Kenneth Mackenzie, 1st Earl of Seaforth facts for kids
Kenneth Mackenzie, 1st Earl of Seaforth (born January 15, 1744 – died August 27, 1781), was an important person in British history. He held a high social rank, was a politician, and a soldier. He was also the leader, or Chief, of the Clan Mackenzie, a famous group from the Scottish Highlands.
Early Life and Family
Kenneth Mackenzie was the son of Kenneth Mackenzie, Lord Fortrose. His mother was Mary, the oldest daughter of Alexander Stewart, 6th Earl of Galloway.
His grandfather, William Mackenzie, 5th Earl of Seaforth, had lost his titles and lands. Kenneth Mackenzie later bought these lands back from the government. The Earls of Seaforth came from the old Mackenzie family of Kintail.
A Life in Politics and the Military
Kenneth Mackenzie received several important titles. On November 18, 1766, he became Viscount Fortrose and Baron Ardelve in the Peerage of Ireland. This meant he held noble titles in Ireland.
He also served as a Member of Parliament for Caithness from 1768 to 1774. This role meant he helped make laws for the country. On December 3, 1771, he was given another new title: Earl of Seaforth, also in the Peerage of Ireland.
On November 12, 1772, Mackenzie was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very old and respected group for scientists.
To show his thanks for the honors he received, Mackenzie decided to create a new army regiment. This was the 78th Seaforth (Highland) Regiment. He became its Lieutenant Colonel Commandant on December 29, 1777.
In June 1781, he sailed with his regiment as they headed for India. Sadly, he died during the journey on August 27, 1781, and was buried at sea. His cousin, Thomas Frederick Mackenzie Humberston, took over as the regiment's leader.
When Kenneth Mackenzie died, his Irish earldom ended. His cousin, Thomas Frederick Mackenzie Humberston, also became the new Chief of the Clan Mackenzie.
His Family Life
Kenneth Mackenzie married twice. His first wife was Lady Caroline Stanhope (1747–1767). She was the daughter of William Stanhope, 2nd Earl of Harrington. They had one daughter together, Lady Caroline Mackenzie (1766–1847). Lady Caroline later married Louis Drummond, Comte de Melfort, and they had children.
His second wife was Harriet Powell (died December 11, 1779). She was the daughter of a pharmacist.
