James Hope-Johnstone, 3rd Earl of Hopetoun facts for kids
James Hope-Johnstone, 3rd Earl of Hopetoun (born August 23, 1741 – died May 29, 1816) was an important Scottish nobleman, politician, and military officer. He inherited a special title called an "earldom" and served his country in different ways throughout his life.
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Life of James Hope-Johnstone
James Hope-Johnstone was the son of John Hope, 2nd Earl of Hopetoun. His mother was Lady Anne Ogilvy. He had many brothers and sisters, including his sister Lady Henrietta Hope.
Early Military Career
James decided to join the military when he was young. From 1758 to 1764, he served as an Ensign in the British Army. An Ensign was a junior officer, similar to a second lieutenant today. This meant he was learning to lead soldiers.
Becoming the Earl of Hopetoun
In 1781, when his father passed away, James became the 3rd Earl of Hopetoun. This meant he inherited the family title and the large family home, Hopetoun House.
Serving in Government
He also took on important roles in government. From 1794 to 1816, he was the Lord-Lieutenant of Linlithgowshire. This was a high-ranking official who represented the King or Queen in a county. He also served in the House of Lords, which is part of the British Parliament. He was a Scottish Representative Peer from 1784 to 1790 and again from 1794 to 1796. This meant he was chosen by other Scottish noblemen to speak for them in Parliament.
Joining the Royal Society
In 1786, James was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This is a group of important scientists and thinkers. People like John Walker, James Hutton, and Henry Cullen suggested him for this honor.
New Titles and Family Name
In 1809, he received another special title: Baron Hopetoun. This new title was also part of the Peerage of the United Kingdom. He also inherited land and property from the Johnstone family. Because of this, he added "Johnstone" to his last name, becoming Hope-Johnstone. He also had a claim to another old title, the Earl of Annandale and Hartfell, but he never officially used it.
James Hope-Johnstone passed away at Hopetoun House on May 29, 1816.
Family Life
In 1766, Lord Hopetoun married Lady Elizabeth Carnegie. She was the daughter of George Carnegie, 6th Earl of Northesk. James and Elizabeth had five daughters together.
Elizabeth passed away in 1793. Lord Hopetoun lived for more than twenty years after her. When he died in 1816, his half-brother, John Hope, 4th Earl of Hopetoun, became the next Earl of Hopetoun. The claim to the Annandale and Hartfell title went to his oldest daughter, Lady Anne. She married William Johnstone Hope.
One of his daughters, Georgiana Hope-Johnstone, married Andrew Cochrane in 1793. Andrew was the youngest son of Thomas Cochrane, 8th Earl of Dundonald. Andrew added "Johnstone" to his name, becoming Andrew Cochrane-Johnstone.
James Hope-Johnstone also had several brothers-in-law who were important figures. These included Charles Hope, Lord Granton, Henry Dundas, Viscount Melville, and Sir Patrick Murray of Ochtertyre.
