CRAGGS, JAMES (1657-1721), English politician, who, after following various callings in London, entered the service of the duchess of Marlborough, through whose influence he be came in 1702 member of parliament for Grampound, retaining his seat until 1713. He was in business as an army clothier and held several official positions, becoming joint postmaster-general in 1715. Craggs also increased his enormous wealth by mixing in the affairs of the South Sea Company, but after his death an act of parliament confiscated all the property which he had acquired since Dec. 1719. He died on March 16, 1721.
His son, JAMES CRAGGS the younger (1686-1721), was born on April 9, 1686. In 1713 he became member of parliament for Tre goney, in 1717 secretary for war, and in 1718 one of the principal secretaries of state. Craggs was implicated in the South Sea Bub ble, but not so deeply as his father, whom he predeceased on Feb. 16, 172I.