John Meres facts for kids
Sir John Meres (born around 1660, died 1736) was an important English gentleman. He was a knight and a director for several big companies in the early 1700s. He helped run companies like the Charitable Corporation and the York Buildings Company. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a group for important scientists.
Early Life and Family
John Meres was the second son of Sir Thomas Meres. Sir Thomas was a gentleman from Lincolnshire. He was also a Member of Parliament for Lincoln for many years. John's mother was Anne de la Fontaine. Her family owned land in Kirby Bellars, Leicestershire.
John went to St Catharine's College, Cambridge for his education. He also studied law at the Inner Temple. He became a lawyer in 1700.
His Business Adventures
King William III made John Meres a knight in 1700. In 1715, he was chosen as the High Sheriff of Leicestershire. This was an important local role. In 1719, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society.
Sir John Meres wrote a book in 1720. It was called The Equity of Parliaments and Publick Faith vindicated.
He became the leader of the York Buildings Company in 1723. This company first supplied water. Later, it bought many large properties. These properties were taken from people involved in the Jacobite rising of 1715. The company faced financial challenges after the South Sea Bubble. This was a time when many company shares lost a lot of value. Sir John tried to help the company deal with its money problems. He suggested new ways to raise funds.
Sir John Meres was also part of the Charitable Corporation. He joined their committee in 1725. He was also a leader in the Royal Africa Company. His roles in these companies helped him arrange financial deals between them.
What Happened Next
Sir John Meres never married. He died on February 19, 1736. He was buried in Kirby Bellars. After he passed away, his belongings in London were sold. These included jewels, silver items, paintings, and scientific tools. Most of his property went to Thomas Whichcot. Thomas was the son of George Whichcot and Sir John's sister, Francis Katherine Meres. Some of his estates were sold later in 1773.
