John Erskine of Cardross facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Edmund Erskine
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| Born | 30 March 1662 Cardross, Scotland
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| Died | 13 January 1743 (aged 80) |
| Parent(s) | David Erskine Mary Bruce |
Colonel The Honourable John Edmund Erskine (born March 30, 1662 – died January 13, 1743) was a Scottish soldier and politician. He was from Cardross, Scotland. People often called him The Black Colonel. His personal journal was later published in the 1800s.
About John Erskine
John Edmund Erskine was born in Cardross, Scotland, on March 30, 1662. He was a younger son of David Erskine, 2nd Lord Cardross. His mother was Mary Bruce. His family was a smaller branch of the important Earl of Buchan family.
His Life and Work
John Erskine was a strong supporter of the Presbyterian faith. This guided his choices during big changes in Scotland. He supported the winning side during the Glorious Revolution in 1688. He also supported the Act of Union in 1707. This act joined Scotland and England into Great Britain.
He left Scotland to join the army of William of Orange. William later became King of England. John Erskine was given command of a group of soldiers called a Regiment of Foot. He landed in England with William's army in 1698. This was the start of the Glorious Revolution.
Because of his loyalty, John Erskine received more commands in William's army. He also became the governor of Stirling and Dumbarton castles. In 1695, he became a director of the Company of Scotland. This was a trading company. The next year, he traveled to Holland and other parts of Europe. He helped manage the company's business there.
John Erskine was known by his nickname, The Black Colonel.
You can see his portrait at The National Trust for Scotland, Royal Burgh of Culross. [1]
His Family Life
John Erskine was married four times during his life. His first wife was Jane Mure. They married in 1690, but she sadly died that same year.
His second wife was Anna Dundas. They had six sons and one daughter together. One of their sons was John Erskine of Carnock. He became a very important legal expert. John Erskine of Carnock's son, John Erskine DD, was a leader in the Scottish Church.
Anna died in June 1723. John then married Lilias Stirling in 1725. She had been married before. They did not have any children together. Lilias passed away in March 1729.
In November 1729, John married his fourth wife, Mary Stewart. They had at least one son named Charles, who never married.
John Erskine died in Edinburgh on January 13, 1743. He was 80 years old. His fourth wife, Mary, died many years later in September 1772.
