Joseph Ewart facts for kids
Joseph Ewart (born April 30, 1759 – died January 27, 1792) was a Scottish diplomat. He mostly worked in Berlin, which was then part of Prussia (now Germany). A diplomat is someone who represents their country in another country, helping to keep peace and good relationships.
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Early Life and Education
Joseph Ewart was born on April 30, 1759. He was the oldest son of Mary Corrie and Reverend John Ewart, who was a minister in Troqueer, Scotland.
He went to school at Dumfries Parish School. After that, he studied at the University of Edinburgh. Later, he worked as a traveling tutor, teaching a young person from the Macdonald of Clan Ronald family while they traveled.
Starting a Diplomatic Career
While traveling abroad, Joseph Ewart met Sir John Stepney. Sir John was a British minister (a type of diplomat) in Dresden. When Sir John moved to Berlin, Ewart went with him. Ewart first became Sir John's private secretary, helping him with his work. Then, he became the secretary of the legation, which is like being a senior assistant in the embassy.
From 1787 to 1788, Ewart acted as a chargé d'affaires. This means he was in charge of the British diplomatic office in Berlin when the main minister was away. On August 5, 1788, he was officially appointed as the British envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to the King of Prussia. These titles mean he was the main representative of Great Britain in Prussia, with full power to act on behalf of his country.
Important Work in Prussia
Joseph Ewart played a key role in important political events. The British government, led by Prime Minister Pitt, wanted Prussia to help resolve problems in Holland. They wanted to support the Prince of Orange and bring stability back to the country. Ewart helped make this plan happen and received a lot of praise for his efforts.
During his time in Berlin, the French Revolution began in 1789. This was a time of big changes in Europe. Ewart was involved in many important discussions about foreign policy. He also helped arrange the marriage between the Duke of York (a British royal) and the King of Prussia's oldest daughter. The King of Prussia thanked Ewart warmly for his work on this marriage treaty.
Ewart's health started to get worse, so he decided to resign from his position. He left Berlin on November 3, 1791. He was given a pension (regular payments) and was promised a special honor called the Order of the Bath.
Personal Life and Legacy
In 1785, Joseph Ewart married Countess Wartensleben. They had two daughters and one son, who later became Lieutenant General John Frederick Ewart. John Frederick's children included two important military leaders: John Alexander Ewart and Charles Brisbane Ewart.
In 1790, Joseph Ewart was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This is a group of important scientists and thinkers in Scotland. He was suggested for this honor by famous people like John Robison, John Playfair, and Robert Kerr.
Joseph Ewart passed away on January 27, 1792, at his brother's house in Bath, England. He was buried in Bath Abbey, where a special tablet remembers him.
