Alexander Montgomerie, 9th Earl of Eglinton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Eglinton
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1660 |
| Died | 18 February 1729 (aged 68) Eglinton Estate, Scotland |
| Nationality | British |
| Spouses |
|
| Children | 21 |
| Parents |
|
Alexander Seton Montgomerie, 9th Earl of Eglinton was an important Scottish nobleman. He was born around 1660 and passed away on February 18, 1729. He was in charge of the large Eglinton Estate in Scotland.
Contents
Life Story
Alexander Montgomerie was born around 1660. He was the oldest son of Alexander, the 8th Earl of Eglinton. His mother was Lady Elizabeth Crichton.
When his grandfather died in 1669, Alexander lived with Matthew Fleming. Mr. Fleming was a minister who helped with Alexander's education. He went to school in Culross until 1673. After that, he studied at the University of St. Andrews until 1676.
A few months after leaving university, he got married. His first wife was Lady Margaret Cochrane. At that time, his father gave him control of the Eglinton estates. Alexander Montgomerie was also very interested in freemasonry.
Political Roles
After a big change in government called the Revolution, King William chose Alexander. He became a privy counsellor, which meant he advised the king. He also became a lord commissioner of the treasury. This role involved managing government money.
In 1700, the king allowed him to vote in the Parliament of Scotland. This was a special permission.
When Queen Anne became queen in 1702, Alexander was again chosen as a privy counsellor. In 1711, he was named a commissioner of the chamberlain's court.
He became the Earl of Eglinton in 1701 after his father passed away.
Serving in Parliament
In 1710 and again in 1713, he was chosen as a Scottish representative peer. This meant he represented Scotland in the British Parliament.
His son-in-law, George Lockhart, said that Alexander supported a plan. This plan was to use church money to help the Scottish Episcopal clergy. He even told Queen Anne that Presbyterians would not strongly oppose it.
Alexander also spoke about important topics like patronage and religious tolerance. People thought his speeches were very good. In June 1712, he suggested extending the time for people to take a special oath.
Later Years and Death
In the early 1700s, his home in the city was in Edinburgh. It was located on the Royal Mile.
During a time of unrest in 1715, Alexander helped the government. He gathered and trained local soldiers from Ayrshire. On August 22, he joined other noblemen to support the government.
He passed away suddenly at Eglinton on February 18, 1729. Many people attended his funeral. His son, Alexander Montgomerie, 10th Earl of Eglinton, became the next Earl.
Family Life
.jpg)
The Earl of Eglinton was married three times. He had a total of 21 children!
First Marriage
His first wife was Margaret Cochrane. They had three sons and six daughters:
- Hugh, Lord Montgomerie (died in 1696)
- Alexander (died young)
- John (died young)
- Catherine (married to James, fifth Earl of Galloway)
- Elizabeth (died young)
- Jean (died young)
- Euphemia (married to George Lockhart of Carnwath)
- Grace (married to Robert, fifth Earl of Carnwath)
- Jean (married to Sir Alexander Maxwell of Monreith)
Second Marriage
His second wife was Lady Anne Gordon. She was the daughter of George Gordon, 1st Earl of Aberdeen. They had one daughter:
- Mary (married to Sir David Cuningham of Milncraig). She was known for her beauty.
Third Marriage
His third wife was Susanna Kennedy. She was the daughter of Sir Archibald Kennedy of Culzean. They had three sons and eight daughters:
- James, Lord Montgomerie (died young)
- Alexander, 10th Earl of Eglinton
- Archibald, 11th Earl of Eglinton
- Elizabeth (married to John Cunningham of Capringham)
- Helen (married to the Hon. Francis Stuart of Pittendriech)
- Susanna (married to John Renton of Lamberton)
- Margaret (married to Sir Alexander MacDonald of Sleat)
- Frances (unmarried)
- Christian (married to James Moray of Abercairney)
- Grace (married to Charles Byrne)
- Charlotte (died young)
See Also
