Alexander Stewart, 6th Earl of Galloway facts for kids

Alexander Stewart, 6th Earl of Galloway (born around 1694 – died 24 September 1773) was an important Scottish nobleman. He held several significant positions during his lifetime.

Early Life and Family

Alexander Stewart was the oldest son of Lady Catherine Montgomerie and James Stewart, 5th Earl of Galloway. His father was a high-ranking official, serving as a Commissioner of the Scottish Treasury and a member of the Privy Council of Scotland. This council advised the King or Queen. His father was also against the Union between England and Scotland, which joined the two countries into Great Britain.

Alexander had three younger brothers:

• Hon. James Stewart: He was a Lieutenant-General in the army and a MP for areas like Wigtown Burghs.
• Hon. William Stewart: He was a Captain and also an MP for Wigtown Burghs.
• Hon. George Stewart: He sadly passed away while studying at Edinburgh University.

He also had two sisters:

• Lady Margaret Stewart: She married James Carnegie, 5th Earl of Southesk.
• Lady Euphemia Stewart: She married Alexander Murray of Broughton.

Career and Public Service

In 1740, Alexander, who was then known as Lord Garlies, started building Galloway House. This grand home was located next to the village of Garlieston, on Wigtown Bay. The house was designed by John Douglas. Later, around 1750, a large wall was built around the garden. It is believed that French prisoners of war helped build this wall.

Alexander became the Earl of Galloway when his father passed away in 1746. He served as the Scottish Lord of Police from about 1743 to 1768. This role involved overseeing law and order in Scotland. In 1756, he also became the 4th Baronet, of Burray.

From 1757 to 1759, he held the important position of Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. This is a high leadership role in the Freemasonry organization in Scotland. He was also a Lieutenant-General and President of the Council of the Royal Company of Archers from 1765 to 1768. The Royal Company of Archers is the monarch's ceremonial bodyguard in Scotland.

Personal Life and Family

Galloway House, the family home in Scotland from the 1740s until 1908

Alexander Stewart married Lady Anne Keith in 1719. She was the youngest daughter of the William Keith, 9th Earl Marischal. They had four children together:

• Hon. Alexander Stewart, Master of Garlies (1719–1738): He passed away young.
• Hon. James Stewart (died 1733): He also died young.
• Hon. John Stewart: He died when he was very young.
• Lady Mary Stewart (died 1751): She married Kenneth Mackenzie, Lord Fortrose.

Lady Anne passed away in 1728. Alexander, who was also a poet, wrote some verses in her memory.

In 1729, Alexander married his cousin, Lady Catherine Cochrane. She was the daughter of John Cochrane, 4th Earl of Dundonald. They had nine children who survived:

• John Stewart, 7th Earl of Galloway (1736–1806): He became the next Earl of Galloway.
• Hon. George Stewart (died 1758): He was a Lieutenant in the army and died during the French and Indian War at Fort Ticonderoga.
• Vice Admiral the Hon. Keith Stewart of Glasserton (1739–1795): He became a Vice Admiral in the navy.
• Lady Euphemia Stewart (1729-1818).
• Lady Catherine Stewart (born around 1730): She married her cousin James Murray.
• Lady Margaret Stewart (born around 1732-1762): She married Charles Gordon, 4th Earl of Aboyne.
• Lady Charlotte Stewart (died 1818): She married John Murray, 4th Earl of Dunmore.
• Lady Harriet Stewart (died 1788): She married Archibald Hamilton, 9th Duke of Hamilton.
• Lady Susanna Stewart (born 1742/3-1805): She married Granville Leveson-Gower, 1st Marquess of Stafford.

Lord Galloway passed away on 24 September 1773. His oldest living son, John, then became the 7th Earl of Galloway. His second wife, Lady Catherine, passed away in 1786.