Archibald Kennedy, 11th Earl of Cassilis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Archibald Kennedy, 11th Earl of Cassilis
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Portrait of Kennedy by Mather Brown
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| Born |
Archibald Kennedy
1720 |
| Died | 30 December 1794 |
| Spouse(s) |
Katherine Schuyler
(Anne Watts
(m. 1769; |
| Children | Archibald Kennedy, 1st Marquess of Ailsa |
| Parent(s) | Archibald Kennedy Maria Walter Kennedy |
| Relatives | Robert Walter (grandfather) |
Captain Archibald Kennedy, 11th Earl of Cassilis (born 1720, died 1794) was an important Scottish nobleman. He lived in the English colony of New York. This colony later became part of the United States. He had a long career in the Royal Navy, serving on many ships. Later in life, he inherited a noble title and returned to Scotland.
Contents
Early Life and Family Roots
Archibald Kennedy was born in 1720. His family lived in New York City at a large home called the Kennedy mansion. His father was Archibald Kennedy (1685–1763). His mother was Maria Walter Schuyler Kennedy (1689–1764).
Important Family Connections
Archibald's mother, Maria, had a very interesting background. Her father was Robert Walter, who was a mayor. Her mother, Catharine Leisler, was the daughter of Jacob Leisler. He was a colonial governor in New York. Before marrying Archibald's father, Maria was briefly married to Arent Schuyler. Archibald's father was a direct descendant of an earlier Earl of Cassilis.
Archibald Kennedy joined the Royal Navy. He worked his way up through the ranks. He became a lieutenant in 1744. Just five days later, he was promoted.
His first assignment was on a 14-gun ship called HMS Otter. He served there until 1747 or 1748. Later, in 1751, he joined the 20-gun frigate HMS Centaur. He left Centaur in 1754.
Becoming a Commander
In 1756, Archibald was promoted to commander. He was given command of the 18-gun ship HMS Halifax. However, the French captured his ship later that same year.
Rising to Post-Captain
Archibald was promoted again in 1757 to post-captain. This was a very important rank. He took command of a new 32-gun frigate called HMS Vestal.
Key Battles and Roles
In 1758, he commanded HMS Flamborough. He fought in the Raid on St Malo. This was a battle between the British and the French. He later commanded other frigates, including HMS Quebec and HMS Blonde'.
From 1766, he became the senior captain in North America. This meant he was the Commander-in-Chief, North American Station. His job was to lead all Royal Navy ships in the area. He worked to stop smuggling and collect more money for the British.
Life in New York and Noble Title
Archibald Kennedy owned Liberty Island from 1746 to 1758. This island is in the Upper New York Bay near Manhattan. He used it as a summer home.
In 1792, a distant cousin, the 10th Earl of Cassilis, passed away without any sons. Because of this, Archibald was called back to Culzean Castle in Scotland. He became the 11th Earl of Cassilis and the 13th Lord Kennedy.
Family Life and Marriages
Archibald Kennedy was married twice. Both of his wives came from important families in New York.
First Marriage
His first marriage was to Katherine Schuyler (1737–1765). She was the daughter of Peter Schuyler. Katherine was an only child. So, when her father died in 1762, she inherited all his property. When Katherine died in 1765, Archibald inherited her entire estate.
Second Marriage and Children
In 1769, he married Anne Watts (1744–1793). She was the daughter of John Watts. Anne was also related to the Schuyler family, like his first wife.
Archibald and Anne had four children:
- Archibald Kennedy, 1st Marquess of Ailsa (1770–1846). He married Margaret Erskine of Dun.
- Hon. John Kennedy (1771–1859). He married Charlotte Gill.
- Hon. Robert Kennedy (1773–1843). He married Jane Macomb.
- Lady Anne (died 1820). She married William Henry Digby.
Anne Watts, his second wife, died in 1793. Archibald Kennedy passed away almost exactly one year later, in 1794.
Notable Descendants
Archibald Kennedy had many notable descendants.
- His grandson, Robert Thomas Kennedy Levett, was named after him.
- His great-grandsons included Sir John Gordon Kennedy K.C.M.G.. He became a famous diplomat.
- Another great-grandson was Admiral Sir William Robert Kennedy G.C.B.. He became a high-ranking naval officer.
- Gilbert George Kennedy played football for Scotland against England.
Images for kids
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Portrait of his second wife, Anne Watts, by Mather Brown.
