Lewis Grant-Ogilvy, 5th Earl of Seafield facts for kids

Lewis Alexander Grant-Ogilvy, who was the 5th Earl of Seafield, was a Scottish nobleman and a member of the British Parliament. He was also the leader, or Chief, of Clan Grant, a famous Scottish clan. Sadly, his career was cut short because of health problems that affected his mind. He lived from March 22, 1767, to October 26, 1840.

Early Life and Education

Lewis Alexander Grant-Ogilvy was born in a place called Moy, which is near Inverness in Scotland. His parents were Jean Duff and Sir James Grant, 8th Baronet. He was christened, which is like a naming ceremony, a few days later in Dyke.

He went to good schools, including Edinburgh High School and Westminster School. After that, he studied law at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and at Lincoln's Inn in London, England.

Joining Important Groups

In 1788, when he was 21, Lewis Alexander Grant-Ogilvy became a member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This was a very important group for smart people who studied science and other subjects in Scotland. Being a member meant he was recognized for his knowledge and contributions.

Time in Parliament

In 1790, he was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for an area called Elginshire. This meant he had a job in the House of Commons, which is a big part of the British government where laws are made. He held this job for six years, until 1796.

However, starting around 1791, his health began to get worse. By 1805, it was clear that he was having serious mental health challenges. Even though doctors said in 1794 that his condition was not likely to improve, he continued to be an MP until 1796.

Becoming an Earl

In February 1811, Lewis Alexander Grant-Ogilvy became the 9th Baronet of Colquhoun after his father passed away. Just eight months later, in October 1811, he received an even bigger title. He became the 5th Earl of Seafield. This happened when his second cousin, James Ogilvy, who was the 7th Earl of Findlater and 4th Earl of Seafield, died.

The title of Earl of Seafield had been held by his family before. Lewis Alexander Grant-Ogilvy was the grandson of Lady Margaret Ogilvy, whose father was James Ogilvy, the 1st Earl of Seafield. When he became the Earl of Seafield, he added the name "Ogilvy" to his own surname.

Later Life and Legacy

Lewis Alexander Grant-Ogilvy never got married. He passed away at Cullen House in Banffshire on October 26, 1840, when he was 73 years old. He was buried in a special family tomb at Duthil Old Parish Church and Churchyard.

Because of his health challenges, his younger brother, Francis William Ogilvy-Grant, had already taken over most of the family duties and managed their estates. When Lewis Alexander Grant-Ogilvy died, his brother officially became the 6th Earl of Seafield.

His uncles included Henry Mackenzie and Alexander Penrose Cumming-Gordon.