Sir John Jacob, 1st Baronet facts for kids
Sir John Jacob (born around 1597, died 1666) was an English politician. He was a member of the House of Commons in 1640 and 1641. Sir John Jacob supported the Royalist side during the English Civil War.
Early Life and Career
John Jacob was the son of Abraham Jacob from Gamlingay, Cambridgeshire. His mother was Mary Rogers. He started studying at Merton College, Oxford in 1617 when he was 19 years old. He earned his first degree there in the same year.
Later, he became a customs farmer in the Port of London. This meant he collected taxes on goods coming into or leaving the country. He was made a knight in 1633. In 1634, he bought a large property in Bromley St Leonards.
Time in Parliament
In April 1640, Sir John Jacob was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Harwich. This was for a short time, in what was called the Short Parliament. Later that year, in November 1640, he was elected again. This time, he represented Rye in the Long Parliament.
However, he was removed from Parliament in 1641. This happened because he was involved in a monopoly on tobacco. A monopoly means one person or group has total control over selling a product.
Sir John Jacob supported the King's side, known as the Royalists, during the English Civil War. Because of this, his lands were taken away by the other side.
After the War
When the King was restored to power, Sir John Jacob got his job back. In 1665, he was given the title of baronet of Bromley. This was a special honor from the King.
Sir John Jacob passed away around the age of 69. He was buried in Bromley in March 1666. He had built special homes for poor people, called almshouses, in Gamlingay. He also left money to help support them.
Family Life
Sir John Jacob was married three times.
- His first wife was Elizabeth Halliday. They had two sons who died before him, and a daughter named Susanna.
- His second wife was Alice Eaglesfield. Their son, also named John, took over his father's title.
- His third wife was Elizabeth Ashburnham.