Josias Du Pre facts for kids

Josias Du Pre (born 1721, died 1780) was an important person in the 1700s. He was a successful merchant from London. He also became a director of the East India Company. This company was very powerful and traded a lot in Asia. Later, he served as the Governor of Madras, which is now Chennai, India.

Josias Du Pre's Life

Wilton Park House, a grand home in England.

Josias Du Pre was born in South Carolina in 1721. His father was Cornelius Dupre. Josias started working for the East India Company in 1752. He began as a "factor," which was like a business agent. He slowly moved up to more important jobs within the company.

In the 1760s, Josias spent some time in England. While there, he got married. He also bought a large estate called Wilton Park Estate. This beautiful property was near a town called Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire.

Governor of Madras

Josias Du Pre became the Governor of Madras in 1770. He held this important position until 1773. His main job as governor was to build strong defenses for the city. He focused on making sure Madras was safe.

However, Josias didn't have complete control. Other powerful leaders were also in charge. These included Eyre Coote, a military commander, and Sir John Lindsay. They limited what Josias could do as governor.

Later Years and Achievements

After his time in Madras, Josias Du Pre returned to England. He hired an architect named Richard Jupp. Jupp built a grand new house at Wilton Park. This house was known as the "White House" and was finished in 1779.

Near the end of his life, Josias Du Pre became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a special honor given to top scientists and thinkers. He received this honor because he had appointed Alexander Dalrymple as his assistant many years before.

Josias Du Pre passed away at Wilton Park in 1780.

His Family

Josias Du Pre married Rebecca Alexander. Rebecca's father was Nathaniel Alexander. Her brother was James Alexander, 1st Earl of Caledon. James Alexander's son, Du Pre Alexander, 2nd Earl of Caledon, was even named after Josias Du Pre.

Josias and Rebecca had several children:

• James Du Pre grew up to become a Member of Parliament (MP). An MP is a person elected to make laws for the country.
• Eliza first married Colonel Brice. Later, she married Rev. John Blackwood. He was the son of Sir John Blackwood, 2nd Baronet.
• Rebecca married Sir Philip Grey Egerton, 9th Baronet. Their son was Sir Philip Grey Egerton, 10th Baronet.

Josias Du Pre also had a sister named Esther. She married Paul Porcher. Their son, Josias Du Pré Porcher, also became an MP.