Duncan Stewart of Ardsheal facts for kids

Duncan Stewart was born around 1732 at a place called Ardsheal. He became the 10th Chief of the Clan Stewart of Appin and the 6th of Ardsheal. He was also a good friend of the famous writer James Boswell. Duncan was the oldest son of Charles Stewart, who was the 5th of Ardsheal. His father was a leader for the Jacobites during the Jacobite Rising of 1745. This was a time when people fought to bring back the old royal family to the throne. Charles Stewart led his clan at the Battle of Culloden on April 16, 1746. Duncan's mother was Isabel Haldane from Lanrick.

Early Life and Family History

Duncan Stewart was born at Ardsheal. After the Battle of Culloden, his father, Charles Stewart (5th of Ardsheal), had to escape from Scotland. He fled to France in 1746 and died there in 1757. The government declared Charles Stewart a rebel. They took away all his family's land and property.

Life in America

Later in his life, Duncan Stewart worked as a customs collector. This meant he collected taxes on goods coming into the country. He worked first in New London, Connecticut, and then in Bermuda. During the American War of Independence, Duncan Stewart supported the British government. He was loyal to the king. Because of his loyalty, the government gave back his family's estates in Ardsheal, Scotland, in 1769. These were the lands that had been taken from his father.

Return to Scotland and Legacy

Duncan Stewart is well-known for his portrait painted by John Singleton Copley. This painting is now kept at the National Gallery of Scotland. He is also remembered for his friendship and travels with James Boswell. After getting his family's land back, Duncan settled in Scotland. He became the Chief of the Clan of Appin when his cousin, Dugald Stewart, passed away.

Family Life

Duncan Stewart married Anne Erving. Her father, John Erving, was a loyal supporter of the British government. He was also the Governor of Boston. Anne's mother was Anne Shirley. Her father, William Shirley, was also a Governor of Massachusetts. Duncan and Anne Stewart had ten children together. One of their children was James Haldane Stewart, who became an important church leader.

Final Years

Duncan Stewart passed away on September 12, 1793, in London. He was buried in the churchyard of Old St. Pancras. His specific grave is no longer known. However, his name is not on a monument that lists other important lost graves from that time.