Anthony Jephson (died 1755) facts for kids
Anthony Jephson (c. 1688/89 – 28 December 1755) was an important Irish soldier and landowner. He was also a politician who belonged to the Whig party.
Anthony Jephson was the second son of Anthony Jephson from Mallow Castle. In 1710, he joined the army as a cornet. This was a junior officer rank in a cavalry unit called a regiment of Dragoons. Dragoons were soldiers who rode horses but could also fight on foot.
Early Career and Politics
In 1713, Anthony Jephson was put on "half-pay." This meant he received half his usual salary because he was not actively serving. That same year, he was elected to the Parliament of Ireland. He represented the town of Mallow. He continued to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Mallow until he died. Mallow was known as a "pocket borough." This meant a powerful person or family largely controlled who got elected there.
Military Service and Local Roles
Jephson continued his military career. In 1715, he became a captain in the Cork Militia. This was a local defense force. In 1716, he briefly served as a captain in another army regiment. Later that same month, he became a lieutenant-colonel in Lord Doneraile's Regiment of Dragoons.
He also took on important local government roles. In 1716, he was the Deputy Governor of County Cork. This role involved helping to manage the county. He also served as the High Sheriff for County Cork in 1717, 1735, and 1740. The High Sheriff was a key official responsible for law and order in the county. In 1740, he reached a high rank in the army, becoming a colonel of his regiment.
Family Life
Anthony Jephson was married twice. In 1712, he married Phillippa Wakeham. They had several children together. Their children included:
- Anthony, who married Hannah Rogerson.
- Denham, who also became an MP for Mallow.
- William, who also became an MP for Mallow.
- Mary, who married Philip Smythe, 4th Viscount Strangford.
After Phillippa passed away, Anthony Jephson married Catherine Vesey in 1742. They did not have any children together.
