Charles St Clair, 13th Lord Sinclair facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Sinclair
|
|
|---|---|
| Scottish Representative Peer | |
| In office 9 June 1807 – 23 April 1831 |
|
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Charles St Clair
30 July 1768 |
| Died | 30 September 1863 (aged 95) |
| Spouses |
Mary Agnes Chisholm
(m. 1802; died 1814)Isabella Mary Chatto
(m. 1816) |
| Relations | John Rutherfurd (grandfather) |
| Parents | Elizabeth Rutherfurd Andrew St Clair |
Charles St Clair, 13th Lord Sinclair (born 30 July 1768 – died 30 September 1863) was an important Scottish noble. He was also a "representative peer," which meant he was chosen to speak for Scottish nobles in the House of Lords, part of the British Parliament.
Growing Up
Charles St Clair was born on July 30, 1768. His parents were Elizabeth Rutherfurd and Andrew St Clair. His father, Andrew, was considered the 12th Lord Sinclair, even though his title wasn't officially recognized at the time.
Charles's family had a long history. His grandfather was Charles St Clair, who was also considered a Lord Sinclair. His mother's father, John Rutherfurd, was a Member of Parliament (MP) for Roxburghshire. This means Charles came from a family with connections to both nobility and politics.
His Career and Public Service
Charles St Clair's claim to the title of Lordship of Sinclair was officially approved by the House of Lords on April 25, 1782. This made him the 13th Lord Sinclair.
He had a career in the military before becoming a politician.
- In 1784, he started as an Ensign with the Royal Scots, a famous army regiment.
- By 1788, he became a Lieutenant in the 17th Foot regiment.
- He later raised his own army company in 1790. This company joined the 15th Foot.
- He continued to rise through the ranks, becoming a Captain in 1791, a Major in 1795, and a Lieutenant Colonel in 1799. He retired from the army in 1802.
- He also served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Berwickshire Militia from 1803 to 1805.
After his military career, Lord Sinclair became a Scottish representative peer in the House of Lords. This meant he was elected by other Scottish nobles to represent them in Parliament. He served in this role from 1807 until 1859, for over 50 years! He was a member of the Tory political party.
Family Life
Lord Sinclair was married two times.
First Marriage
His first marriage was on February 13, 1802, to Mary Agnes Chisholm. She was the only daughter of James Chisholm. They had several children together:
- James St Clair, 14th Lord Sinclair (1803–1880): He later became the 14th Lord Sinclair.
- Elizabeth St Clair (1804–1812): She passed away when she was young.
- Susan St Clair (1806–1856): She married Francis Dennis Massy-Dawson.
- Matthew St Clair (1808–1827): He served in the 84th Regiment.
- Charles St Clair (1809–1810): He also passed away when he was very young.
- Charles St Clair (1811–1863): He married twice, first to Isabella Jane Home, and then to Anne Crawfurd Pringle.
Mary Agnes Chisholm passed away on July 16, 1814.
Second Marriage
After his first wife's death, Lord Sinclair married Isabella Mary Chatto on September 18, 1816. Isabella was the youngest daughter of Alexander Chatto. They had three children:
- Eleanor St Clair (1818–1898): She never married.
- Jane Elizabeth St Clair (1822–1904): She married the Rev. William Leyland Feilden.
- John St Clair (1820–1842): He passed away without marrying.
Lord Sinclair lived a long life, passing away on September 30, 1863, at the age of 95. His eldest son, James, took over his title. His second wife, Isabella, passed away in 1875.
