Sir John Crosse, 2nd Baronet facts for kids

Sir John Crosse, 2nd Baronet (born around 1700 – died 12 March 1762), was an important British politician. He lived in places like Millbank, Westminster, and Rainham, Essex. Sir John was a member of the Whig party, which was one of the main political groups at the time. He served in the House of Commons, which is like a parliament where laws are made, for many years between 1727 and 1754.

Early Life and Education

Sir John Crosse was the second and younger son of Sir Thomas Crosse, 1st Baronet and his wife, Jane Lambe. A "baronet" is a special title, like a knight, that can be passed down in a family.

Young John started his education at Westminster School on January 10, 1715, when he was 14 years old. Later, he went to Christ Church, Oxford, a famous university, on February 21, 1717, at the age of 16.

A Career in Politics

Sir John Crosse spent many years working in British politics. He was known for being a member of the Whig party.

Becoming a Member of Parliament

In 1727, Sir John was first elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for a place called Wootton Bassett. An MP is someone chosen to represent people in the House of Commons. He supported the government in all the votes that were recorded.

Later, in 1734, he tried to become an MP for Great Marlow but was not successful. However, he got another chance in 1735. He was elected without anyone opposing him for Lostwithiel in a special election called a by-election.

Taking on the Baronet Title

On May 27, 1738, Sir John Crosse became the 2nd Baronet. This happened because his older brother, Thomas, had passed away before him. So, Sir John inherited the special title from his father, Sir Thomas Crosse, 1st Baronet.

Votes and Changes in Support

Sir John was elected again for Lostwithiel in 1741. During this time, he also helped the government's chosen candidates in Westminster. He even helped rescue one of them, Lord Sundon, from a crowd of people.

After a major political change in 1742, when a leader named Walpole lost power, Sir John's voting record changed a bit. He was not present for a vote about troops from Hanover (a German state) in December 1742. Then, he voted against having these troops in December 1743 and January 1744. However, he later went back to supporting the government. In 1746, he voted for the Hanoverian troops and was seen as an "Old Whig," meaning he stuck to the original ideas of the Whig party. He did not run for election in 1747.

Representing Westminster

Sir John Crosse was very involved in local matters in Westminster since 1727. His own father had also been an MP for Westminster. In 1754, a politician named Henry Pelham asked Sir John to run for MP in Westminster. Sir John agreed, but he said he would only pay up to £500 towards the election costs.

He was elected as the MP for Westminster. However, there are no records of him giving any speeches or casting any votes during this time. By 1761, Sir John Crosse decided not to run for election again because he was not feeling well.

Family and Later Life

Sir John Crosse married Mary Godfrey on July 15, 1746, at St John's Church in Westminster. They did not have any children.

Sir John passed away at Millbank on March 12, 1762. Because he had no children, his baronet title ended when he died. He was buried on April 2, 1762, at St Margaret's, Westminster. His wife, Mary, was buried in the same church on September 25, 1770.