John Ellis (Harwich MP) facts for kids

John Ellis (born around 1643, died 1738) was an important English official and a Member of Parliament. He worked for several powerful people and held important government jobs during his long life.

Life and Career

John Ellis was born around 1643. He was the oldest son of John Ellis, a writer. He went to Westminster School and then to Christ Church, Oxford, in 1664. While at college, he became good friends with Humphrey Prideaux.

Instead of finishing his degree, John Ellis started working in the government's secretary of state's office. In 1672, he worked for Sir Joseph Williamson. When Williamson became Secretary of State in 1674, Ellis lost his job.

Working as a Secretary

John Ellis soon found a new job. He became secretary to Sir Leoline Jenkins, who was a special diplomat. Jenkins was attending a big meeting in Nijmegen, Netherlands. Ellis worked there from 1675 to 1677. He wrote down everything that happened in his journals, which are still important historical records today.

From 1678 to 1680, Ellis was secretary to Thomas Butler, 6th Earl of Ossory. In 1680, he traveled to the Netherlands again to help confirm Lord Ossory's rank as a general. After Ossory died, Ellis became secretary to Ossory's father, James Butler, 1st Duke of Ormonde. The Duke was a very high-ranking official in Ireland. In 1682, Ellis got a job as secretary to the Irish revenue commissioners. He kept this job until the Glorious Revolution in 1688.

Later Government Roles

Ellis moved back to England in 1689. Later that year, he became secretary to James Butler, 2nd Duke of Ormonde, the grandson of the first Duke. Two years later, he worked as a commissioner for transports. Finally, in May 1695, he became an under-secretary of state.

He held the under-secretary position for ten years, working for four different secretaries of state. In May 1705, he resigned after some disagreements. However, King William III had already given him another important job in 1701: comptroller of the Mint. This job was worth a lot of money. He was removed from this position in 1711 but asked to be put back when King George I came to power.

Member of Parliament

John Ellis also served as a Member of Parliament (MP). He represented the area of Harwich, Essex, from 1702 to 1708. In 1710, he tried to become an MP for Rye, Sussex, but he was not successful.

John Ellis never married. He died at his home in Pall Mall, London, on July 8, 1738, when he was 95 years old. He became quite wealthy during his career by making good use of his opportunities.

Legacy and Writings

John Ellis supported his old college, Christ Church, Oxford. He gave money towards the buildings in the Peckwater quadrangle there.

He had a brother named Sir William Ellis. John Ellis had lent his brother a lot of money. When his brother's property in Ireland was taken by the government, John Ellis received a grant of that property from King William III to cover the debt. However, the property was later taken back by the government. John Ellis then asked Parliament for help and was able to get the property back in 1702. He owned the estate until he died.

John Ellis left behind a large collection of letters. These letters were sent to him about both public and private matters. Two books of his letters from 1686 to 1688 were published in 1829 by George Agar-Ellis, 1st Baron Dover.

Today, many of Ellis's official and private letters and papers are kept by the British Museum. These documents cover the years from 1643 to 1720. His letters from his friend Humphrey Prideaux were also published in 1875. These collections help historians understand more about life and politics in England during John Ellis's time.