John Gordon, 1st Viscount of Kenmure facts for kids
Quick facts for kids John Gordon(1st Viscount Kenmure) |
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Kenmure Castle
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 1599 |
| Died | 1634 |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Denomination | Presbyterian |
John Gordon, 1st Viscount of Kenmure (1599–1634), was an important Scottish nobleman. He was also a strong believer in the Presbyterian church. He is known for helping to create the town of New Galloway.
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The Life of John Gordon
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Before he became a viscount, John Gordon was known as Sir John Gordon of Lochinvar. He was the oldest son of Sir Robert Gordon of Lochinvar, who worked closely with the King. His mother was Lady Elizabeth Ruthven.
After finishing his studies, John Gordon traveled around Europe. During this time, he stayed with John Welsh of Ayr, a famous minister who had been sent away from Scotland.
Starting New Colonies
John Gordon was one of the first people to join a plan to start new settlements in America. In 1621, he received a special document from the King. This document gave him land in what is now Baleine, Nova Scotia, in Canada. It was called the barony of Galloway.
Helping His Community
When he returned home, Gordon worked hard to separate his family's local church area, Anwoth, from two other areas it was joined with. He succeeded, and in 1627, Samuel Rutherford became the minister there. Gordon later said this was "the most meritorious action of my life." This means he thought it was the best thing he ever did.
Becoming a Viscount
At some point, John Gordon was made a knight. He was a strong supporter of the House of Stuart, the royal family of Scotland and England.
On May 8, 1633, King Charles I made him the Viscount of Kenmure and Lord Lochinvar. This happened during the King's special crowning ceremony in Edinburgh, Scotland. This title meant he was a high-ranking nobleman.
Gordon attended the Scottish Parliament in June that year. However, he chose not to take part in a debate about the King's plans for the church. He went back to Kenmure Castle instead. He later wished he had spoken up, but he didn't want to upset the King.
Founding New Galloway
King Charles I gave John Gordon another special gift. On January 15, 1629, the King gave him permission to create a new town. This town, called New Galloway, was built on Gordon's land near Kenmure Castle. It was given the special status of a Royal Burgh, which meant it had certain rights and privileges.
His Final Days
Samuel Rutherford, the minister Gordon had helped, was with him when he died. Rutherford later wrote a book about Gordon's last moments. It was called The last and heavenly Speeches and glorious Departure of John, Viscount Kenmure.
John Gordon was married to Lady Jane Campbell. She was the sister of Archibald Campbell, 1st Marquess of Argyll.
Lady Jane Kenmure
After John Gordon passed away, Lady Jane married again on September 21, 1640. Her second husband was Sir Harry Montgomerie. They did not have any children together. Lady Jane lived until February 1675.
