John Bethune of Craigfoodie facts for kids
John Bethune (pronounced BEE-ton) was a Scottish landowner and politician born in 1670. Later in his life, he moved to England and became a clergyman, which is a type of church leader.
Early Life and Family
John Bethune was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on August 5, 1670. His father was William Bethune of Craigfoodie, and his mother was Mary Bethune. John also had a younger brother named George. George moved to Massachusetts in America and became a successful businessman in Boston.
John's father, William, was a lawyer in Edinburgh. In 1680, he bought a large estate called Craigfoodie. This estate was in Dairsie, Fife, and became very valuable. William built a new house there. John was supposed to study at the University of St Andrews to become a minister for the Church of Scotland. However, his older brother Robert passed away in 1696. After this, John left university with his MA degree to prepare for a future as a landowner instead.
Public Service and Later Life
When his father died in 1699, John became the owner of the Craigfoodie estate. He soon took on public duties. In 1701, he was chosen as a Shire Commissioner for Fife to the Parliament of Scotland. A Shire Commissioner was like a representative for the local area. He signed two important requests in 1701. He was re-elected in 1703 and supported a new law in 1704.
However, John's father had left some debts. Also, during the very cold winter of 1708–09, there was not enough food or money for many people. Because of these difficulties, John had to sell his lands and belongings. The Craigfoodie estate went to his brother-in-law, Charles Bell. John and his family then moved to London, England.
In London, John became a priest in the Church of England. He worked as a chaplain at the Lock Hospital in Southwark and as a curate at St Michael, Cornhill in the City of London. He passed away there on April 17, 1734. His wife survived him.
His Family
On February 15, 1699, John married Anna Urie in Edinburgh. They had nine children together. Two of their sons built their lives and raised families in Sussex, England:
- John Bethune (1702–1775) became a surgeon in East Grinstead. He married Mildred Thorpe, who was a cousin of George Nevill, 1st Earl of Abergavenny.
- Andrew Bethune (1705–1767) became an Anglican priest. He lived at Rowfant in the parish of Worth. He married Mary Watson.
