James Gould (died 1676) facts for kids

James Gould (1593–1676) was an English politician. He was a member of the English Parliament at different times between 1659 and 1676.

Early Life and Local Leadership

James Gould was born in 1593 and grew up in Dorchester. His father was a merchant, and James took over the family business in 1630. This meant he was involved in trade and commerce in his town.

He became a very important person in Dorchester. From 1637 to 1638, he served as the Mayor of Dorchester. This was a big responsibility, showing he was trusted by the community.

Standing Up for What's Right

James Gould was known for his strong beliefs. He was against "ship-money," which was a tax that many people thought was unfair. He also supported the Parliament during a difficult time in England's history. In 1643, he even gave £300 to help the parliamentary cause. This was a large sum of money back then!

He continued to serve his local area. In 1652, he helped with tax collection in Dorset. He also held the important role of High Sheriff of Dorset from 1655 to 1656. The High Sheriff was like a chief law enforcement officer for the county.

A Member of Parliament

In 1659, James Gould was elected to Parliament. He became a Member of Parliament for his hometown, Dorchester. This meant he represented the people of Dorchester in the national government.

After a short break, he was elected again in 1661 to the Cavalier Parliament. While he wasn't one of the most active members, he did work on laws related to the wool trade. The wool trade was very important to England's economy at that time.

Continued Public Service

Even while in Parliament, James Gould remained dedicated to Dorchester. He was a senior alderman from 1661 until he passed away. An alderman was a senior member of the town council. He also continued to help with tax matters for Dorset until 1669.

Family and Legacy

James Gould married Margery Savage in 1624. They had six sons and two daughters. His son, also named James, followed in his footsteps and became a Member of Parliament for Dorchester after him.

James Gould passed away at the age of 82 in 1676. He was buried in Dorchester.