, England. He moved to New England in the late 1650s and in 1660 received his first land on the west side of the Moshassuck River in Providence, later buying more land. In 1660 he married Hannah Wickenden, daughter of Rev. William Wickenden, the pastor of the First Baptist Church in America in Providence; they likely joined the Baptist church.

In 1663 Steere served as town sergeant of Providence. Between 1663 and 1667 he was among the first settlers to move to Wayunkeke (Weecapasacheck) in western Smithfield, near Glocester. In 1666 he witnessed the Inman Purchase in northern Rhode Island, which Edward Inman and John Mowry helped divide after buying land from the Indian Quashaamit.

During King Philip's War (1675–76), Steere and his family moved back to Providence, near Cowpen Point. Later, about 1686/87, the Steere family returned to Wionkhiege Hill in Smithfield, where his son-in-law Peter Place and daughter Sarah settled. He is said to have been one of the first to plant apple orchards in the area and was a leading farmer; many of his descendants also became apple farmers.

In 1704 Steere leased land to an Indian named Sam Noforce, who had lived with him for years and behaved well. Steere died in Smithfield on August 27, 1724, leaving his mansion to his youngest son Samuel.

The John Steere Family Association was started in 1930 and holds annual reunions in Rhode Island for his descendants.