Little is known of his origin, although genealogists believe he may be descended from Ezekiel Culverwell, a prominent English Puritan of the late 16th century.
He did not stay long in Kittery, selling the house there in 1661 and establishing a medical practice in nearby Dover, New Hampshire in 1661.
When the Province of New Hampshire was chartered in 1680, Barefoote served as a deputy collector of customs during John Cutt's administration.
He served as acting governor until the province was absorbed into the Dominion of New England, on whose council he also sat.
His will was written in early October 1688, and was formally proven in February 1688/9.