John Scott (soldier) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids John Scott
Died	1616
Spouse(s)	Elizabeth Stafford, Catherine Smythe Scott
Parent(s)	Thomas Scott
Position held	Member of the 1604-11 Parliament, Member of the 1614 Parliament

Arms of Scott: Argent, three Catherine Wheels sable a bordure gules

Mural monuments to both wives of Sir John Scott in St Marys church, Nettlestead. Left: Elizabeth Stafford; right: Katherine Smythe

Sir John Scott was an important English soldier and politician who lived from about 1564 to 1616. He was also a Member of Parliament (MP), which means he helped make laws for the country.

Early Life

John Scott was born around 1564. He was the second son of Sir Thomas Scott. His family had homes in Kent, England, at places called Scot's Hall and Nettlestead Place.

A Career in Public Service

Sir John Scott had an interesting career serving his country in different ways.

Soldier and Explorer

He started as a soldier, leading a group of lancers in the English army. They fought in the Netherlands. For his brave service, he was made a knight in 1588. This meant he was given the title "Sir."

Later, in 1597, he commanded a ship. This ship was part of an important journey to the Azores, a group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean.

A Voice in Parliament

In 1601, Sir John Scott was linked to a political event called Essex's Rebellion. However, he was able to prove his innocence. In the same year, he tried to become a Member of Parliament for Kent.

He didn't win that first time. But he was successfully elected as an MP for Kent in 1604. He also became an MP for Maidstone in 1614. As an MP, he helped represent the people and make decisions for England.

Investing in New Worlds

In 1603, Queen Anne of Denmark chose Sir John Scott to be one of her advisors. He helped manage her lands in England.

Sir John Scott was also very interested in the new lands being explored. He was one of the first people to invest money in the Colony of Virginia in America. In 1607, he became a member of the Council for Virginia. He also joined the Virginia Company of London in 1609. This company helped set up and manage the new colonies.

Sir John Scott passed away in 1616. He was buried in a place called Brabourne in Kent.

Family Life

Sir John Scott was married two times. However, he did not have any children of his own.

• His first wife was Elizabeth Stafford. They married in 1590. Elizabeth passed away in 1599.
• His second wife was Katherine Smythe. They married before September 1599. Katherine was the daughter of Thomas Smythe.