Sir John Germain, 1st Baronet facts for kids
Sir John Germain, 1st Baronet (born around May 1650 – died 11 December 1718), was a British soldier who came from the Netherlands. He was also a politician who served in the House of Commons, which is a part of the British Parliament, between 1713 and 1718.
People believed that Sir John Germain was the son of a private soldier named John Germain and Mary Moll. There was a rumor that he was secretly related to William III of England, who was a king. Sir John Germain even encouraged this rumor himself! He didn't have a formal education, but he was a very successful soldier and became quite wealthy.
Early Life and Career
Sir John Germain arrived in England in 1688, during the time of King William. In 1689, he worked as an assistant to a Dutch military leader in a place called Flanders. His brother was a merchant in London. In 1689, Sir John Germain officially became a British citizen. He also took part in the King's military efforts in Ireland.
Becoming a Baronet
Sir John Germain was given the title of "Knight" on 26 February 1698. Soon after, on 25 March 1698, he was made a baronet. This is a special title that is passed down through families, similar to a knight but with a hereditary rank.
He married Mary Howard, Duchess of Norfolk, on 15 September 1701. When she passed away on 17 November 1705, Sir John Germain inherited a large estate called Drayton House.
He married his second wife, Lady Elizabeth ("Betty") Berkeley, in October 1706. There was a disagreement over who should own Drayton House, but in November 1707, a court decided that Sir John Germain was the rightful owner.
Political Life
In the 1713 general election, Sir John Germain was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Morpeth. He was part of a political group called the Whigs. He voted against removing another politician, Richard Steele, from Parliament in 1714.
He did not run in the 1715 election. However, he was later elected without opposition as an MP for Totnes in a special election on 22 April 1717. This happened after the previous MP, Arthur Champernowne, passed away.
Death and Legacy
Sir John Germain passed away on 11 December 1718, at the age of 68. Before he died, he encouraged his wife to remarry or to leave his estate to the children of his friend, Lionel Sackville, 1st Duke of Dorset.
His wife, Lady Elizabeth, lived until 1769. She spent most of her later life with the Duke and Duchess of Dorset at a place called Knole. She eventually left the Drayton estate to Lord George Sackville, who then took on the surname Germain.
There are memorials honoring Sir John Germain, his two wives, and his three children (who sadly died young) at St Peter's Church, Lowick, in Northamptonshire.
