Milnes, James (1755 -1805)

Probably the stamp of James Milnes of Thornes House, near Wakefield, Yorkshire, only surviving son of James Milnes of Wakefield, a wool merchant, and Esther, daughter and heir of John Widowes of Brimsup Hall, in Lancashire. He was born 11 October 1755, married Mary Ann, daughter and coheir of Hans Busk of Leeds, but they had no children. He succeeded his father in 1792, was a Captain in the Wakefield Volunteers 1798, and Sheriff of Yorkshire 1800-1801. He was Member of Parliament for Bletchingley 1802 until his death. He took the name of Rich instead of Milnes, in compliance with the will of his wife’s great-uncle Aymor Rich of Bullhouse, in Yorkshire 17 August 1802, but resumed the name of Milnes after the death of his wife 13 January 1803. He died 21 April 1805.