Joseph Earle (MP) facts for kids
Joseph Earle (born around 1658 – died 1730) was an important businessman from Bristol, England. He was also a politician who served in the House of Commons, which is like the main law-making body in Britain, from 1710 to 1727.
Early Life and Family
Joseph Earle was the oldest son of Sir Thomas Earle. His father was also a Member of Parliament (MP) and had been the mayor of Bristol. Joseph's mother was Elizabeth Ellinor Jackson.
He had a brother named Giles Earle. In 1689, Joseph married Elizabeth Cann. Her father, Sir Thomas Cann, was also a merchant in Bristol. Joseph took over his father's business in 1696.
A Career in Business and Politics
Joseph Earle became very involved in his family's business after his father passed away in 1696. He joined the Society of Merchant Venturers of Bristol in 1697. This was a group of important merchants who helped control trade in the city. He served as a leader (Warden) of this society from 1709 to 1710.
In 1710, Joseph Earle was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Bristol. He was elected during the general election of 1710. At first, he was part of the Tory political group. In Parliament, he cared a lot about trade and sometimes voted with the Whig group.
He was re-elected as an MP for Bristol in the 1713 general election. By then, his political views seemed to be a mix of both Whig and Tory ideas. He was even described as a Whig who often voted with the Tories.
In the 1715 general election, he was elected again, this time as a Whig. He continued his work with the Society of Merchant Venturers, becoming their Master (another leadership role) from 1721 to 1722.
Joseph Earle was re-elected in the 1722 general election. However, he started to have disagreements with some voters in Bristol. He faced some political challenges. Even so, he decided to try for re-election in the 1727 general election. But he didn't get enough support to win that time.
Later Life and Legacy
Joseph Earle passed away on March 13, 1730, when he was about 72 years old. He was buried at St. Werburgh's church in Bristol.
He and his wife, Elizabeth, had one daughter named Eleanor. Eleanor married William Benson but sadly died in 1722. Joseph left some of his property to his younger brother, Robert. The rest of his property went to his grandson, Eleanor's son.
