James Steuart of Coltness facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Steuart of Coltness
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Portrait of Steuart by David Scougall (c. 1658)
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| Lord Provost of Edinburgh | |
| In office 1658–1659 |
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| Preceded by | Sir Andrew Ramsay, Lord Abbotshall |
| Succeeded by | Robert Murray |
| Commissioner for Edinburgh | |
| In office 1649–1650 |
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| Preceded by | Sir John Smyth |
| Succeeded by | Samuel Desborrow |
| Lord Provost of Edinburgh | |
| In office 1648–1649 |
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| Preceded by | Sir Archibald Tod |
| Succeeded by | Sir Archibald Tod |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1608 |
| Died | 31 March 1681 |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Spouses |
Anne Hope
(m. 1630; Marion McCulloch Elliott
(m. 1648) |
| Children | Sir James Steuart Sir Robert Steuart, Bt. |
| Parents | James Steuart Marion Carmichael |
| Occupation | Merchant, banker, landowner, politician |
Sir James Steuart of Coltness (1608 – 31 March 1681) was a very important Scottish person. He was a successful merchant and banker. He also owned a lot of land and was a politician. He was known as a Covenanter, which meant he supported a special agreement about the Scottish church.
Contents
Early Life of James Steuart
James Steuart was born in 1608. His father, also named James Steuart, had passed away before he was born. His mother was Marion Carmichael. Her brother, Sir James Carmichael, was a very important judge in Scotland.
Sir James Steuart's Career
James Steuart became a rich merchant and banker in Edinburgh. In 1653, he bought large estates called Kirkfield and Coldness in Lanarkshire.
In 1631, he became a "burgess" of Edinburgh. This meant he was a free citizen of the town. He also joined a special group called a "guild." He likely gained these positions because of his marriage to Thomas Hope's niece.
Public Service in Edinburgh
Steuart held several important public jobs. He was the Provost of Edinburgh (like a mayor) from 1648 to 1652. He also served as a Commissioner for Edinburgh in the Parliament of Scotland from 1649 to 1650. He became Lord Provost again in 1659.
During his time as Provost, he helped make big improvements. He decided to strengthen the harbour in Leith. He also helped create a new road between Edinburgh and Leith, which is now known as Leith Walk.
The Scottish Restoration
In 1660, a time known as the Restoration happened in Scotland. This meant the king was brought back to power. Because James Steuart was a Covenanter, he was removed from his public jobs.
He was held prisoner in Edinburgh Castle for a while. Then, he was sent to Dundee as a prisoner. Luckily, he was granted a pardon in 1670. This meant he was forgiven and set free.
Family Life
In 1630, James Steuart married Anne Hope. She was the daughter of Henry Hope. Anne passed away in 1646. Together, they had five children:
- Sir Thomas Steuart, who became the 1st Baronet of Coltness (1631–1698)
- Sir James Steuart of Goodtrees (1635–1713)
- William Steuart (1640–1700)
- Sir Robert Steuart, 1st Baronet of Allanbank (1643–1707)
- Marion Steuart (1645–1706), who married John Maxwell
Two years after Anne's death, in 1648, James Steuart married Marion McCulloch Elliott. She was the widow of Sir John Elliott. Marion was also the only daughter and heir of David McCulloch of Goodtrees.
Sir James Steuart passed away on March 31, 1681.
See also
