Thomas George Fermor-Hesketh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Thomas Fermor-Hesketh
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Sir Thomas Fermor-Hesketh by Frederick Sandys, 1883
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| High Sheriff of Northamptonshire | |
| In office 1881–1881 |
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| Preceded by | Henry Vane Forester Holdich Hungerford |
| Succeeded by | Richard Henry Ainsworth |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Thomas George Hesketh
9 May 1849 |
| Died | 19 April 1924 (aged 74) |
| Spouses |
Florence Emily Sharon
(m. 1880) |
| Parents | Sir Thomas Fermor-Hesketh, 5th Baronet Lady Anna Maria Isabella Fermor |
Sir Thomas George Fermor-Hesketh (born May 9, 1849 – died April 19, 1924) was an important British soldier and a Baronet. A Baronet is a special title, like a knight, that you inherit from your family. He was the 7th person in his family to hold this title.
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Who Was Sir Thomas Fermor-Hesketh?
Sir Thomas George Fermor-Hesketh was born as Thomas George Hesketh. He was the second son of Sir Thomas Fermor-Hesketh, who was the 5th Baronet. His mother was Lady Anna Maria Isabella Fermor. Her father was Thomas Fermor, the 4th Earl of Pomfret.
In 1867, Thomas and his father added the name "Fermor" to their surname. This was allowed by a special permission called a Royal Licence. In 1876, he became the 7th Baronet of Rufford after his older brother passed away.
His Adventures and Career
Sir Thomas started his military career as a Lieutenant in the Rifle Brigade. This was a famous British Army regiment.
A World Cruise and War
In January 1879, Sir Thomas began an exciting trip around the world. He sailed on his new steam yacht, the Lancashire Witch. While he was sailing from Madeira to South America, news arrived about a big British defeat. This was the Battle of Isandlwana during the Anglo-Zulu War in South Africa.
The news finally reached him in South America. He immediately changed his plans and sailed to Natal, South Africa. He offered his help to the army. He became an ADC (Aide-de-Camp) to General Redvers Buller. This meant he was a special assistant to the general. He even took part in a mounted battle at the Battle of Ulundi.
After the War
After the war, Sir Thomas continued his world cruise. In 1880, he helped rescue people from San Francisco who were in trouble at sea near Mexico. The city of San Francisco honored him for his bravery. They held a party to thank him.
In 1881, he was given another important role. He became the High Sheriff of Northamptonshire. This was a ceremonial role, like a representative of the King or Queen in a county. He was also made an Honorary Colonel of a military battalion in 1881. He kept this title until he passed away.
Family Life
While in San Francisco, Sir Thomas met Florence Emily Sharon. She was from a very wealthy family. Her father, William Sharon, was a U.S. Senator. He had made a huge fortune in gold, silver, banking, and hotels in California and Nevada. He was the richest man in Nevada and a very big taxpayer in California.
Sir Thomas and Florence got married on December 22, 1880. Their wedding was at the Ralston Hall Mansion in Belmont, California. They had two sons together:
- Thomas Fermor-Hesketh, 1st Baron Hesketh (1881–1944)
- Frederick Fermor-Hesketh (1883–1910)
When Florence's father died in 1885, he left most of his money to her. Later, when her brother Frederick passed away, the entire family fortune went to Florence and the Fermor-Hesketh family. They lived at Rufford Old Hall in Lancashire, England.
Sir Thomas Fermor-Hesketh passed away on April 19, 1924, when he was 74 years old. His son Thomas became the next Baronet. In 1935, Thomas was given an even higher title, becoming Baron Hesketh. Lady Fermor-Hesketh passed away in September 1924 after an accident at Euston Hall.
His Legacy
An island in Alaska, called Hesketh Island, was named after Sir Thomas. This happened after he visited the area in his yacht, the Lancashire Witch, in 1880.
