Sir Adam Fergusson, 3rd Baronet facts for kids

Sir Adam Fergusson, 3rd Baronet of Kilkerran (born May 7, 1733 – died September 25, 1813), was an important Scottish lawyer and politician. He was known for being very capable, though some people thought he was a bit serious. He was part of a group of Scottish politicians in the late 1700s who worked together in the British Parliament. Sir Adam was also involved in businesses that used enslaved people on plantations in Tobago and Jamaica.

Famous writer Samuel Johnson called him "a vile Whig" (meaning he didn't like his political views). However, his friend James Boswell had a kinder view, saying Sir Adam was a very pure and good person. The poet Robert Burns described him as "the oath-detesting, chaste, Kilkerran," highlighting his strong character.

Sir Adam's Early Life

Sir Adam Fergusson was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, on May 7, 1733. He was the oldest son of Lady Jean Maitland and Sir James Fergusson, 2nd Baronet. His younger brother was George Fergusson.

He went to Maybole School and then studied law at the University of Edinburgh. He became a qualified lawyer, called an advocate, in 1755. After that, he spent a year in Brussels studying more law. From 1757 to 1758, he went on a "Grand Tour" of Europe. This was a popular trip for young, wealthy people to learn about art, history, and culture.

Starting a Political Career

In 1759, Sir Adam's father passed away, and Adam inherited his family's estates and the title of Baronet. Around this time, he and his friend George Dempster of Dunnichen decided to enter politics.

Sir Adam tried to become a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ayr Burghs. He was only 26 years old, which was quite young for politics back then. He had to withdraw from the election just 10 days before it happened, which was embarrassing for him. This experience made him less interested in politics for a few years.

Return to Politics

As a lawyer, Sir Adam became well-known for helping the young Countess of Sutherland win her claim to a noble title. In 1774, he decided to try politics again. His campaign slogan was a bit surprising: he claimed to be "a champion of the county against aristocratic influence." This meant he wanted to protect the local area from the power of very rich and noble families, even though he was from a noble family himself!

He had strong support from important politicians like Robert Dundas and his brother Henry. They even had a backup plan for him to run for another area if he didn't win in Ayrshire. But he won the Ayrshire seat, so the backup plan wasn't needed.

Time in Parliament

Sir Adam gave his first speech in Parliament on October 26, 1775. He spoke about taking strong actions against the United States of America, which was then in conflict with Britain. Later, on November 24, 1775, he seemed to change his mind. He insisted that the government should ask Parliament before sending troops from Hanover (a German state linked to the British king) to places like Gibraltar or Menorca. In 1779, he also spoke against a proposal to move troops from America to focus on wars with France.

He was re-elected for Ayrshire in 1781. This time, he was more trusted and was chosen for a special secret committee. This committee was set up to investigate the reasons behind wars in the Carnatic region of southern India. In July, he was given an important role on the Board of Trade, which dealt with business and trade matters. He was a quiet but strong supporter of Lord North, who was a leading politician at the time.

In later years, Sir Adam spoke against new taxes on roads (called turnpike taxes) because they affected Scotland. He also spoke against unusual laws that banned growing tobacco in Britain and taxed soap. He later supported another important politician, William Pitt the Younger, but he criticized delays in passing a law about the army called the Mutiny Bill. In 1796, he voted in Parliament against ending the slave trade.

Other Activities and Later Life

Sir Adam Fergusson was a partner in a bank called Douglas, Heron & Company, which unfortunately did not do well.

In 1783, he was one of the people who helped start the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This is a famous group that promotes learning and science. In 1786, he also helped create the British Fishery Society, which aimed to improve fishing in Britain.

In the election of August 1784, Sir Adam agreed to step down from his Ayrshire seat to let Hugh Montgomerie win. Instead, he was offered a seat in Edinburgh. However, he didn't get any special government job in this new role. In 1785, he voted for changes to Parliament to make it fairer. His time as an MP for Edinburgh was fairly quiet.

In 1790, he returned as an MP for Ayrshire. In 1791, William Pitt suggested him for a job as Surveyor of Crown Lands to the King, but the King did not accept this. Sir Adam's health was getting worse, and he spoke very little in Parliament. He decided not to run for re-election in 1796.

In 1796, he tried to claim the title of Earl of Glencairn through his mother's family, but he was not successful. He spent his final years working as a lawyer.

Sir Adam Fergusson passed away on September 25, 1813. He never married.