John Rogerson (1676–1741) facts for kids

John Rogerson (born 1676, died 1741) was an important person in Irish law and politics. He worked as a lawyer and judge, eventually becoming the top judge in Ireland, known as the Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench.

Early Life and Education

John Rogerson went to Trinity College Dublin, a well-known university, and finished his studies in 1694. For a short time, he thought about joining his father's business as a merchant (someone who buys and sells goods). However, he soon decided to become a lawyer instead. He joined a famous law school called Middle Temple in 1690 and became a qualified lawyer in Ireland in 1701.

A Career in Law and Politics

John Rogerson served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for two areas: Granard and Dublin City. He was a strong supporter of the House of Hanover, which was the ruling family at the time.

In 1714, he was appointed as the Solicitor-General, which is a senior legal advisor to the government. He then became the Attorney-General for Ireland in 1720. His biggest promotion came in 1727 when he was made Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench. This was a very important job, but not everyone was happy about it. A powerful church leader, Hugh Boulter, the Archbishop of Armagh, often tried to influence who got judicial jobs. He usually preferred English officials over Irish ones and didn't like Rogerson personally. It was said that Rogerson's family wealth helped him get this high position. Another reason might have been that no English judge wanted the job, so the Archbishop had to accept Rogerson.

His Family

John Rogerson was the older son of Sir John Rogerson, who was also a successful merchant and a Member of Parliament. His father was so well-known that a place in Dublin, Sir John Rogerson's Quay, was named after him. John inherited a large fortune from his father. His mother was Elizabeth Proby.

John Rogerson lived mainly at a house called The Glen in Glasnevin, which his father had built. He also had a house in Henry Street in Dublin.

Marriage and Children

John Rogerson married Elizabeth Ludlow. Her family, the Ludlows, were known for their strong political views. John and Elizabeth had at least five children:

• John, who sadly passed away young and did not marry.
• Elizabeth, who married Abraham Creighton, 1st Baron Erne. They had four children.
• Arabella, who married twice. First to William Casaubon, with whom she had at least three children. Later, she married Sir James Cotter, 1st Baronet, and they had four children.
• Frances, who married Robert Leslie. They had at least two children.
• Hannah, who married Anthony Jephson, another Member of Parliament. They had six children.

Later Life and Death

John Rogerson died in August 1741 at his house in Henry Street. He caught an infectious fever that was widespread that year. This was during a very difficult time in Ireland, known as the Great Irish Famine of 1740-41. He likely caught the fever while traveling for work. Another judge, John Wainwright, also died from the same fever. John Rogerson seemed to know the danger, as he made his will (a legal document about his wishes for his property) before he started his journey. Since his only son had died, his wealth was shared among his four daughters.