John Elliott (judge) facts for kids
Sir John Elliott (1546-1617) was an important Irish judge who lived a long time ago. He worked in a special court called the Court of Exchequer, which handled money matters for the government. He also sometimes went on important trips for his country, acting like a diplomat. Sir John was very successful, partly because he was good at his job and partly because he had helpful family connections, like the Rochfort and Ussher families.
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Early Life and Family
Sir John Elliott was born in a place called Balreask in County Meath, Ireland. His father was Thomas Elliott, who used to be in charge of guns for Ireland. His mother was Elizabeth Smart.
Sir John had a sister named Margaret. She was married to Henry Ussher, who was a very important church leader, the Archbishop of Armagh. Sir John and the Archbishop were very close friends. The Archbishop even asked Sir John to help manage his will when he died.
Sir John and his second wife, Ismay, built a church in Balsoon, County Meath. This church is now a ruin, but they are both buried there. Sir John inherited his family home in Balreask around 1595.
A Judge's Career
It's not clear exactly when Sir John became a lawyer, but we know he was part of Lincoln's Inn, a famous place for lawyers in London, by 1587. He then became a special clerk for four counties in Ulster.
In 1590, he was made a Baron of the Exchequer, which meant he became a judge in that important court. People said he worked very hard and was very careful.
Working During Wartime
During a big conflict called the Nine Years War, Sir John was sent to talk with a powerful Irish leader named Hugh O'Neill in 1596. This showed that people trusted him with important tasks.
After 1603, a new system for judges was set up across all of Ireland. Sir John regularly traveled around the country as a judge. The English King liked that he was willing to travel outside Dublin, as many other judges preferred to stay in the city. Because of his good work, he was made a knight in 1609.
Helping Lawyers and the Government
In 1607, a place for lawyers called the King's Inns was reopened. Sir John became its Treasurer that same year. He was the first person to build a special office, called a chamber, there. As a special thank you for his service, three of his sons, who were also lawyers, were allowed to share his office and didn't have to pay fees. He was the Treasurer until 1610.
In 1607, when some Irish leaders left Ireland in what was called the Flight of the Earls, Sir John and another judge were sent to Ulster. Their job was to formally accuse the leaders, like Tyrone, of rebellion.
From 1613 to 1615, during meetings of the Irish Parliament, Sir John and another judge advised the Irish House of Lords. This was a common role for important judges at that time.
Later Life and Family
Sir John Elliott passed away in 1617. He was buried with his second wife, Ismay Rochfort, in the church they had built in Balsoon. Even though the church is now a ruin, their gravestone can still be seen.
Sir John was married four times. He had children with his second wife, Ismay Rochfort. She was the daughter of Christopher Rochfort. They had four sons: Henry, Thomas, Oliver, and Christopher. Three of their sons followed their father and became lawyers too.
His third wife was Eleanor Ussher, who was a cousin of his friend Archbishop Ussher. She had been married twice before. Sir John's fourth wife was Alice Kennedy.
