David Wemyss, 4th Earl of Wemyss facts for kids

David Wemyss, 4th Earl of Wemyss (born April 29, 1678 – died March 15, 1720) was an important Scottish nobleman. He was also a Member of Parliament, which means he helped make laws. From 1706 to 1714, he held a very important job: the Lord High Admiral of Scotland. This role meant he was in charge of Scotland's navy.

His Early Life

David Wemyss was born on April 29, 1678. His father was James Wemyss, Lord Burntisland. His mother was Margaret Wemyss, 3rd Countess of Wemyss. He had two sisters. His older sister was Lady Anne Wemyss. She married David Melville, 3rd Earl of Leven. His younger sister was Lady Margaret Wemyss. She married David Carnegie, 4th Earl of Northesk.

His Important Roles

David became the Earl of Wemyss in March 1705. This happened after his mother passed away. He joined the Scottish Parliament as a nobleman on June 28, 1705. In the same year, he became part of the Privy Council. This was a group of advisors to the King or Queen.

He was also one of the people who helped create the Treaty of Union with England. This treaty joined Scotland and England into one country, Great Britain. In 1706, he was named the High Admiral of Scotland. When the Union happened, this job changed. He then became the Vice Admiral of Scotland.

His Family Life

Earl Wemyss was married three times during his 41 years of life. His first marriage was on August 13, 1697. He married Lady Anne Douglas. She was the daughter of William Douglas, 1st Duke of Queensberry. They had two sons and one daughter together. Their children were David Wemyss, Lord Elcho, and James Wemyss. James later became the 5th Earl of Wemyss. Their daughter was Lady Williamina Wemyss. She later moved to Pennsylvania in America.

His second marriage was on January 5, 1709. He married Mary Robinson in London. His third marriage was in July 1716. He married Elizabeth St. Clair. She was the daughter of Henry, Lord Sinclair. They had two daughters. Lady Elisabeth Wemyss married William Sutherland, 17th Earl of Sutherland. Lady Margaret Wemyss married James Stuart, 8th Earl of Moray.

Earl Wemyss passed away on March 15, 1720.