John James (Parliamentarian) facts for kids

John James (around 1610 – May 1681) was an English politician. He was a member of the House of Commons in 1653. During the English Civil War, he fought in the Parliamentary army.

John James: A Life in Politics

James was the son of John James from Astley, Worcestershire. His mother was Mary Winford. He grew up to support the Parliament during the English Civil War.

Early Military and Public Service

John James joined the Parliamentary army. In 1647, he was given permission to get back horses that belonged to the government. These horses had been taken or sold illegally.

He also worked on a special group called the Committee for Sequestrations. This committee managed property taken from people who supported the King. James was a commissioner for this group in Worcestershire from 1648 to 1650.

In December 1650, he became the High Sheriff of Herefordshire. This was an important local role, like a chief law enforcement officer for the county. The Committee for Compounding, another important group, praised his work. They asked him to help manage the sequestration work. James replied that he would do his best, even though he had other public duties.

He was also a captain in the Horse Militia in Herefordshire. In 1651, he became a colonel. He commanded soldiers in Worcestershire. He was asked to find gold hidden in Worcester that belonged to the enemy. He sent 150 pieces of old gold to the Council of State. James also helped raise new soldiers. He likely fought in the Battle of Worcester in 1651. This battle was a major event where the Scots army, led by Charles II, was defeated.

Serving in Parliament

In 1653, John James was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Worcestershire. He served in the Barebones Parliament. This Parliament was named after one of its members, Praise-God Barebone.

The Council of State, a powerful government group, arranged for James and other MPs to live together. They were given lodgings in important houses. In November 1653, James became a member of the Council of State itself. He took an oath to keep their discussions secret. He also joined committees dealing with military supplies and issues related to people with mental health conditions.

A Public Dispute

In 1654, James had a disagreement with Charles Rich. It seemed like they might fight a duel. Duels were illegal and dangerous. The Lord Protector's Council stepped in. They ordered both men to promise not to fight each other. They had to pay a large sum of money (£1,000) as a guarantee. If they broke the peace, they would lose the money. For a short time, they were even threatened with being sent to the Tower of London if they didn't agree.

Later Life and Legacy

John James continued to serve in public roles. In 1654, he was a commissioner. He helped make sure that ministers and schoolmasters were doing a good job. In 1656, he helped raise money for the county.

After the monarchy was restored in 1660, James was likely pardoned for his role in the Parliamentary army. In 1670, he was given permission to live in London and Westminster. This was allowed even though he had been an officer in the previous government.

John James married Jane Higgins. She was the daughter of William Higgins from Tripleton, Herefordshire. James died in Tripleton in May 1681, at about 71 years old.