John Nugent, 5th Earl of Westmeath facts for kids
John Nugent, 5th Earl of Westmeath (1671 – 3 July 1754) was an important Irish noble and a professional soldier. He held the title of Earl, which is a high rank in the nobility. John was the third son of Christopher Nugent, Lord Delvin and Mary Butler.
A Life in the Army
John Nugent became the 5th Earl of Westmeath in 1752, after his brother, Thomas Nugent, 4th Earl of Westmeath, passed away. John spent much of his life serving in the French army. He was a brave soldier who fought in many major battles.
Key Battles and Ranks
John Nugent took part in several important battles during his military career. These included the Battle of Ramillies, the Battle of Oudenarde, and the Battle of Malplaquet. He also fought in the sieges of Douai and Quesnoy, and at the Battle of Denain.
He started as an officer in 1706, which means he was a leader in the army. By 1744, he had risen to the rank of Maréchal de camp. This was a very high position, similar to a general. John retired from the army in 1748. He passed away in 1754 in Nivelles, a town in what is now Walloon Brabant.
Family and Legacy
John Nugent married Marguerite Jeanne on 7 January 1711. She was the daughter of Count Carlo Molza of Modena. Marguerite Jeanne passed away in 1776. Together, John and Marguerite had several children.
John Nugent's Children
- Thomas Nugent, 6th Earl of Westmeath
- James Nugent
- John Christopher Nugent
- Richard Nugent
- Edward Nugent
- Marie Charlotte Nugent
- François Christine Nugent
John Nugent was succeeded as Earl by his oldest son, Thomas Nugent, 6th Earl of Westmeath. Thomas was notable because he was the first person in their family to join the Church of Ireland.
