John Sinclair, 11th Earl of Caithness facts for kids
John Sinclair, 11th Earl of Caithness (died 1789) was an important Scottish noble. He held the title of Earl of Caithness and was the leader of the Clan Sinclair, a well-known Scottish family group from the Highlands.
John was the oldest son of William Sinclair, 10th Earl of Caithness, who passed away in 1779.
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Who Was John Sinclair?
John Sinclair, the 11th Earl of Caithness, was a Scottish nobleman who lived in the 1700s. He inherited a special title and was also a military officer. His life involved serving in the army and leading his family clan.
Joining the Army
John Sinclair started his military career in September 1772. He joined the 17th Regiment of Foot as a young officer called an ensign. This was his first step into the world of soldiers and battles.
A Military Career
By December 1777, John had moved up in rank. He became a major in the 76th Regiment of Foot, also known as MacDonald's Highlanders. He served for some time in America. During this time, he was wounded in battle by a musket ball while scouting with Sir Henry Clinton at the Siege of Charleston.
Becoming an Earl
John Sinclair became the Earl of Caithness in 1779, after his father died. He continued his military service, reaching the rank of lieutenant-colonel by February 1783. His regiment, the 76th, was closed down in Scotland in 1784. John Sinclair died suddenly in London in 1789, when he was 32 years old.
The End of a Family Line
When John Sinclair, the 11th Earl of Caithness, died in 1789, it meant the direct family line of the Sinclairs of Greenland and Rattar ended. The Sinclair of Freswick family branch was the only related family branch left. If John Sinclair of Freswick had lived longer than the 11th Earl, he would have become the next Earl. However, Sinclair of Freswick died in 1784. Because of this, the title then went to Sir James Sinclair of Mey. Sir James was a direct descendant of an earlier Earl, George Sinclair, 4th Earl of Caithness.
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