James Macartney (1692–1770) facts for kids
James Macartney (born 1692 – died March 24, 1770) was an important Irish politician. He was known for serving in the Irish Parliament for many years.
James was the only son of James Macartney (died 1727). His father was a judge in the Court of Common Pleas (Ireland). His mother was Alice Cuffe. Her father was Sir James Cuffe (died 1678). Through his grandmother, Alice Aungier, James was connected to the Earl of Longford family.
Family Life
James Macartney married Catherine Coote. She was the third daughter of a well-known judge, Thomas Coote. Catherine was also the niece of Richard Coote, 1st Earl of Bellomont.
James and Catherine had six children together. They had two sons and four daughters. Sadly, Catherine passed away in 1731.
Their children included:
- Francis Macartney: He became a Member of Parliament (MP). Sadly, he died in 1759, before his father, and did not have any children.
- Coote Macartney: He also died young in 1748 and did not have any children.
- Martha Macartney: She married William Henry Lyttelton, 1st Baron Lyttelton. They had children, including George Lyttelton, 2nd Baron Lyttelton.
- Frances Greville: She was born around 1724 and died in 1789. Frances was a talented poet. She wrote a famous poem called "Prayer for Indifference." She married another politician, Fulke Greville. They had four children. Their children included Frances Anne Crewe, who was a famous political hostess, and Henry Francis Greville, who managed theatres.
Since both of James's sons passed away before him and had no children, his lands and wealth went to his daughters and their children when he died in 1770.
Political Career
James Macartney was a Member of Parliament (MP) in the House of Commons of Ireland. This was like being a representative in the government. He served for a long time, from 1713 to 1760.
He represented two different areas during his time in Parliament:
- From 1713 to 1727, he was the MP for Longford Borough.
- From 1727 to 1760, he was the MP for Granard.
