Alexander Fraser, 11th Lord Saltoun facts for kids

Alexander Fraser, 11th Lord Saltoun (born March 4, 1604 – died August 11, 1693), was an important Scottish nobleman. He was also known as the 10th Laird of Philorth. A "Laird" was a Scottish landowner, similar to a lord of a manor.

Early Life and Public Service

Alexander Fraser was born in 1604 in Fraserburgh, a town in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. His father was Sir Alexander Fraser. His mother was Lady Margaret Abernethy. She was the daughter of the 7th Lord Saltoun of Abernethy.

In 1619, Alexander started studying at King's College, Aberdeen. When his father passed away in 1636, Alexander became the 10th Laird of the Philorth lands.

A Time of Conflict

In 1638, Alexander signed the Solemn League and Covenant in Aberdeen. This was an agreement to protect the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. He also became a member of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in Glasgow in 1639.

That same year, he served under the Earl of Montrose. Alexander led 200 men to attack Kellie and Gight castles. He was chosen as a commissioner for Aberdeenshire in 1643. In this role, he attended the Convention of Estates in Edinburgh. This was like a parliament in Scotland.

After King Charles I was captured and taken to England, Lord Saltoun joined a rescue mission in 1648. He commanded a Scottish regiment, but the mission failed. Later, during the reign of King Charles II, Alexander lent large amounts of money to the king. He also served as a Member of Parliament for Aberdeenshire twice. First in 1648, and again from 1661 to 1663.

During the English Civil War, he fought for the Royalist side. At the Battle of Worcester in 1651, he was badly hurt. His servant, James Cardno, saved him and helped him recover. He was then brought back home to Fraserburgh.

Later Years and Legacy

In 1669, Fraser worked as a commissioner. He visited the two colleges in Aberdeen. In 1670, King Charles II officially approved his right to the Lordship of Saltoun of Abernethy. This was also confirmed by an Act of the Scottish Parliament.

How He Became the 11th Lord

Alexander Fraser was known as the 11th Lord Saltoun. This numbering can seem a bit confusing! Originally, he was called the 10th Lord. This was because the 9th Lord Saltoun died, and his sister, Margaret Fraser, became the 10th Lady Saltoun.

However, Margaret only held the title for a short time. After she passed away, the title went to Alexander Fraser. He was a cousin of the Abernethys through his mother's side. Later, people realized that Margaret's title was given by an old Scottish system. So, they decided to renumber the Lords Saltoun. This change made Margaret the 10th, and Alexander Fraser became the 11th Lord Saltoun.

His Family Life

Lord Saltoun was married two times. His first wife was Isobel Forbes. They had one daughter named Janet. His second wife was Elizabeth Urquhart. She was the widow of John Urquhart. Elizabeth was the mother of Alexander's son, also named Alexander. Sadly, his son died before him in 1672. Because of this, the title of 12th Lord Saltoun went to his grandson, William Fraser (1654-1715).

Remembering Lord Saltoun

Alexander Fraser, the 11th Lord Saltoun, died on August 11, 1693. He was 89 years old. People remembered him as a very religious and kind man. The church records in Fraserburgh described him this way:

He was a man that was given to the reading of good books, and very much in the exercise of prayer, both in his closet; and when he had to meet with a minister of churchman of his profession: He would alwise [sic] desire them to pray before they parted with him. He was very civil and kind to all whom he had the freedom to converse with. He was also very charitable to the poor, at all occasions, wherever he and they did meet.

He was buried in Fraserburgh.