James Ogilvy, 4th Earl of Findlater facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Findlater
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Seumas Mac'IlleBhuidh
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James Ogilvy, 4th Earl of Findlater.
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| Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland | |
| In office 1713–1714 |
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| Monarch | Queen Anne |
| Preceded by | The Marquess of Tweeddale |
| Succeeded by | The Earl of Seafield |
| Lord Chancellor of Scotland | |
| In office 1705–1708 |
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| Monarch | Anne |
| Preceded by | The Earl of Marchmont |
| Succeeded by | David Steel (as Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 11 July 1664 |
| Died | 19 August 1730 (aged 66) |
James Ogilvy, 4th Earl of Findlater and 1st Earl of Seafield (born July 11, 1664 – died August 19, 1730) was an important Scottish politician. He held many high-ranking jobs in the government of Scotland.
Contents
Early Life and Career
James Ogilvy was the second son of James Ogilvy, the 3rd Earl of Findlater. His mother was Lady Anne Montgomerie.
In 1685, he became a member of the Faculty of Advocates. This was a group of top lawyers in Scotland. From 1681 to 1695, he served as a representative for Cullen, Banffshire. This meant he spoke for the people of that area in the Parliament of Scotland.
Rising in Politics
At first, James Ogilvy supported King James II. But later, he swore loyalty to King William and Queen Mary. This change helped him get important government jobs.
He became the Solicitor General for Scotland in 1693. This role meant he was a chief legal advisor to the government. He then served as Secretary of State from 1696 to 1702. This job involved managing important government affairs.
He was also the Lord Chancellor of Scotland twice. He held this top legal position from 1702 to 1704 and again from 1705 to 1708. In 1698, he became a member of the Royal Society. This is a famous group for scientists and thinkers.
New Titles and the Union
In 1698, James Ogilvy was given the title Viscount Seafield. A few years later, in 1701, he became the Earl of Seafield. These were new noble titles given to him by the King.
He played a big part in the Union of 1707. This was when Scotland and England joined to form Great Britain. He was a Commissioner for the Union starting in 1702. He strongly supported the Union from 1706.
After the Union, he became the first Lord Chief Baron of the Scottish Court of Exchequer. This court handled money matters for the government.
Changing Views on the Union
By 1713, James Ogilvy's feelings about the Union had changed. He even suggested that the Union should be ended. This shows how his political ideas could shift over time.
He also served in the British House of Lords several times. He was a Scottish Representative Peer. This meant he represented Scotland's nobles in the British Parliament.
In 1707, he joined the Privy Council of Great Britain. This was a group of important advisors to the monarch. In 1711, he became the 4th Earl of Findlater after his father passed away. From 1713 to 1714, he was the Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland. This person was in charge of the official seal used for important government documents.
Family and Legacy
Lord Findlater married Anne Dunbar in 1687. She was the daughter of Sir William Dunbar.
James Ogilvy passed away in August 1730 when he was 66 years old. His son, James Ogilvy, 5th Earl of Findlater, took over his titles.
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James Ogilvy, 4th Earl of Findlater.
