Sir Alexander Abercromby, 1st Baronet facts for kids
Sir Alexander Abercromby of Birkenbog, 1st Baronet (born around 1603 – died December 1684) was an important Scottish politician. He was known for his role in the Scottish Parliament and for being a Covenanter during a time of big changes in Scotland.
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Early Life and Family
Alexander Abercromby was the oldest son of Alexander Abercromby of Birkenbog and his mother, Elizabeth Bethune. His family was well-known in the area of Banffshire, Scotland.
Becoming a Baronet
On February 20, 1636, Alexander Abercromby was given the title of Baronet. This was a special honor from the King. A Baronet is a hereditary title, meaning it can be passed down through the family, similar to a knight but ranking just below a baron. He became the 1st Baronet of Birkenbog, which was in the County of Banff.
Political Career in Scotland
Sir Alexander Abercromby became a member of the Parliament of Scotland in 1640. The Parliament was like the government's law-making body. He represented the area of Banffshire. A "constituency" is the area that a politician represents.
He served in Parliament for several years:
- From 1640 to 1641
- Again in 1643
- From 1646 to 1648
- And finally, from 1661 to 1663
The Covenanters and Battle
Sir Alexander Abercromby was a Covenanter. The Covenanters were a group of Scottish Presbyterians who signed national agreements, called Covenants, to protect their religion and church from changes they didn't agree with.
In 1645, he took part in the Battle of Auldearn. This battle was a part of the Scottish Civil War. He fought under the command of a soldier named John Hurry.
Family Life
Sir Alexander Abercromby was married three times.
- His first wife was Jane Urquhart. They had one son and three daughters.
- After Jane passed away, he married Jane Sutherland. They had one daughter together.
- His third wife was Elizabeth Baird, whom he married in 1668. With Elizabeth, he had three sons and one daughter.
Legacy and Successors
When Sir Alexander Abercromby passed away in December 1684, his title of Baronet was passed down. His second son, James, became the 2nd Baronet.
Another one of his sons, Alexander, also became a Member of Parliament. This Alexander was an ancestor of the Barons Abercromby, another important noble title in Scotland.
