Introduction
John Upton (7 April 1590 – 12 September 1641) of Lupton in Devon was four times elected MP for Dartmouth at various times between 1625 and 1641.
Origins
The ancient family of Upton originated at the Cornish manor of Upton. A notable member of this family was Nicholas Upton (c.1400–1457), English cleric, Precentor of Salisbury, and writer on heraldry and the art of war. Before inheriting Lupton this branch of the family were seated at Puslinch.
John Upton was born and baptised at Weare Giffard, North Devon, the 3rd son and heir of Arthur Upton of Lupton, in the parish of Brixham, South Devon, and his wife Gertrude Fortescue (d.1598) daughter of Hugh Fortescue of Filleigh and Weare Giffard.
Career
In 1625, he was elected Member of Parliament for Dartmouth. He was re-elected MP for Dartmouth in 1626 and 1628 and sat until 1629 when King Charles decided to rule without parliament for eleven years. In April 1640, Upton was re-elected MP for Dartmouth in the Short Parliament. He was re-elected for the Long Parliament in November 1640, but died the following year.
Marriage & progeny
In 1613 Upton married Dorothy Rous (alias Rowse) (d.1644), daughter of Sir Anthony Rous of Halton in Cornwall, and sister of Francis Rous (1579-1659), MP. They had 6 sons and 8 daughters, including:
- Arthur Upton (1614-1662), eldest son and heir, who married in 1638 Elizabeth Gould (d.1685), daughter of William Gould of Hayes and widow of Robert Haydon (1604-1634) of Cadhay. Their eldest son and heir was:
- John Upton (d.1687) of Lupton, MP for Dartmouth from February 1679 to August 1679.
- Vivian, p.459, pedigree of Haydon; p.744, Upton