Family and Education

bap. 3 July 1654, 1st s. of Isaac Elton of St. Philip’s and St. Jacob’s, Barton Regis, Bristol by his w. Elizabeth. m. 11 Sept. 1676, Mary, da. of Robert Jefferies of Pile Green, Glos., 3s. 1da. suc. fa. 1695; cr. Bt. 31 Oct. 1717.

Offices Held

Alderman, Bristol 1699, sheriff 1702-3, mayor 1710-11; treasurer, Merchant Venturers 1705-8, master 1708-9.

Biography

A Dissenter of humble origin, the son of a market-gardener,1 Elton became one of the greatest commercial magnates of Bristol, ‘a pioneer of its brass foundries and iron foundries, and ... owner of its principal weaving industry, as well as of its glass and pottery works, besides largely contributing to the shipping of the port.’2 Buying Clevedon Court in 1709 and Whitestaunton in 1714, he was created a baronet in 1717 in reward for his services in the rebellion of 1715. He sat as a Whig for his native city from 1722 to 1727, when he stood down in favour of his son. He died 9 Feb. 1728, leaving a fortune estimated at £100,000.3

Ref Volumes: 1715-1754

Author: Shirley Matthews

Notes

• 1. J. Latimer, Annals of Bristol in 18th cent., 162.
• 2. GEC Baronetage, v. 41.
• 3. Latimer, loc. cit.