John FitzGerald, 18th Earl of Kildare facts for kids

John FitzGerald was an important Irish nobleman who lived a long time ago. He was known as the 18th Earl of Kildare. Before he became an Earl, he was called Lord Offaly. He was born in 1661 and passed away on November 9, 1707.

Early Life and Family

John FitzGerald was born in 1661. His father was Wentworth FitzGerald, who was the 17th Earl of Kildare. His mother was Lady Elizabeth. When John was just three years old, in 1664, his father passed away. John then became the 18th Earl of Kildare, taking on this important family title.

A Short Time in Politics

John FitzGerald also had a brief career in politics. In 1694, he was chosen to be a member of the English House of Commons. This was a very important group of people who helped make laws for England. He represented a place called Tregony. However, he only held this position for about a year, leaving in 1695.

His Marriages and Children

Elizabeth Jones, Countess of Kildare, as a shepherdess (Willem Wissing, ca. 1684)

John FitzGerald was married two times. His first wife was Mary O'Brien. They had one son together, named Henry FitzGerald. Sadly, Henry passed away when he was just a baby in 1684. Mary also passed away in November 1683 when she was only 21 years old.

After Mary's death, John FitzGerald married his second wife, Lady Elizabeth Jones. They got married on June 12, 1684. They did not have any children together.

John FitzGerald passed away in November 1707. After his death, his cousin, Robert FitzGerald, became the 19th Earl of Kildare. Lady Elizabeth, John's second wife, lived for many more years and passed away in April 1758.