James Hamilton, 1st Earl of Abercorn facts for kids

James Hamilton, 1st Earl of Abercorn (1575–1618) was an important Scottish diplomat. He worked for King James VI of Scotland. He also helped with the Plantation of Ulster, a project to settle people from Scotland and England in Ireland.

Early Life and Family Connections

James was born on 12 August 1575, probably in Paisley, Scotland. He was the oldest son of Claud Hamilton and his wife Margaret Seton. His father later became Lord Paisley in 1587.

James's family, the House of Hamilton, was very old and important in Scotland. His grandfather was James Hamilton, 2nd Earl of Arran. James's mother, Margaret, was the daughter of George Seton, 7th Lord Seton. Both of James's parents came from Scottish families. They were also Roman Catholic and supported Mary, Queen of Scots. His father and grandfather fought for her in the Battle of Langside in 1568.

As the oldest son, James was given the special title "Master of Paisley." He had four brothers and one sister.

Marriage and Children

Around 1592, James married Marion Boyd. She was the daughter of Thomas Boyd, 6th Lord Boyd. Marion was a strong Roman Catholic. After James died, the Church of Scotland in Glasgow did not approve of her Catholic faith.

James and Marion had nine children together. They had five sons and four daughters:

• James (born around 1603) became the 2nd Earl of Abercorn after his father.
• Claud (died 1638) settled in Ireland.
• William (died 1681) became a Baronet and worked for Queen Henrietta Maria.
• George (born around 1608) also became a Baronet.
• Alexander (died before 1669) started the family's branch in Germany.
• Anne (1592–1620) married Hugh Sempill in 1611.
• Margaret (died 1642) married Sir William Cunninghame.
• Isobel (1600–1620).
• Lucy (born before 1618) was supposed to marry Randal MacDonnell, but it never happened.

Life in Scotland and Royal Service

In 1597, James Hamilton became a member of the Parliament of Scotland for Linlithgow. He was also made a special attendant to King James VI and joined the King's Privy Council. In 1600, the King made him the hereditary Sheriff of Linlithgow. This meant his family would hold that important local position.

In 1603, King James VI of Scotland also became King James I of England. This meant he ruled both kingdoms at the same time.

On April 5, 1603, James Hamilton was given the title "Lord Abercorn." This was the start of a long line of nobles who would hold the title of Earl, Marquess, and Duke of Abercorn.

His wife, Marion, was a close friend of Anne of Denmark, the Queen. In 1603, the Queen had a health issue while visiting Stirling Castle. Marion Boyd was there to help her.

In 1604, Lord Abercorn worked on a special group to discuss joining the crowns of England and Scotland. Even though the plan didn't work out, the King was happy with his efforts. James received large areas of land in Scotland as a reward.

On July 10, 1606, he received even more honors. He was made the Earl of Abercorn, Baron Paisley, Baron Hamilton, Baron Mountcastell, and Baron Kilpatrick.

Helping with the Ulster Plantation

Lord Abercorn and his brothers, Claud and George, were "undertakers" in King James I's Plantation of Ulster. This was a plan to settle Scottish and English people in parts of Ireland.

In 1611, James was given large areas of land in County Tyrone, Ireland. These lands, called Donalong (2000 acres) and Strabane (1000 acres), were taken from the O'Neill clan. He also later got another area called Shean. He built a castle in Strabane. His brother Claud also received land in County Cavan.

In 1613, he was asked to attend the Parliament of Ireland. He was given the same high rank as an Earl in Ireland, even though he hadn't been made an Irish peer. He also joined the Council of Munster in 1615.

Death and Legacy

Lord Abercorn died on March 23, 1618, in Monkton, Scotland. He was 42 years old. He was buried on April 29, 1618, in Paisley Abbey church.

He died before his father, so he never became Lord Paisley. However, because he was already the Earl of Abercorn, he still held a very important title. His oldest son, James, who was 14, became the 2nd Earl of Abercorn.

His wife, Marion, died in Edinburgh in 1632. James's brother, Sir George Hamilton, helped raise the children and encouraged them to follow the Catholic faith.