James Murray (1727–1799) facts for kids
James Murray (born in 1727, died in 1799) was an important person from the Scottish Borders. He owned a lot of land and was also a politician. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) from 1762 to 1774, which means he helped make laws for the country.
Growing Up and Family
James Murray was the first son of Alexander Murray of Broughton. His mother was Lady Euphemia Stewart. Her father was the 5th Earl of Galloway.
James went to the University of Glasgow for his education. After university, he went on a "grand tour." This was a long trip around Europe that young wealthy people often took to learn about art, history, and different cultures.
When his father passed away, James inherited many large properties. These lands were in both Scotland and Ireland. Some of his important homes included Broughton House in Kirkcudbright and Cally House near Gatehouse of Fleet. He rebuilt Cally House with designs by a famous architect named Robert Mylne.
In 1726, James married his cousin, Lady Catherine Stewart. She was the daughter of his mother's brother, the 6th Earl of Galloway. James and Catherine had one daughter named Alicia. Sadly, Alicia became sick and passed away while they were on a trip in Rome.
James also had another daughter named Ann, who was born in 1725. Ann grew up at the Murray's Cally estate. Lady Catherine helped to raise her.
In 1762, James and Catherine Murray met a famous writer named James Boswell. Boswell described James as a "most amiable man" who was very smart and polite. He said Catherine was "very beautiful" and "very agreeable."
James Murray's Political Career
In 1761, James Murray tried to become a Member of Parliament for the area of Wigtownshire. He had the support of his relatives, the Earls of Galloway. However, he lost the election by a small number of votes to John Hamilton.
James Murray then made a formal complaint about the election results. With help from a powerful leader, the Marquess of Rockingham, a deal was made. John Hamilton agreed to step down. He was then given another seat in Parliament for a different area. This allowed James Murray to become the MP for Wigtownshire.
In the 1768 election, James Murray lost his seat in Wigtownshire. The Earl of Stewart wanted his own son, Keith Stewart, to have that position. Keith Stewart was James Murray's brother-in-law and cousin.
However, James Murray was elected as an MP for a different area, Kirkcudbright Stewartry. Later, he faced money problems because a bank called the Ayr Bank failed. These financial difficulties made him step down from Parliament in 1774. While he was an MP, he voted regularly on issues. However, he did not give any speeches in Parliament.
From 1783 to 1784, James Murray held a job called the Receiver General of Land Tax for Scotland. This role involved collecting taxes on land. Before this, from 1765 to 1773, he had received the salary for this job without actually doing the work. In 1766, he had even turned down an offer to formally take on the position.
He left his tax collection job in 1784. He hoped to find another way to become a Member of Parliament again. However, he could not agree to the terms for a new seat. After this, he traveled overseas.
