James St Clair-Erskine, 3rd Earl of Rosslyn facts for kids

James Alexander St Clair-Erskine, the 3rd Earl of Rosslyn (born February 15, 1802 – died June 16, 1866), was an important Scottish soldier and politician. He was known as Lord Loughborough from 1805 until 1837. He served as a General in the British Army. He also held political jobs like Master of the Buckhounds and Under-Secretary of State for War.

Early Life and Family

James Alexander St Clair-Erskine was born on February 15, 1802. His father was James St Clair-Erskine, 2nd Earl of Rosslyn. His mother was Harriet Elizabeth Bouverie. Harriet was the daughter of Edward Bouverie.

A Career in the Military

Rosslyn joined the British Army in 1819. He quickly moved up the ranks. In 1823, he bought a captaincy in the 9th Light Dragoons. He became a lieutenant-colonel in 1828.

Promotions and Commands

Rosslyn continued to advance in his military career. He was promoted to Major-General in 1854. In 1859, he became a Lieutenant-General. Finally, on April 20, 1866, he reached the rank of full General.

In 1864, he was chosen to be the Regimental Colonel of the 7th Queen's Own Hussars. He took this role after General Sir William Tuyll passed away. Lord Rosslyn also led a group called The Fife Mounted Rifle Volunteers. He commanded them from 1860 until his death in 1866.

Political Life and Public Service

Rosslyn began his political career in 1830. He was elected to Parliament for Dysart Burghs in Scotland. He held this seat until 1831. After that, he represented Grimsby from 1831 to 1832.

Becoming an Earl

In 1837, James took over his father's title. He became the 3rd Earl of Rosslyn. This meant he gained a seat in the House of Lords.

Key Government Roles

In 1841, he joined the Privy Council. This is a group of important advisors to the monarch. That same year, he was appointed Master of the Buckhounds. This was a role in the royal household. He served in this position under Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel until 1846.

He held the same Master of the Buckhounds job again from February to December 1852. This time, he served under Lord Derby. He also briefly served as Under-Secretary of State for War from March to June 1859. This role involved helping to manage military affairs. Lord Rosslyn was also a Deputy Lieutenant for Fife. This was a local official role.

Family Life

In 1826, James Alexander St Clair-Erskine married Frances Wemyss. She was the daughter of Lieutenant-General William Wemyss. Frances and James had two sons and one daughter.

Children of the Earl

• Hon. James Alexander George St Clair-Erskine (1830–1851): He was known as Lord Loughborough. He was a Lieutenant in the military but died young and unmarried.
• Robert Francis St Clair-Erskine, 4th Earl of Rosslyn: He later became the 4th Earl. He married Blanche Adeliza FitzRoy.
• Lady Harriet Elizabeth St Clair-Erskine (died 1867): She married Prince Georg Münster in 1865. He was an ambassador.

Lady Rosslyn passed away on September 30, 1858. Lord Rosslyn died several years later, in June 1866, at the age of 64. His only surviving son, Robert, became the 4th Earl of Rosslyn.