Alexander Leslie, 5th Earl of Leven facts for kids

Alexander Melville (also known as Alexander Leslie), the 5th Earl of Leven, was an important Scottish nobleman. He lived from 1695 to 1754. He held several significant positions in Scotland during his lifetime. These included being a Lord High Commissioner and a Scottish Representative Peer.

Alexander Melville's Early Years

Alexander Melville was born on May 28, 1695. His father was David Melville, the 3rd Earl of Leven. His mother was Lady Anne Wemyss. Alexander's mother was the oldest daughter of James Wemyss, Lord Burntisland. She was also the daughter of Lady Margaret Wemyss, who was the Countess of Wemyss in her own right.

His Important Jobs and Roles

When his nephew passed away in 1729, Alexander Melville inherited the titles of Earl of Leven and Earl of Melville. His older brother had died before their father in 1721.

Lord Leven held many important jobs. From 1734 to 1754, he served as a Lord of Session. This was a judge in Scotland's highest court. He was also the Grand Master of Scottish Freemasons from 1741 to 1742.

From 1741 to 1753, he was the High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. This role meant he represented the King or Queen at the Church's main meeting. He also served as a Representative Peer for Scotland. This meant he was chosen to represent Scotland's nobility in the British Parliament. He held this role from 1747 to 1754. Finally, in 1754, he became a Lord of Police.

His Family Life

Melville House

Alexander Melville married Mary Erskine on February 23, 1721. Mary was the daughter of Colonel John Erskine of Carnock. She passed away in 1723. They had one child together:

• David Melville, 6th Earl of Leven (1722–1802). He later married Wilhelmina Nisbet.

After Mary's death, Alexander married Elizabeth Monypenny on March 13, 1726. Elizabeth was the daughter of Alexander Moneypenny of Pitmilly. Alexander and Elizabeth had four children:

• Lady Mary Leslie (1736–1821). She was a novelist. She married Dr. James Walker in 1762. After his death, she married George Robinson Hamilton.
• Alexander Leslie (1731–1794). He became a Major-general in the British Army. He married Mary Tullidelph in 1760.
• Lady Anne Melville (1730–1779). She married George Carnegie, 6th Earl of Northesk.
• Lady Elizabeth Melville (1737–1788). She married John Hope, 2nd Earl of Hopetoun.

Lord Leven and Melville passed away on September 2, 1754. His oldest son, David, inherited his titles.