Joseph Cotton (mariner) facts for kids
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Joseph Cotton (born March 7, 1745 – died January 26, 1825) was an important English sailor and businessman. He was a director of the East India Company, which was a very powerful trading company. He also held a high position at Trinity House, an organization that manages lighthouses and helps sailors.
Joseph Cotton's Early Life and Career
Joseph Cotton was born in St Albans, Hertfordshire, England. His father was Dr. Nathaniel Cotton.
When he was about 15 years old, Joseph joined the Royal Navy in 1760. He passed tests to become a lieutenant. However, he soon left the navy. He then joined the East India Company.
He became a captain for the East India Company. He made a lot of money from two trips as captain of a ship called the Royal Charlotte. This ship was an East Indiaman, meaning it sailed for the East India Company.
After these successful voyages, Joseph Cotton retired. He lived the rest of his life in Leyton, Essex. He lived in Leyton House from 1789 to 1803. Later, he moved to Walnut Tree House, which is now called Essex Hall.
Important Roles and Contributions
In 1788, Joseph Cotton was chosen as an "elder brother" of Trinity House. This group is very important for sea safety in England. They manage lighthouses and buoys.
In 1803, he became the deputy-master of Trinity House. He held this important job for about 20 years. In 1818, he wrote a book about the history of Trinity House.
Joseph Cotton was also a director of the East India Company from 1795 to 1823. This company was a huge trading power. He was also a director and chairman of the East India Docks Company. He helped manage other companies too, like the London Assurance Corporation.
He tried to bring a plant called ramie to England. Ramie is a plant that provides a strong fiber. He hoped it could be used to make things. He even won a silver medal in 1814 for his efforts. However, the fiber was not widely used in business.
In 1810, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very old and respected group for scientists. Joseph Cotton died in Leyton in 1825. He was buried at the local church there.
Joseph Cotton's Family
Joseph Cotton married Sarah Harrison in 1779. They had 10 children together. One of their sons was William Cotton. William later became a governor of the Bank of England. Another son, John Cotton, became the Chairman of the East India Company.
Joseph Cotton also had many grandchildren who became famous. These included Henry Cotton, a judge. Another was William Charles Cotton, who studied bees. His grandson William Cotton Oswell was a well-known explorer. Joseph Cotton's great-grandson, Henry John Stedman Cotton, was an important civil servant in India. He even became the Governor of Assam.
