Alexander Cairnes facts for kids

Sir Alexander Cairnes (born 1665, died 1732) was an important person in Ireland. He was a politician and a banker. He also served in the British Army.

Early Life and Connections

Alexander Cairnes was the oldest son of John Cairnes. His mother was Jane Miller. He had a younger brother named William. While serving in the army, Alexander became good friends with John Churchill. John Churchill later became a very famous general, the Duke of Marlborough.

A Life of Service

Alexander Cairnes was a soldier in the British Army. He fought in a big battle called the Battle of Blenheim. Because of his service, Queen Anne made him a baronet in 1708. A baronet is a special title, like a knight, but it can be passed down in the family. His title was "Baronet of Monaghan." If he didn't have a son, the title would go to his youngest brother, Henry.

In 1710, Cairnes became a Member of Parliament (MP). He represented Monaghan Borough in the Irish House of Commons. He did this until 1713. After that, he represented County Monaghan until 1727. In 1727, he was elected for both Monaghan Borough and County Monaghan. He chose to represent Monaghan Borough. He stayed an MP for Monaghan Borough until he died in 1732. In 1712, Cairnes was also given the job of Keeper of Phoenix Park. This meant he was in charge of a large park in Dublin.

Family Life

In 1698, Alexander Cairnes married Elizabeth Gould in London. Her brother was Sir Nathaniel Gould. Alexander and Elizabeth had a daughter named Mary and a son named William Henry.

Elizabeth died before 1731. Alexander Cairnes died in Dublin in 1732. His son, William Henry, had died before him. So, the baronet title went to his brother, Henry, as planned. Alexander's daughter, Mary, was looked after and educated by Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough.

Mary Cairnes (who died in 1790) first married Baron Blayney. When her father died, she was a widow and had no children. Later, in 1734, she married Colonel John Murray. He was also a Member of Parliament for County Monaghan. John Murray died in 1743. He and Mary had several daughters. One of their daughters, Elizabeth, married Robert Cuninghame, 1st Baron Rossmore. Another daughter, Harriet, became the mother of Warner Westenra, 2nd Baron Rossmore. He later inherited a special title from his aunt's husband.