James Sheppard (MP) facts for kids
Sir James Sheppard (born around 1681, died 1730) was an important British lawyer and politician. He came from places called Watton Court in Honiton and Lawell in Chudleigh, both in Devon, England. He served in the House of Commons, which is a bit like a country's main law-making group, between 1711 and 1730.
Early Life and Legal Career
James Sheppard was the oldest son of James Sheppard, who was a lawyer in Honiton, and his mother Mary Walrond. He began his legal training at a famous place called the Middle Temple in London in 1700. He officially became a lawyer in 1705. In 1704, he married Elizabeth Fowler.
Sheppard became a special judge for Honiton in 1713. This role is called a Recorder. Later, in 1724, he became a very senior lawyer known as a serjeant-at-law, a position he held until he died.
Political Journey
Sheppard first tried to become a Member of Parliament (MP) for Honiton in the 1710 election. He was part of the Tory political group. There was a bit of confusion in his election, but he was officially chosen as an MP on 17 February 1711.
During this time, he was seen as a "worthy patriot" because he helped find problems with the previous government. He was also part of a group called the October Club. In 1713, he supported a bill about trade with France. He was elected again in 1713 but lost his seat in the 1715 election.
Sheppard tried again in the 1722 election but wasn't successful. However, he won a tough election in 1727, this time as a member of the Whig political group. In 1729, he was given the special title of "Sir" (knighted). He supported the government's decisions on things like the royal family's expenses and payments to soldiers from another country in 1729 and 1730.
Later Life and Legacy
Sir James Sheppard passed away on 10 April 1730, when he was 49 years old. He became sick with a type of fever that was common in prisons at the time. He had several children, but sadly, many of them died before him.
There was a special monument with a statue of him in Honiton Church. This monument was damaged in a fire in 1911. However, a part of it with writing on it was saved. You can still see this preserved part on the south wall of the church today.
