John Hoskins Gifford facts for kids

John Hoskins Gifford (born around 1693, died 1744) was a British politician. He was a member of the Tory Party, which was one of the main political groups in Britain at the time. Gifford served in the House of Commons, an important part of the British Parliament, from 1713 to 1734. He came from Beaminster, Dorset, and Boreham, near Warminster, Wiltshire.

Early Life and Family

John Hoskins Gifford was the second son of William Gifford. His mother was Mary Hoskins. The family lived in Beaminster, Dorset, and Horsington, Somerset.

When he was 17, in 1710, John started studying at Wadham College, Oxford, a famous university. He also joined Middle Temple, which is a place where people train to become lawyers. In 1713, his older brother, Benjamin Gifford, who was also a Member of Parliament, passed away. John then inherited the family lands in Wiltshire and Somerset.

Political Career

John Hoskins Gifford began his political journey in 1713. He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the area called Bridport. An MP is a person chosen by voters to represent them in the House of Commons.

After 1713, he did not run for election in 1715 or 1722. However, he returned to politics in the 1727 election. This time, he was elected as an MP for Westbury. He got this position with the help of a powerful person called Lord Abingdon. Even though there was a challenge against his election, he kept his seat.

In Parliament, Gifford often voted against government plans. For example, in 1732, he voted against money being spent on the army. In 1733, he voted against a new tax law called the Excise Bill. He did not run for election again in 1734.

Personal Life and Death

In December 1731, John Hoskins Gifford married Elizabeth Watts. She was the daughter of Nicholas Watts from Cucklington, Somerset. John Gifford passed away in August 1744. He did not have any children.