James Stuart, 1st Earl of Bute facts for kids

Sir James Stuart, 1st Earl of Bute (born 1661 – died June 4, 1710) was an important Scottish figure. He was a soldier, a lawyer, a judge, and a politician. He came from a noble family in Bute, Scotland.

James Stuart was the son of Sir Dugald Stuart, 2nd Baronet, and his mother was Elizabeth Ruthven. When his father passed away in 1672, James became the 3rd Baronet Stuart of Bute. This was a special title in Scotland called a Baronetage of Nova Scotia.

Early Career and Public Service

James Stuart was very active in public life from a young age.

Military and Legal Roles

In 1681, he became a colonel in the local army, known as the militia. He helped bring peace to the area of Argyll after a rebellion led by the Earl of Argyll. In 1684, he was given the job of Sheriff for Tarbet, which meant he was in charge of law and order there. He also worked as a lawyer, called an advocate, starting in 1685.

Political Life

James Stuart was elected to the Scottish Parliament three times as a representative for Bute. He served from 1685 to 1686, again from 1689 to 1693, and finally from 1702 to 1703. In 1686, he also became the Sheriff of Argyll. He was made a Privy Counsellor for Scotland, which meant he was a trusted advisor to the King or Queen.

Becoming the Earl of Bute

In 1702, James Stuart was one of the people chosen to discuss combining Scotland and England. This was a very important job.

On April 14, 1703, he was given several new noble titles. He became the 1st Viscount Kingarth, Lord Mountstuart, Cumra and Inchmarnock, and most importantly, the 1st Earl of Bute. However, when the final decision to unite Scotland and England came in 1707, he actually spoke out against it.

Family and Later Years

James Stuart had two marriages and children.

Marriages

In July 1680, he married Agnes Mackenzie. She was the daughter of Sir George Mackenzie. After Agnes passed away, he married Christian Dundas.

Children

He had two children with his first wife, Agnes:

• Margaret Stuart (born before 1681 – died April 27, 1738). She married John Lindsay-Crawford, who was the 1st Viscount Garnock.
• James Stuart, 2nd Earl of Bute (born before 1696 – died January 28, 1723). He later became the 2nd Earl of Bute.

With his second wife, Christian, he had one son:

• John Stewart (born September 6, 1700 – died January 11, 1738).

James Stuart passed away on June 4, 1710, in Bath, England. He was buried in Rothesay, Scotland.