Carlos Martínez de Irujo, 2nd Marquess of Casa Irujo facts for kids

Don Carlos Fernando Martínez de Irujo y McKean, also known as the 2nd Marquess of Casa Irujo, was an important Spanish politician. He was born on December 14, 1802, in Washington, D.C., in the United States. He passed away on December 26, 1855, in Madrid, Spain, at 53 years old.

Carlos Fernando Martínez de Irujo served as the Prime Minister of Spain. This is a very high position in the government. He was in office for a short time, from January to March 1847. He also held several noble titles, including Duke of Sotomayor and Grandee of Spain. A Grandee of Spain was a very important noble with special privileges.

Family Background

Carlos Fernando Martínez de Irujo came from a notable family. His father was Carlos Martínez de Irujo, 1st Marquess of Casa Irujo. He was a diplomat, someone who represents their country in other nations. His mother was Sarah McKean.

Sarah McKean's father, Carlos's grandfather, was Thomas McKean. Thomas McKean was a very famous person in American history. He was a Governor of Pennsylvania and also signed the United States Declaration of Independence. This document declared America's freedom from Great Britain. Sarah Armitage McKean, his grandmother, was the First Lady of Pennsylvania.

Marriage and Titles

In 1844, Don Carlos married Gabriela del Alcázar. She was the 7th Duchess of Sotomayor. Through this marriage, he gained the title of Duke of Sotomayor. He also became a Grandee of Spain at this time. This shows how important family connections were in gaining high social status.

Children

Carlos and Gabriela had two children together:

• Carlos Martínez de Irujo y del Alcázar (born 1846, died 1909). He later became the 8th Duke of Sotomayor and the 3rd Marquess of Casa Irujo.
• María de la Piedad Martínez de Irujo y del Alcázar. She married Pedro Caro y Széchényi, 6th Marquis of La Romana.