James Sutherland, 2nd Lord Duffus facts for kids
James Sutherland (who died in 1705) was the 2nd Lord Duffus. He was an important member of the Scottish nobility. His family was a younger branch, or cadet, of the Clan Sutherland.
Early Life and Becoming Lord Duffus
James Sutherland was the oldest son of Alexander Sutherland, 1st Lord Duffus. His mother was Jean Mackenzie. She was the daughter of Colin Mackenzie, 1st Earl of Seaforth. James took over his father's title and lands in 1674. This happened after his father passed away.
Life as Lord Duffus
James officially became Lord Duffus on November 10, 1674. He took part in the Parliament of Scotland several times. He attended meetings in 1678, 1681, and 1685. In 1686, he became a Privy Councillor of Scotland. This meant he was a trusted advisor to the King.
Lord Duffus faced some money problems. He sold or mortgaged parts of his estates to his second son. In 1688, he had a serious incident with a creditor, William Ross. During a walk, Lord Duffus was involved in an unfortunate event that led to Mr. Ross's death. Lord Duffus then went to England. He stayed there until his friends helped him get a special pardon from the King. His mother wrote to him, offering comfort and support.
His pardon came quickly. By March 1689, he was back in Scotland. He supported the new government of William III of England. He also took an oath of loyalty to the Prince of Orange in 1690.
In 1695, a special law was passed for him. It allowed him to hold two yearly fairs and a weekly market at Duffus Castle. In 1701, he voted for the Darien scheme. This was a plan for Scotland to set up a trading colony. James Sutherland, 2nd Lord Duffus, passed away on September 24, 1705.
Family Life
James Sutherland married Margaret Mackenzie on September 5, 1674. She was the oldest daughter of Kenneth Mackenzie, 3rd Earl of Seaforth. Margaret passed away less than a year after James, in August 1706.
They had several children:
- Kenneth Sutherland, 3rd Lord Duffus: He was James's heir and took over the title.
- James Sutherland: He later changed his last name to Dunbar. His descendants would eventually become Lords Duffus with the Dunbar name.
- William Sutherland of Roscommon: He lost his property for being part of the Jacobite rising of 1715.
- John Sutherland
- Alexander Sutherland
- Elizabeth Sutherland
- Frances Sutherland
- Henrietta Sutherland: She was born on February 21, 1684.
- Mary Sutherland: She married James Sinclair of Mey and had children.
- Katharine Sutherland: She married John Cuthbert, who was a town-clerk in Inverness. They also had children.
