Mary Elizabeth Frederica Mackenzie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mary Stewart-MacKenzie
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Mary Mackenzie by Thomas Lawrence
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| Born |
Mary Elizabeth Frederica Mackenzie
27 March 1783 Tarradale
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| Died | 28 November 1862 (aged 79) |
| Spouse(s) |
Sir Samuel Hood, 1st Baronet
(m. 1804; died 1814)James Alexander Stewart
(m. 1817; died 1843) |
| Children | 5, including Louisa |
| Parent(s) | Francis Mackenzie, 1st Baron Seaforth Mary Proby |
| Relatives | James Stewart-Mackenzie, 1st Baron Seaforth (grandson) |
Mary Elizabeth Frederica Mackenzie (born March 27, 1783 – died November 28, 1862) was an important Scottish lady. She was the oldest daughter and main heir of Francis Mackenzie, 1st Baron Seaforth. People also knew her as "Lady Hood Mackenzie" or by the nickname "The Hooded Lassie." She was married twice, first to Vice Admiral Sir Samuel Hood, 1st Baronet and later to James Alexander Stewart.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Mary was born in Tarradale Castle in the Scottish Highlands on March 27, 1783. She was the oldest daughter of Francis Mackenzie, 1st Baron Seaforth, who was the chief of the Highland Clan Mackenzie. Her mother was Mary (whose maiden name was Proby).
Her father was famous for creating the 78th (Highlanders) Regiment of Foot, a well-known army group. Mary had one sister, Helen Anne Mackenzie, who married Joshua Henry Mackenzie.
Personal Life and Marriages
Mary was married two times during her life.
First Marriage
On November 6, 1804, Mary married her first husband, Vice Admiral Sir Samuel Hood, 1st Baronet. He was a brave officer in the Royal Navy. Sir Samuel was known for being one of Nelson's captains, part of a group called the 'band of brothers'. He also served as a Member of Parliament for Westminster.
Sir Samuel died on December 24, 1814, and they did not have any children together.
Less than a month after Sir Samuel's death, Mary's father passed away on January 11, 1815. Mary became the heir to her father's lands and wealth. However, her father's special title (Baron Seaforth) ended because all four of Mary's brothers had died before their father. This meant there was no male heir to continue the title.
Second Marriage
Mary married her second husband, James Alexander Stewart, on May 21, 1817. James was the son of Vice Admiral Keith Stewart. He was also the grandson of the Alexander Stewart, 6th Earl of Galloway.
James Alexander Stewart was also a Member of Parliament for areas in Scotland like Ross-shire. Later, he became the 7th Governor of British Ceylon, which is now Sri Lanka.
Together, Mary and James had five children:
- Keith William Stewart-MacKenzie (1818–1881)
- Mary Frances Stewart-Mackenzie (1819–1913)
- Caroline Susan Stewart-Mackenzie (1822–1867)
- George Augustus Frederick Wellington Stewart-Mackenzie (1824–1852)
- Louisa Caroline Stewart-Mackenzie (1827–1903)
Mary's second husband, James, died on September 24, 1843. Mary herself passed away on November 28, 1862, and was buried in Fortrose, Scotland.
Legacy and Influence
Mary Mackenzie was an important figure in her time.
- She was the subject of a famous painting by Sir Thomas Lawrence.
- A prophecy by the Brahan Seer, a legendary Scottish prophet, was said to be about her.
- Mary was also important for bringing the first evangelical Calvinist preachers to the Isle of Lewis.
- The famous writer Walter Scott used Mary Mackenzie as the inspiration for the character Ellen Douglas in his well-known poem "The Lady of the Lake".
