John Ramsay, 13th Earl of Dalhousie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Dalhousie
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| Secretary for Scotland | |
| In office 5 April 1886 – 20 July 1886 |
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| Monarch | Victoria |
| Prime Minister | William Ewart Gladstone |
| Preceded by | George Trevelyan |
| Succeeded by | Arthur Balfour |
| Member of Parliament for Liverpool | |
| In office 1880–1880 Serving with Viscount Sandon
Edward Whitley |
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| Preceded by | William Rathbone Viscount Sandon Edward Whitley |
| Succeeded by | Lord Claud Hamilton Viscount Sandon Edward Whitley |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
John William Maule Ramsay
29 January 1847 Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, Scotland |
| Died | 25 November 1887 (aged 40) Le Havre, France |
| Political party | Liberal |
| Spouses |
Lady Ida Louisa Bennet
(m. 1877; |
| Children | 5 sons, including Arthur, Patrick, and Sir Alexander |
| Parents | George Ramsay, 12th Earl of Dalhousie Sarah Frances Robertson |
| Relatives | Charles Maule Ramsay (brother) |
| Education | Charterhouse School |
| Alma mater | Balliol College, Oxford |
John William Maule Ramsay (born January 29, 1847 – died November 25, 1887) was a Scottish nobleman and politician. He was known as the 13th Earl of Dalhousie. He also served as a naval commander and a courtier. For a short time in 1886, he was the Secretary for Scotland. He worked for Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone during this period.
Early Life and Family
John William Maule Ramsay was born on January 29, 1847. His birthplace was Aberdour House in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. He was the oldest son of George Ramsay, 12th Earl of Dalhousie, who was an Admiral. His mother was Sarah Frances Robertson.
In 1874, John became known as Lord Ramsay. This happened when his father inherited the title of Earl of Dalhousie. John's younger brother was Charles Maule Ramsay, who became a Member of Parliament.
John went to Charterhouse School. Later, in 1875, he studied at Balliol College, Oxford.
Following his father's path, John Ramsay joined the Royal Navy. He served in the navy from 1861 to 1879. During his time, he reached the rank of Commander.
He also worked for the royal family. From 1874 to 1876, he was an Equerry to the Duke of Edinburgh. An equerry is an officer who attends to a member of the royal family. He continued as an Extra Equerry until 1880.
Political Life
John Ramsay became a Liberal Member of Parliament for Liverpool. He was elected in March 1880. However, he had to leave this role in July 1880. This was because he inherited his father's title and became the Earl of Dalhousie.
After becoming an Earl, he took his seat in the House of Lords. This is the upper house of the UK Parliament. In September 1880, Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone appointed him a Lord-in-waiting. This meant he was a royal attendant. He held this position until 1885.
In April 1886, he became the Secretary for Scotland. He took over from George Trevelyan. This change happened because Trevelyan disagreed with the idea of Irish Home Rule. This was a plan to give Ireland more control over its own affairs. John Ramsay served in Gladstone's government, which was short-lived.
At the same time, he joined the Privy Council. This is a group of advisors to the monarch. He stayed in his role as Secretary for Scotland until the government ended in July 1886. In 1881, he was also made a Knight of the Thistle. This is a very important Scottish honor.
Family Life
On December 6, 1877, Lord Dalhousie married Lady Ida Louisa Bennet. She was the daughter of Charles Bennet, 6th Earl of Tankerville. Together, they had five sons:
- Arthur George Maule Ramsay, 14th Earl of Dalhousie (1878–1928)
- The Hon. Sir Patrick Ramsay (1879–1962)
- Adm. The Hon. Sir Alexander Robert Maule Ramsay (1881–1972)
- The Hon. Charles Fox Maule Ramsay (1885–1926)
- Lt. Hon. Ronald Edward Maule Ramsay (1885–1909)
In November 1887, Lord and Lady Dalhousie were traveling back from the United States. Lady Dalhousie became very ill in Le Havre, France. She sadly passed away on November 24, 1887, at the age of 30. She died from an infection.
Lord Dalhousie went to bed that same night. He never woke up. It seems he had a sudden medical event during the night. He passed away less than 24 hours after his wife, at the age of 40.
