Samuel Jones (English politician) facts for kids
Sir Samuel Jones (born 1610 – died January 3, 1673) was an English politician. He was a member of the House of Commons in 1656 and again in 1660. Even though he supported Parliament during the English Civil War, he later became a strong supporter of the King (a Royalist).
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Early Life and Family
Samuel Jones was the second son of Isaac Jones. His father was a Merchant Taylor from London. Samuel's mother was Elizabeth Prince. She was from Shrewsbury. Samuel went to school in Shrewsbury in 1622.
His Role in the Civil War
During the English Civil War, Samuel Jones led a group of soldiers for Parliament. He served under Sir William Waller. In 1643, he helped organize defenses for Surrey. The next year, he helped with taxes in Surrey. He also worked as a Justice of the Peace (J.P.) for Surrey from 1644 to 1652.
In 1652, Samuel inherited land in Shrewsbury after his father passed away. He also bought more land in Courteenhall, Northamptonshire. He helped with taxes in Westminster in 1652. He was also the High Sheriff of Northamptonshire from 1652 to 1653. This was an important local role.
A Member of Parliament
In 1656, Samuel Jones was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Shrewsbury. He served in the Second Protectorate Parliament. He continued to help with taxes in Surrey in 1657. He also helped organize the local army (militia) in Shropshire in 1659 and 1660.
In April 1660, he was again elected as an MP for Shrewsbury. This time, it was for the Convention Parliament. This Parliament helped bring the King back to power. Samuel Jones showed he was a very strong Royalist. He was tough on those who had benefited from the Commonwealth government.
Later Life and Legacy
Samuel Jones was knighted on September 2, 1660. This meant he was given the title "Sir." From 1661 until his death, he was a colonel in the local army for Northamptonshire. He also became a Justice of the Peace for Northamptonshire in 1662.
In 1663, he inherited more land in Shropshire. This happened after his brother, Sir William Jones, died. Samuel also served as High Sheriff of Shropshire from 1663 to 1664. He had an important job as secretary and auditor for the council in Wales until he died. He also helped with taxes in Oxfordshire from 1665 to 1669. In 1667, he became a Gentleman of the Privy Chamber. This was a special role close to the King. He was also High Sheriff of Oxfordshire from 1669 to 1670.
Sir Samuel Jones passed away at the age of 63. He was buried in Courteenhall. He was married twice. First, to Margaret Middleton. Later, he married Mary Tryon. He did not have any children. He left his properties to his great-nephew, Samuel Wake.
Sir Samuel Jones also left money to start a school in Courteenhall. He also funded almshouses (homes for poor people) on his land in Shropshire. He even left £500 to help young business people in Shrewsbury. This money was for interest-free loans.
