John Stewart (Wigtownshire MP, died 1748) facts for kids

John Stewart (born after 1670 – died April 22, 1748) was an important Scottish soldier and politician. He came from Sorbie, a place in Wigtown, Scotland. John Stewart was a member of the Scottish Parliament from 1702 to 1707. After Scotland and England joined together, he became a member of the British Parliament from 1707 to 1727.

Early Life and Military Beginnings

John Stewart was born sometime after 1670. He was the third son of Alexander Stewart, 3rd Earl of Galloway. His mother was Lady Mary Douglas. She was the daughter of James Douglas, 2nd Earl of Queensberry.

John Stewart went to Glasgow University in 1687. After his studies, he decided to join the army. He quickly moved up in rank. In 1691, he became an ensign in the 3rd Foot Guards. An ensign was a junior officer who carried the regiment's flag. By April 1692, he was a captain-lieutenant. Just a few months later, in July 1692, he became a captain and a lieutenant-colonel.

A Career in Politics

In 1702, John Stewart was chosen to represent Wigtownshire in the Scottish Parliament. This was before Scotland and England officially united.

After the Act of Union in 1707, Scotland and England became one country, Great Britain. John Stewart was one of the first Scottish representatives to join the new Parliament of Great Britain. He continued to represent Wigtownshire in the British Parliament after the election of 1708.

While serving in Parliament, he also continued his military career. In 1704, he became a 2nd lieutenant-colonel. By 1710, he was a 1st lieutenant-colonel and a colonel of foot. In Parliament in 1710, he voted on an important issue called the impeachment of Sacheverell. That same year, he was promoted to Brigadier-General. He then served in the Peninsula, leading British forces during the War of the Spanish Succession.

Later Political Life and Retirement

John Stewart faced a setback in the 1710 election. He initially lost his seat. However, he challenged the result and was reinstated as the Member of Parliament for Wigtownshire on March 3, 1711.

He was very popular in his home area. He was re-elected without opposition in the next elections: 1713, 1715, and 1722. He was a member of the Whig political party. John Stewart decided not to run for election in 1727. This marked the end of his long political career.

Final Years

John Stewart was the last person to live in the Old Place of Sorbie. He passed away in April 1748 at Sorbie. It seems he never married. He was buried in the local churchyard.

Images for kids

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  Ruins of Sorbie Tower (the Old Place of Sorbie)