John Macdonald, Lord Kingsburgh facts for kids
Sir John Hay Athole Macdonald, Lord Kingsburgh (born 27 December 1836 – died 9 May 1919) was an important Scottish politician and judge. He was a member of the Conservative Party and held many high-ranking positions throughout his life.
Contents
Life of Sir John Macdonald
Early Life and Education
John Macdonald was born on 28 December 1836 in Edinburgh's New Town, at 29 Great King Street. His father, Matthew Norman MacDonald, was a wealthy lawyer. John went to a private school called Edinburgh Academy. He later studied law at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and the University of Basle in Switzerland.
Becoming a Lawyer and Judge
In 1859, John Macdonald became a lawyer in Scotland. He quickly rose through the ranks. In 1875, Queen Victoria appointed him as a Sheriff, which is like a judge. From 1876 to 1880, he served as the Solicitor General for Scotland. This is a very important legal role, helping the government with legal matters. He became a Queen's Counsel in 1880, which is a special title for experienced lawyers.
In 1884, the University of Edinburgh gave him an honorary doctorate degree. He also became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1886, which is a recognition for his contributions to knowledge.
Political Career
In 1885, John Macdonald was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Edinburgh and St Andrews Universities. This meant he helped make laws in the UK Parliament. He served as the Lord Advocate from 1885 to 1888. The Lord Advocate is the chief legal officer for Scotland, advising the government on Scottish law. In 1885, he was also made a Privy Counsellor, meaning he could advise the monarch.
Military Involvement
Beyond his legal and political work, John Macdonald was also involved in the military. He became a Lieutenant-Colonel in the 1st Queen's Edinburgh Rifle Volunteer Brigade in 1864. He was very keen on improving military drills and even wrote books about it, like Commonsense on Parade or Drill without Strings. In 1885, he organized a huge night event for his brigade, which helped 500 new people join. He later became the Honorary Colonel of the brigade.
Later Judicial Role
In 1888, he left Parliament and was appointed Lord Justice Clerk. This is a very high judicial position in Scotland. He took the title Lord Kingsburgh and led one of the main divisions of the Court of Session, Scotland's highest civil court, until 1915.
Protecting Edinburgh's Heritage
John Macdonald was also passionate about protecting the city of Edinburgh. In 1875, he helped start the Cockburn Association. This group works to preserve Edinburgh's historic buildings and natural beauty. He became the group's vice-president in 1887 and later its president in 1914.
A Pioneer Car Owner
Sir John Macdonald was very interested in cars. He was one of the first people to own a car in Scotland. He helped start the Automobile Club and was the first president of the Scottish Automobile Club. He even registered Edinburgh's very first number plate for a car!
Honours and Passing
In 1900, Queen Victoria made him a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB). Later, in 1916, King George V gave him an even higher honour, making him a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (GCB).
Sir John Macdonald passed away at his home, 15 Abercromby Place, on 9 May 1919. He is buried in St Cuthbert's Churchyard in Edinburgh.
Family
In 1864, John Macdonald married Adelaide Jeanette Doran. Sadly, she passed away in 1870.
