James Murray, 2nd Duke of Atholl facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duke of Atholl
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Portrait by Allan Ramsay.
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| Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland | |
| In office 1763–1764 |
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| Preceded by | The Duke of Queensberry |
| Succeeded by | The Earl of Marchmont |
| Keeper of the Privy Seal of Scotland | |
| In office 1733–1763 |
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| Preceded by | The Earl of Ilay |
| Succeeded by | James Stuart-Mackenzie |
| Member of Parliament for Perthshire |
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| In office 10 February 1715 – 31 December 1724 |
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| Preceded by | Lord James Murray |
| Succeeded by | David Graeme |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
James Murray
28 September 1690 Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Died | 8 January 1764 (aged 73) Dunkeld, Perthshire, Scotland |
| Spouses |
Jane Frederick
(m. 1726; died 1748)Jean Drummond
(m. 1749) |
| Children | John Murray, Marquess of Tullibardine Lady Jane Murray Charlotte Murray, Duchess of Atholl James Murray, Marquess of Tullibardine |
| Parents | John Murray, 1st Duke of Atholl Lady Catherine Hamilton |
James Murray, 2nd Duke of Atholl (born September 28, 1690 – died January 8, 1764) was an important Scottish nobleman and politician. He held several high-ranking positions in the government. These included being the Lord Privy Seal and the Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland. He also served as a Member of Parliament for Perthshire.
Contents
Life of James Murray
Early Life and Family Background
James Murray was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was the third son of John Murray, 1st Duke of Atholl and Lady Katherine Hamilton. His family was very influential in Scotland.
In 1712, James became a captain in the 1st Foot Guards, a military unit. His older brother, William, lost his right to inherit the family titles and lands. This happened because William took part in the Jacobite rising of 1715, a rebellion against the king. Because of this, a special law was passed. This law made James the next in line to inherit his family's important titles and estates.
Political Career and Roles
In 1715, James Murray was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Perthshire. He was re-elected in 1722. When his father passed away in 1724, James became the 2nd Duke of Atholl.
In June 1724, he was appointed Lord Privy Seal. This was a very important government role. He also became a "representative peer" for Scotland. This meant he was chosen by other Scottish nobles to represent them in the British Parliament. In 1734, he received the Order of the Thistle, a special honor.
Isle of Man and Later Years
James Murray also inherited the title of "Sovereign of the Isle of Man" in 1736. This happened because his mother's family, the Stanleys, had ruled the island for a long time. He also inherited an ancient noble title called the barony of Strange.
During the Jacobite rising of 1745, another rebellion, James remained loyal to the king. He joined the king's army. His older brother, William, who was part of the rebellion, took over Blair Castle, the family home. However, James continued to support the government.
In 1763, he became the Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland. This was another very high position in the Scottish government. He was also made a lord justice general.
James Murray is also known for planting some of the first European Larch trees in Great Britain. These trees were planted near Dunkeld cathedral in 1738. Some of them are still alive today!
He passed away in Dunkeld on January 8, 1764, at 73 years old. He was buried in Inveresk. His daughter, Lady Charlotte, inherited the barony of Strange. His nephew, John, became the 3rd Duke of Atholl.
Family Life
James Murray married Jane Frederick on April 28, 1726. They had four children together:
- John Murray, Marquess of Tullibardine (1728–1729), who died as a baby.
- Lady Jane Murray (around 1730–1747).
- Lady Charlotte Murray (1731–1805).
- James Murray, Marquess of Tullibardine (1735–1736), who also died as a baby.
After Jane passed away in 1748, James married Jean Drummond on May 7, 1749. They did not have any children.
