John Hale (Roundhead) facts for kids

John Hale (born in 1614, died in 1691) was an English politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of the government, between 1654 and 1660. He also fought as a soldier for the Parliamentary side during the English Civil War.

Who Was John Hale?

John Hale was born in 1614. His father, also named John Hale, was a grocer from London. When John Hale was just six years old, his father passed away in 1620. John then inherited his family's properties.

Early Military Role

During the English Civil War, John Hale joined the Parliamentary army. This was a big conflict in England where people fought over how the country should be governed. In 1643, he became a colonel, which is a high-ranking officer, leading soldiers on foot.

John Hale's Political Career

John Hale became an important figure in English politics. He was elected to the House of Commons several times. This was a time when England was going through many changes in its government.

Member of Parliament for Devon

In 1654, John Hale was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for the area of Devon. He served in the First Protectorate Parliament. This was a special government assembly during a time when England was not ruled by a king. He was also a "Receiver of tithe" in Devon and Cornwall in 1655. This meant he collected a type of tax. From 1656 to 1665, he worked as a "Justice of the Peace" (j.p.) in Devon, helping to keep law and order.

He was re-elected as a Member of Parliament for Devon in 1656. This time, he served in the Second Protectorate Parliament. In 1657, he was a "commissioner for assessment," which meant he helped decide how taxes should be collected.

Representing Dartmouth

In 1659, John Hale was elected as a Member of Parliament again. This time, he represented the town of Dartmouth in the Third Protectorate Parliament. He also served as a "commissioner for militia" in 1659. This role involved organizing local citizen soldiers.

After the Protectorate

Even after the Protectorate government ended, John Hale continued his public service.

Roles in 1660

In January 1660, he became a "commissioner for assessment" again and held this role until 1680. In March 1660, he was a "commissioner for militia." By April 1660, he was a major in the militia horse, leading cavalry soldiers. In April 1660, he was re-elected as a Member of Parliament for Dartmouth. He served in the Convention Parliament, which was important for bringing back the monarchy.

Later Public Service

In 1667, John Hale was part of a group that investigated the government of Newfoundland. He also continued to serve as a Justice of the Peace for Devon. He held this position from 1667 to 1670 and again from 1673 to 1676.

John Hale's Family

John Hale got married by 1634 to Anne Halswell. She was the daughter of Robert Halswell from Goathurst, Somerset. Together, John and Anne had three sons and one daughter.