John Dalrymple, 8th Earl of Stair facts for kids

John Hamilton Dalrymple (born 1771, died 1853) was an important British soldier and politician. He became the 8th Earl of Stair. Before that, he was known as Sir John Dalrymple. He held this title from 1810 to 1840.

Early Life and Family Connections

John Hamilton Dalrymple was born in 1771. His father was Sir John Dalrymple, 4th Baronet. His mother, Elizabeth, came from a family connected to the Viscounts of Oxfuird.

In 1810, John's father passed away. John then became the 5th Baronet. He also inherited Oxenfoord Castle. Later, in 1840, his second cousin, John Dalrymple, 7th Earl of Stair, died without children. This meant John Hamilton Dalrymple inherited the title of Earl of Stair.

Military and Political Career

John Hamilton Dalrymple was a high-ranking officer in the British Army. He reached the rank of General.

In 1832, he became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Midlothian. This is a region in Scotland. He served in Parliament until 1835.

When he became the 8th Earl of Stair in 1840, it was a Scottish peerage. This kind of title did not automatically give him a seat in the House of Lords. The House of Lords is part of the British Parliament.

However, in 1841, he received a new title: Baron Oxenfoord. This was a peerage of the United Kingdom. This new title gave him a seat in the House of Lords. The title "Oxenfoord" honored his mother's family. In 1847, he was given another special honor. He became a Knight of the Thistle. This is a very important award in Scotland.

Family Life

Lord Stair was married two times. His first wife was Harriet Johnson. They married in 1795. Harriet passed away in 1823.

In 1825, he married his second wife, Adamina Duncan. Neither marriage resulted in children.

Lord Stair died in January 1853, at 81 years old. His younger brother, North Dalrymple, inherited his titles. His second wife, the Countess of Stair, passed away in August 1857.