John Campbell, Lord Stonefield facts for kids
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John Campbell, Lord Stonefield (around 1720–1801), was an important Scottish lawyer and judge. He became a Senator of the College of Justice, which is like being a top judge in Scotland. He was also a founding member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
Contents
His Life and Career
Early Life and Becoming a Lawyer
John Campbell was born around 1720. He was raised by Archibald Campbell of Stonefield, who was a lawyer himself. Archibald helped John follow in his footsteps. John studied law and became a qualified lawyer, known as an advocate, in Scotland in 1748.
In 1753, he became the Sheriff of Forfarshire, which meant he was a chief legal officer for that area.
Becoming a Top Judge
In 1763, John Campbell became a Senator of the College of Justice. This was a very high position, making him one of Scotland's main judges. He served in this role for 38 years, which was one of the longest times anyone had held the position!
Around 1765, he moved to George Square, Edinburgh in Edinburgh, a new and fancy part of the city.
Important Groups and Roles
John Campbell was very involved in important Scottish societies. In 1783, he helped start the Royal Society of Edinburgh, a famous group for scientists and thinkers. The next year, in 1784, he became a director of the Highland Society, which worked to support the culture and people of the Scottish Highlands.
In 1787, he was given another important job: he became a Lord of the Justiciary. This meant he was also a judge in Scotland's main criminal court.
He passed away at his home in George Square, Edinburgh, on 19 June 1801.
His Family
Around 1750, John Campbell married Grace Stuart (1725–1783). She was the sister of John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute, a very important person in British politics. John and Grace had children, including two sons named John and Colin, who both became army officers.
After Grace passed away, John married Phoebe Lloyd in 1791. She lived until 1818.
How He Was Remembered
Several famous artists painted portraits of John Campbell. These include Allan Ramsay in 1749, David Martin around 1770, and John Kay in 1799. These paintings help us remember what he looked like.
