(1592 - 1682) The senior of a remarkable family of merchants, father and five sons, notable for their success, liberality and mutual affection. They traded with France, Portugal, Spain and the Mediterranean. James Houbelon Sr. was the son of a refugee Huguenot from Lille. He lived in Bearbinder Lane in a house which was rebuilt after the Fire. Bishop Burnet ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilbert_Burnet ) preached his funeral sermon and Pepys is said to have composed his epitaph.
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Per L&M Companion:
(1592 - 1682) The senior of a remarkable family of merchants, father and five sons, notable for their success, liberality and mutual affection. They traded with France, Portugal, Spain and the Mediterranean. James Houbelon Sr. was the son of a refugee Huguenot from Lille. He lived in Bearbinder Lane in a house which was rebuilt after the Fire. Bishop Burnet ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilbert_Burnet ) preached his funeral sermon and Pepys is said to have composed his epitaph.
His son James ( http://www.pepysdiary.com/encyclopedia/8247/ ) became Pepys' closest friend.