Mungo Graham facts for kids

Mungo Graham was an important Scottish politician who lived a long time ago. He was born in 1670 and passed away in 1754. He came from a place called Gorthy in Perthshire, Scotland. Mungo Graham served in the Scottish Parliament and later in the British Parliament. He also held a big job at the University of Glasgow, where he was the Rector.

Mungo Graham's Early Life

Mungo Graham was born in Scotland in 1670. His father was also named Mungo Graham. Sadly, his father passed away when Mungo was less than a year old. Mungo then inherited his family's estate.

He went to college at the University of St. Andrews in 1687. After his studies, he traveled to other countries. He also invested some money in a company called the Company of Scotland, but he lost money from this investment.

Getting Started in Politics

Mungo Graham became a close friend and helper to a powerful leader named the Duke of Montrose. Because of this friendship, Mungo started getting important jobs.

In 1702, he was chosen to help manage justice in the Highlands of Scotland. Soon after, he also became a commissioner for Perthshire, helping to manage local taxes and resources.

Serving in the Scottish Parliament

Also in 1702, Mungo Graham was elected to the Parliament of Scotland to represent Perthshire. He was part of a group called the "country party."

He often voted with the Duke of Montrose. For example, in 1703, they were part of a group that opposed some government plans. Later, in 1704, when Montrose's friends took over managing the government, Mungo Graham stayed with the opposition.

The Union of Scotland and England

A very important event during this time was the discussion about Scotland joining with England to form Great Britain. This was called the Union.

Mungo Graham played a key role in these talks. He helped Montrose convince another group, called the Squadrone, to support the Union. Mungo voted in favor of the Union, even though many other members of his family did not. He became one of the leaders of the Squadrone group.

After the Union happened in 1707, Mungo Graham became a Commissioner of the Equivalent. This group helped manage the money that Scotland received as part of the Union agreement. He was also chosen as one of the first Scottish representatives to the new Parliament of Great Britain.

In the British Parliament

In 1708, Mungo Graham tried to get elected to the British Parliament again, but he didn't win a seat. In 1709, he was removed from his role as Commissioner of the Equivalent.

Winning a Seat in 1710

However, in the 1710 election, Mungo Graham was elected as a Member of Parliament for Kinross-shire. His election was helped by the Duke of Montrose's stepfather, John Bruce. John Bruce used his power as sheriff to help Mungo win.

Mungo Graham's time in Parliament was short. He only recorded one vote, which was against extending a tax on coal. In February 1711, he lost his seat after a challenge. He did not run for Parliament again after that.

Later Public Service

Even after leaving Parliament, Mungo Graham continued to hold important public jobs.

In 1715, he was appointed as the main person in charge of collecting customs and salt taxes for Scotland. He kept this job until 1733.

Work at Glasgow University

Mungo Graham was also involved with the University of Glasgow. In 1717 and 1718, he helped oversee the university. He served as the Vice-Rector of the university for most of 1718. Then, from December 1718 to 1720, he became the Rector, which is a very high leadership position at the university.

In 1720, he became a burgess of Edinburgh, which meant he was a recognized citizen of the city. From 1727 until he passed away, he was a trustee for Scottish fisheries and manufacturing, helping to improve these industries. He also helped with buying back lands that had been taken from supporters of the Jacobite cause.

Final Years

Mungo Graham continued to live with the Duke of Montrose's family. He passed away at Buchanan Castle on November 26, 1754. His relative, David Graham, took over his estate.