John Cochrane of Ochiltree facts for kids

Sir John Cochrane of Ochiltree (died around 1707) was a Scottish nobleman, a soldier, and someone involved in secret political plans.

Early Life and Family

John Cochrane was the second son of William Cochrane, 1st Earl of Dundonald. His mother was Eupheme, who was the daughter of Sir William Scott of Ardross. Sir William worked as a Director of Chancery at the Court of Session, which was a high court in Scotland.

Political Involvement and Challenges

Sir John Cochrane was one of the main people who helped start the Carolina Company. This company aimed to create a Scottish colony in a place called Port Royal, South Carolina.

He was involved in some important political events. In 1683, he was linked to the Rye House plot, which was a secret plan against King Charles II. He was also connected to the Monmouth Rebellion, a revolt against the king. To avoid trouble, he escaped to Rotterdam in the Netherlands. He stayed there until King Charles II died.

When James II became king, Sir John was declared a traitor while he was still abroad. This meant he lost his rights and property. In 1685, he took part in a rebellion led by the Earl of Argyll. When this rebellion was put down, Sir John was hidden for a while by his relative, Gavin Cochrane.

However, Gavin Cochrane's wife told the authorities where he was. Her brother had been killed fighting on the king's side. Sir John was then taken to Edinburgh and put in the Tolbooth prison. He was accused of a very serious crime against the country. Some say he agreed to give information to the authorities to avoid execution. Others say his father, the Earl of Dundonald, paid a large sum of money (about £5,000) to get him pardoned.

Later Years

In 1687, when a special public statement called the "declaration of indulgence" was made, Sir John was asked to encourage a group called the Presbyterians to accept it. His family's lands and property were given back to him in 1689.

Later, he worked as a collector of the "poll tax," which was a type of tax where everyone paid a fixed amount. In 1695, he couldn't properly explain how he had used the tax money he collected. Because of this, he was sent to prison.

Family Life

Sir John Cochrane was married to Margaret, who was the daughter of Sir William Strickland of Boynton. Sir William was an important figure during the time of Oliver Cromwell. Sir John and Margaret had two sons.

The exact year Sir John Cochrane died is not known.