Francis Charteris, Lord Elcho facts for kids

Francis Wemyss Charteris, Lord Elcho (born January 31, 1749 – died January 20, 1808) was a Scottish nobleman and a member of parliament, which means he was elected to help make laws for the country.

Early Life and Family History

Francis Wemyss Charteris was the only son of Francis Charteris. His grandfather was James Wemyss, the 5th Earl of Wemyss.

His grandfather's oldest son, David Wemyss, Lord Elcho, had been involved in the Jacobite Rising of 1745. This was a rebellion against the King of Great Britain. Because of his part in the rebellion, David lost his right to inherit his family's titles and lands. This legal punishment was called an "attainder."

So, when the 5th Earl died in 1756, the title of Earl of Wemyss could not be passed on. It was "forfeit," meaning it was taken away by the government.

Time in Parliament

In 1780, Francis Charteris was chosen by voters to represent the Haddington area of Scotland in the British Parliament. This was a big responsibility, as he helped make important decisions for the country.

From 1784, he often disagreed with the government led by William Pitt the Younger. This meant he was part of the "opposition," working to challenge the government's plans and ideas.

Changes in Titles

In 1787, Francis Charteris's uncle, David Wemyss (the one who had been involved in the rebellion), passed away. Even though David had lost his right to the title, Francis's father had not. So, Francis's father decided to use the title of 7th Earl of Wemyss. Because of this, Francis himself began to use the title Lord Elcho.

At that time, there was a rule that the oldest sons of Scottish noblemen were not allowed to be members of Parliament for Scottish areas. After some discussion, Francis had to leave his seat in Parliament.

Later, it was decided that the title of Earl of Wemyss was still officially "forfeit" and that his father wasn't actually a Scottish nobleman in the eyes of the law. However, Francis did not try to get back into Parliament after this.

Francis Charteris died on January 20, 1808, at Amisfield House in East Lothian, Scotland. He was buried at St Mary's Collegiate Church, Haddington.

Family Life and Children

In 1771, Francis Charteris married Susan Keck. She was the daughter of Anthony Keck and the granddaughter of James Hamilton, 4th Duke of Hamilton.

Francis and Susan had one son and four daughters:

• Francis: He later managed to get the family's titles back and became the 8th Earl of Wemyss.
• Henrietta Charlotte Elizabeth: She married George Harry Grey, 6th Earl of Stamford.
• Susan: She married Sir Henry Clinton.
• Katharine: She married Edward Richard Stewart.
• Augusta: She married Warner William Westenra, 2nd Baron Rossmore.

After Francis Charteris died, his wife Susan changed her last name to Tracy in 1818. She did this because she inherited land from her uncle, Robert Tracy, after her older sister passed away.