John Southby (1594–1683) facts for kids
John Southby (born 1594, died 1683) was an English landowner and politician. He served in the House of Commons, which is like the main law-making body in England, from 1654 to 1656. He was an important person in his local area and in the government of his time.
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Who Was John Southby?
John Southby was born in 1594. His father was Richard Southby, who owned Carswell Manor in a place called Buckland. This area was in Berkshire back then, but it is now part of Oxfordshire. His mother was Jane, the daughter of Edward Keate.
Inheriting Carswell Manor
When John Southby was just twelve years old, his father passed away. John then inherited Carswell Manor. He is known for rebuilding and improving this large house during the early 1600s.
Early Public Roles
Before becoming a national politician, John Southby held important jobs in his local community. He was a Justice of the Peace for Berkshire. A Justice of the Peace was like a local judge or a person who helped keep law and order.
In 1647, he became the High Sheriff of Berkshire. The High Sheriff was a very important official in the county. They were responsible for enforcing laws and making sure things ran smoothly in the area.
John Southby's Time in Parliament
John Southby became a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1654. An MP is someone elected to represent their area in the House of Commons. He represented Berkshire in the First Protectorate Parliament.
Re-elected to Parliament
He was chosen again to be an MP for Berkshire in 1656. This time, he served in the Second Protectorate Parliament. This shows that people in his area trusted him to represent their interests in the government.
Southby's Family Life
John Southby married Elizabeth Wiseman. She was the daughter of William Wiseman, who lived in Steventon. Like Buckland, Steventon was in Berkshire but is now in Oxfordshire. John and Elizabeth had a son named Richard. Richard also grew up to become a Member of Parliament, just like his father.