John Hopkins (died 1732) facts for kids
John "Vulture" Hopkins (born around 1663 – died April 25, 1732) was a wealthy British businessman from London. He was also a Whig politician. He served in the House of Commons, which is like a part of the British Parliament, from 1710 to 1722. People sometimes called him "Vulture" because he was known for being very focused on making money.
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John Hopkins' Early Life and Business
John Hopkins was a successful merchant in London. A merchant is someone who buys and sells goods to make a profit. He was known for being very careful with his money, sometimes even seen as stingy. He was also known for his tough business methods.
Hopkins' Time in Parliament
Hopkins tried to become a Member of Parliament (MP) for St Ives in 1708 but didn't win. However, he was elected as an MP for St Ives in 1710 and again in 1713. An MP is a person chosen to represent a group of people in Parliament.
In 1715, he was elected MP for Ilchester. He tried to get elected again in 1722 for Great Bedwyn but was not successful. His time in Parliament wasn't marked by any big speeches or famous laws. He mostly focused on his business and investments.
Making a Fortune
Even though his political career wasn't very famous, Hopkins became quite rich. He made a lot of money by investing in a company called the South Sea Bubble. This was a very popular company at the time, and many people invested in it. Hopkins was smart and made his fortune before the company ran into big problems. He then used his money to buy land and properties in many different parts of the country.
Later Life and Legacy
John Hopkins passed away on April 25, 1732, when he was 69 years old. He was buried in Wimbledon. He never married, so when he died, his properties and wealth were given to the male relatives of a distant family member.
