Sir Charles Dalrymple Fergusson, 5th Baronet facts for kids

Sir Charles Dalrymple Fergusson, 5th Baronet of Kilkerran FRSE (1800–1849) was an important Scottish lawyer and landowner. He owned land in both Scotland and Jamaica.

Life of Sir Charles Fergusson

The grave of Sir Charles Dalrymple Ferguson, Inveresk churchyard

Sir Charles was born at Fort George in Inverness-shire, Scotland, on August 26, 1800.

He was the oldest son of Sir James Fergusson, the 4th Baronet. His mother was Jean Dalrymple. She was the daughter of Sir David Dalrymple, who was also a baronet. Charles went to school at Harrow. In 1822, he became an advocate, which is a type of lawyer. He worked as a lawyer in Scotland until his father passed away.

Interests and Contributions

Sir Charles was a member of the Speculative Society. This was a group where people discussed ideas. He read two essays there. One was about the Origin and Progress of Criminal Jurisprudence, which means the history of law about crimes. The other was about the History of Painting.

He was very active in helping Scotland. He supported many useful projects. The county of Ayr, where he lived, especially benefited from his help. He supported farming, charities, and religious groups. He started the Ayrshire Educational Association. He also paid to build many schools and churches in Scotland.

Land Ownership and Compensation

Sir Charles and his father owned land in Jamaica. They co-owned an estate with Sir David Hunter-Blair, 3rd Baronet. In 1836, they received money as compensation. This was for 198 enslaved people who were freed between 1834 and 1838. A descendant, Alex Renton, has written that there are no records of Sir Charles building churches or schools in Jamaica.

Political Views and Church Work

Sir Charles was a lay representative for Ayr. This meant he was a non-clergy member in the general assembly of the church of Scotland. He worked hard to make the church more helpful and efficient. His advice was highly valued in their meetings.

He was a strong conservative in his political beliefs. This meant he liked traditional ways in government and the church. However, he did not like political arguments. He was also very open-minded about other people's views. His friends often asked him to run for election in his home county. But he never wanted to be a politician.

He strongly supported "protection." This was a policy that protected local businesses. He owned land in colonies. He disagreed with Sir Robert Peel's "free trade" laws. He believed these laws would hurt British colonies.

Later Life and Inheritance

In 1829, Sir Charles was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This is a group that promotes learning and science. Norwich Duff suggested him for this honor.

In 1837, he inherited land from his grandfather, David Dalrymple, Lord Hailes, in East and Mid Lothian. In 1838, he inherited his father's land in Ayrshire. He lived on this land all the time. In 1839, he inherited Newhailes and the Lordship and Barony of Hailes when his aunt, Miss Christian Dalrymple, passed away. At this time, he also added "Dalrymple" to his last name.

Sir Charles passed away in Inveresk on March 18, 1849. His grave is in the far northwest part of the churchyard.

Family Life

Sir Charles Fergusson married Helen Boyle. She was the daughter of David Boyle, Lord Boyle, who was a very important judge in Scotland. Sir Charles and Helen had nine children:

• Elizabeth Fergusson (born June 11, 1830).
• Sir James Fergusson of Kilkerran, 6th Baronet (March 18, 1832 – January 14, 1907).
• Helen Anne Fergusson (born December 11, 1834).
• David Boyle Fergusson (born July 11, 1836).
• Sir Charles Dalrymple, 1st Baronet (October 15, 1839 – June 20, 1916).
• Mary Dalrymple-Fergusson (died January 3, 1916). She married Walter Severn. Their son was Sir Claud Severn, who was a Colonial Secretary of Hong Kong.
• John Adam Dalrymple-Fergusson (May 7, 1845 – December 5, 1920).
• Henrietta Duncan Dalrymple-Fergusson (died December 12, 1937).
• Eleanor Charlotte Dalrymple-Fergusson. She married Rev David Robertson. He was the son of Hercules Robertson, Lord Benholme.

Sir Charles's Legacy

The people who rented land from Sir Charles in Ayrshire built a monument to remember him.

Sir Charles's estate of Hailes in Haddingtonshire and Mid Lothian went to his second son, Charles. This son took the name Dalrymple to honor his great-grandfather, Sir David Dalrymple, 1st Baronet, (Lord Hailes). However, the title of Baronet of Hailes ended.

His oldest son, Sir James Fergusson, 6th Baronet, inherited the title and lands of Fergusson of Kilkerran. Sir James was a Member of Parliament (M.P.). He also served as governor of South Australia, New Zealand, and Bombay. Later, he became an under-secretary of state for foreign affairs in August 1886.

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