Francis Ogilvy-Grant, 10th Earl of Seafield facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Seafield
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The 10th Earl of Seafield
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| Born | 9 March 1847 Ireland |
| Died | 3 December 1888 (aged 41) Oamaru, New Zealand |
| Cause of death | heart condition |
| Resting place | Oamaru Old Cemetery |
| Title | 10th Earl of Seafield |
| Tenure | 5 June – 3 December 1888 |
| Other titles | 2nd Baron Strathspey |
| Residence | Oamaru |
| Issue | James Ogilvie-Grant |
| Parents | James Ogilvy-Grant |
| Occupation | farmer |
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Francis William Ogilvy-Grant was a Scottish nobleman, also known as the 10th Earl of Seafield and 2nd Baron Strathspey. He was born in 1847 and passed away in 1888. For much of his adult life, he lived and worked in New Zealand. Before becoming an Earl, he was known as Viscount Reidhaven from 1884 to 1888.
A Young Nobleman's Start
Francis William Ogilvy-Grant was born in Ireland in 1847. He was the oldest son of James Ogilvy-Grant, 9th Earl of Seafield. His mother, Caroline Louisa Evans, was his father's first wife. Sadly, his mother passed away when he was very young, in 1850.
After finishing his education, Francis joined the Royal Navy as a midshipman. A midshipman is a young officer in training. Later, he worked in the merchant navy, which involves ships that carry goods for trade.
Life in New Zealand
In 1870, Francis moved to New Zealand. He bought a farm in a place called Waiareka Valley, near Oamaru in North Otago. Farming was tough, and he lost a lot of money. Because of this, from the late 1870s, he worked as a labourer. This meant he did jobs like building fences or other tasks he could find. Later, he and his family moved into the town of Oamaru.
Francis also tried to become a politician in New Zealand. He ran for election twice in the Oamaru area. This was for a seat in the New Zealand House of Representatives, which is like their parliament.
His first attempt was in 1884, against the person already holding the seat, Samuel Shrimski. Francis did not win that election. Then, in 1885, Samuel Shrimski was given a new role in the New Zealand Legislative Council. This created an open spot, so Francis ran again in a special election, called a by-election. However, he lost this time too, to Thomas Hislop.
Family and Titles
Francis married his first cousin, Ann Trevor Corry Evans, in 1874. Her father and his mother were brother and sister. They got married in a place called The Bethel in Otago, New Zealand. Francis and Ann had seven children together: four girls and three boys. Their youngest daughter, Nina Geraldine, later married Sir Lees Knowles in 1915.
In 1884, Francis's cousin, Ian Ogilvy-Grant, 8th Earl of Seafield, passed away. Because of this, the title of Earl of Seafield went to Francis's father. As the next in line to become Earl, Francis then became known as Viscount Reidhaven.
When his father died on June 5, 1888, Francis officially became the 10th Earl of Seafield. This title was part of the Peerage of Scotland, which is a system of noble ranks in Scotland. He also gained another title, Baron Strathspey, which was part of the Peerage of the United Kingdom.
Sadly, Francis passed away on December 3, 1888, due to a heart condition. He is buried in the Oamaru Old Cemetery. His oldest son, James Ogilvie-Grant, 11th Earl of Seafield, became the next Earl. At the time, James was only twelve years old.
The 11th Earl, James, was badly hurt in World War I and died in 1915. After his death, some of the titles, like Baron Strathspey, went to his younger brother, Trevor Ogilvie Grant. However, the main title of Earl of Seafield could be passed down to female family members. So, it went to James's daughter, Nina Caroline Studley-Herbert.
After Francis, the 10th Earl, died, his wife (the dowager countess) lived in Auckland and Tauranga for some time. Later, she moved to England and passed away in Brighton in 1935.
Images for kids
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Grave of the 10th Earl of Seafield, Francis William Ogilvie Grant, at the Old Oamaru Cemetery, New Zealand
