John Leslie-Melville, 12th Earl of Leven facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Leven
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| Representative Peer for Scotland | |
| In office 15 December 1910 – 11 June 1913 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
John David Leslie-Melville
5 April 1886 |
| Died | 11 June 1913 (aged 27) London, England |
| Relations | Archibald Leslie-Melville, 13th Earl of Leven (brother) Henry Portman, 2nd Viscount Portman (grandfather) |
| Parents | Ronald Leslie-Melville, 11th Earl of Leven Hon. Emma Selina Portman |
| Alma mater | Balliol College, Oxford |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | Lovat Scouts |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
John David Leslie-Melville, 12th Earl of Leven (born 5 April 1886 – died 11 June 1913) was a Scottish soldier and banker. From 1889 to 1906, he was known as Lord Balgonie. He also served as a Representative peer, which meant he represented Scotland's nobility in the British Parliament.
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Who Was John Leslie-Melville?
John David Leslie-Melville was an important figure in Scottish society. He was a soldier, a banker, and a member of the Scottish nobility. His life, though short, involved serving his country and managing a large family estate.
His Early Life and Family
John David Leslie-Melville was born on 5 April 1886. He was the oldest son of Ronald Leslie-Melville, 11th Earl of Leven. His mother was Emma Selina Portman.
John had several brothers and a sister. His father was a very wealthy landowner. He even lived at Holyrood Palace sometimes. This was when he served as the Lord High Commissioner of Scotland. This role meant he represented the King or Queen in Scotland.
His grandparents were John Thornton Leslie-Melville, 9th Earl of Leven and Sophia Thornton. His mother's father was Henry Portman, 2nd Viscount Portman.
John went to Balliol College, Oxford for his education. While there, he enjoyed hunting with the Bicester Hounds.
A Career in Service and Banking
Lord Leven became a Lieutenant in the Lovat Scouts Yeomanry. This was a special part of the British Army.
From 1910 until his death in 1913, he served as a Representative Peer for Scotland. This role allowed him to speak for Scottish nobles in the House of Lords in London. He was also involved in the world of finance. He worked for a banking company in London called Frederick Huth & Co.
His Titles and Family Estate
When his father passed away on 21 August 1906, John inherited many important titles. He became the Viscount of Kirkaldie, the Lord Raith, Monymaill and Balwearie, the Earl of Melville, the Earl of Leven, the Lord Melville of Monymaill, and the Lord Balgonie.
Taking over the estate meant he had to pay a large amount of money called "death duties." These were taxes on the inherited wealth. The amount was very high, over $1,250,000. Because of this, he decided to get life insurance. This was to help his family with future taxes if something happened to him.
His Later Life and Legacy
Lord Leven died on 11 June 1913. He was not married. His death was caused by injuries he received while hunting. It was later ruled an accident.
His funeral was held in Scotland. After his death, all his titles passed to his younger brother, Archibald. The large death duties were paid using the life insurance policy John had taken out.
About a year later, his brother Archibald, who was also a soldier, was wounded in a cavalry battle. He was left behind when his army retreated. However, he managed to escape from a German prison by disguising himself as a refugee.
