John Olmius, 1st Baron Waltham facts for kids
John Olmius, 1st Baron Waltham (born 18 July 1711 – died 5 October 1762) was an important British landowner and politician. He lived at a grand estate called New Hall in Boreham, Essex. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is part of the British Parliament, for many years between 1737 and 1762. Later in his life, he was given the special title of Baron Waltham.
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About John Olmius
John Olmius was the only son of John Olmius and Elizabeth Clarke. His father was a very important person, serving as the Deputy Governor of the Bank of England. His mother's family were wealthy merchants from London. John Olmius's grandfather was a rich Dutch merchant who had moved to England. In 1737, John Olmius bought the large estate known as New Hall near Boreham, Essex.
His Time in Politics
John Olmius started his political career in 1737. He was elected to Parliament as one of the representatives for Weymouth and Melcombe Regis.
Member of Parliament
Later, in 1741, he became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Colchester. However, he lost this seat after a special review in 1742. He was a supporter of important political leaders like Robert Walpole and later Duke of Newcastle and Henry Pelham. From 1746 to 1747, he held the important local role of High Sheriff of Essex.
Return to Parliament
John Olmius was out of Parliament for twelve years. But in 1754, he was elected again for Colchester. In 1761, he was elected once more for Weymouth and Melcombe Regis.
Becoming a Baron
John Olmius wanted to be given a special title, known as a peerage, in England. He asked Lord Bute for this honour in 1761, but he did not receive it then. However, in June 1762, just a few months before he passed away, he was given the title of Baron Waltham. This title was part of the Peerage of Ireland, and he became Baron Waltham of Philipstown in King's County.
His Family Life
In 1741, Lord Waltham married Anne Billers. She was the daughter of Sir William Billers, who had been the Lord Mayor of London. John and Anne had one son and one daughter.
Lord Waltham died in October 1762 when he was 51 years old. His only son, Drigue, inherited his title and became the 2nd Baron Waltham. When Drigue died in 1787, the title of Baron Waltham ended because he had no children to pass it on to. John Olmius's daughter, Elizabeth Olmius, later married John Luttrell. He later added the name Olmius to his own to honour his father-in-law.
