John Dalrymple, 6th Earl of Stair facts for kids

John Dalrymple, 6th Earl of Stair (1749–1821) was an important Scottish nobleman, soldier, and diplomat. He lived a life of service to his country.

Who Was John Dalrymple?

John Dalrymple was a Scottish nobleman who held the title of the 6th Earl of Stair. He was known for his work as a soldier and later as a diplomat, representing Great Britain in other countries.

Early Life and Family

John Dalrymple was born on September 24, 1749. He was the oldest son of John Dalrymple, 5th Earl of Stair. His mother was the daughter of George Middleton, a banker from London.

A Soldier's Journey

As a young man, John Dalrymple joined the army. He became a captain in the 87th Foot regiment. He fought in the American War of Independence. During this war, he helped in a successful attack on New London, Connecticut. He served as an aide to Benedict Arnold during this time.

A Diplomat's Role

After his military service, John Dalrymple became a diplomat. This means he represented his country in other nations.

• On January 5, 1782, he was appointed as a special ambassador to Poland.
• From August 5, 1785, until 1788, he served as a special ambassador to Berlin. Berlin was the capital of Prussia, a powerful German kingdom at the time.

Becoming the Earl

In 1789, John Dalrymple's father passed away. This meant John inherited the title and became the 6th Earl of Stair. As an Earl, he also became a representative peer. This meant he was chosen to represent Scottish nobles in the British Parliament. He served in this role from 1793 to 1807, and again from 1827 until his death.

Later Life and Legacy

John Dalrymple, 6th Earl of Stair, passed away on June 1, 1821. He did not have any children of his own. After his death, his cousin, John Dalrymple, 7th Earl of Stair, inherited the title. His cousin's father was William Dalrymple, who was the brother of the 5th Earl of Stair.