James Campbell (of Burnbank and Boquhan) facts for kids

James Campbell (born around 1660, died around January 1713) was a Scottish nobleman from the Clan Campbell. He was an officer in the Scottish and later British armies. He also became a politician, serving in the Parliament of Scotland from 1699 to 1702. Later, he was a member of the British Parliament as a Whig from 1708 to 1710.

Who Was James Campbell?

Early Life and Family

James Campbell was the fourth son of Archibald Campbell, 9th Earl of Argyll. His mother was Lady Mary, daughter of James Stuart, 4th Earl of Moray. James studied at the University of Glasgow.

In 1685, during a time of political unrest called the Monmouth Rebellion, James was held in Edinburgh Castle. His father was a leader in this uprising and was later executed.

James joined the army in 1689. He became a captain in a regiment led by his brother.

A Controversial Marriage

In 1690, a big event happened involving Captain Campbell in London. He became involved in a marriage with a young heiress named Mary Wharton. Mary was only 13 years old at the time. She had inherited a large income from her father, who had passed away in 1685.

On November 10, 1690, Mary was taken from her home. She was then married to Campbell without her permission. Her legal guardian, Robert Byerley, was not present.

The Annulment

Because Mary did not agree to the marriage, it was quickly declared invalid. The Lord Chief Justice of England ordered the marriage to be cancelled. Mary was returned to her guardian within two days.

The Parliament of England officially annulled the marriage on December 20, 1690. They passed a special law for this, called the Mary Wharton and James Campbell Marriage Annulment Act 1690. Campbell's older brother, the 10th Earl of Argyll, tried to stop the annulment, but he was not successful.

In 1692, Mary Wharton married her guardian, Robert Byerley. She later had two sons and three daughters. James Campbell also remarried in 1694. His second wife was Margaret Leslie, daughter of General David Leslie, 1st Lord Newark. They had two sons and three daughters together.

Life in Politics

In 1696, James Campbell invested £500 in the Darien scheme. This was a plan to set up a Scottish colony in Panama.

By 1699, Campbell was elected to the Parliament of Scotland. He represented the town of Renfrew. In 1702, he became a director of the Bank of Scotland.

Serving in Parliament

In 1703, James's brother, the 1st Duke of Argyll, passed away. His nephew, John Campbell, 2nd Duke of Argyll, became the new Duke. The 2nd Duke helped James get elected to the British Parliament in 1708. He represented the Ayr District of Burghs.

James Campbell had served in the army again before 1708. He was likely a colonel. However, his attempts to rejoin the army in 1709 were unsuccessful. He was not a very well-known member of Parliament. He did support the impeachment of Dr. Sacheverell in 1710.

Campbell left his seat in Parliament in 1710. His nephew then gave the seat to a Scottish doctor named Charles Oliphant.

Later Life

James Campbell likely passed away in January 1713. He left behind two sons and two daughters. His oldest son, John Campbell, was his main heir. His younger son and a daughter also inherited parts of his estate later on.