Andrew Lusk facts for kids
Lusk as caricatured by James Tissot in Vanity Fair, October 1871
Sir Andrew Lusk, 1st Baronet (born September 18, 1810 – died June 21, 1909) was an important Scottish businessman and a Liberal politician. He was a member of the British Parliament from 1865 to 1885. This means he helped make laws for the country for twenty years.
Contents
Sir Andrew Lusk's Life
Early Life and Business
Andrew Lusk was born in Barr, Ayrshire, Scotland. His parents were John Lusk and Margaret Earl. He grew up in a Presbyterian family, which is a type of Christian faith.
He started his career as a merchant, buying and selling goods. He also owned ships, which was a big business at the time. This helped him become very successful.
Roles in the City of London
Sir Andrew Lusk was very active in the City of London, which is the historic heart of London and a major financial center. He held several important positions there:
- He was a director of the Imperial Bank. This meant he helped manage the bank's operations.
- He was also a director of the General Fire and Life Assurance Co. This company provided insurance for people and property.
- He served as an alderman, which is a senior member of a city council.
- He was a Deputy Lieutenant for the City of London. This is a ceremonial role, helping the Lord-Lieutenant represent the King or Queen.
- He was a Justice of the Peace (J.P.) for Middlesex. A J.P. is a volunteer who helps with local court duties.
- From 1860 to 1861, he was the Sheriff of London and Middlesex. This was an important civic role, often involved in legal and ceremonial duties.
Political Career and Honors
In 1865, Andrew Lusk was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the area called Finsbury. An MP is someone elected by the public to represent them in the House of Commons. He held this seat for twenty years, until 1885.
He achieved a very high honor in 1873-1874 when he became the Lord Mayor of London. This is a very prestigious position, leading the City of London Corporation.
In 1874, he was given the title of baronet. This means he became "Sir Andrew Lusk, 1st Baronet." This special honor was given to him to celebrate the visit of the Emperor of Russia to the city. The title "baronet" is passed down through the family, but since Sir Andrew Lusk did not have children, the title ended when he died.
From 1885 to 1896, he was the Chairman of the Trustees of Morden College. This college is a charity that provides housing and support for elderly people.
Family and Later Life
Sir Andrew Lusk married Eliza Potter in 1848. She was the daughter of James Potter from Falkirk, Scotland.
Sir Andrew Lusk lived a very long life, passing away on June 21, 1909, at the age of 98. Because he had no children, his baronetcy title ended with him.
