Mark Singleton (politician) facts for kids
Mark Singleton (born in 1762 – died on July 17, 1840) was a politician with both English and Irish roots. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) in different important government groups. He was an MP for the area of Eye in the House of Commons of Great Britain from 1796 to 1799. Later, in 1800, he represented Carysfort in County Wicklow in the Irish House of Commons. He then returned to serve Eye in the House of Commons of the United Kingdom from 1807 to 1820.
Early Life and Family
Mark Singleton was the third son of Sydenham Singleton, a lawyer from Dublin. His mother was Elizabeth Whyte, whose father, Mark Whyte, was also a lawyer in Dublin. Mark Singleton went to college at Christ Church, Oxford and also studied law at Lincoln's Inn. In 1785, he married Lady Mary Cornwallis. She was the daughter of a very important person, Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis. Even though they married quickly, her father soon approved of their union.
Military Service
Even though Mark Singleton studied to become a barrister (a type of lawyer), he decided to join the British Army. In 1782, he became an ensign, which is a junior officer, in the 1st Foot Guards. Later, he served as a major in the Suffolk volunteer cavalry. He also held the rank of cornet in the Middlesex yeomanry, which was a group of volunteer soldiers.
Political Career
Mark Singleton's political career was greatly helped by his father-in-law, Charles Cornwallis. Cornwallis was a very influential person. His support helped Singleton get his seats in Parliament. In 1795, Singleton was also given an important government job. He became the Storekeeper of Ordnance, which meant he was in charge of military supplies.
