Sir James Campbell, 2nd Baronet, of Ardkinglass facts for kids
Sir James Campbell, 2nd Baronet of Ardkinglass (born around 1666 – died July 5, 1752) was an important figure in Scottish history. He was a British Army officer and a politician. He served in the Parliament of Scotland from 1703 to 1707. After Scotland and England joined to form Great Britain, he served in the British Parliament from 1707 to 1741.
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Early Life and Family
Sir James Campbell was the son of Sir Colin Campbell, 1st Baronet, of Ardkinglass. His mother was Helen Maxwell. The family's main home was Ardkinglas Castle. This large castle was located on the shore of Loch Fyne in Argyllshire, Scotland. It was built like a big square with a courtyard inside. It had tall towers on three corners and a grand gate tower at the front. The castle was surrounded by beautiful gardens and a huge estate.
Around 1697, Sir James married Margaret Campbell. She was the daughter of Adam Campbell of Gargunnock. Around 1700, Sir James bought Dunderave Castle and its land. His wife, Margaret, later inherited the Gargunnock estate in 1704.
Joining the Army and Politics
Sir James Campbell started his public service in 1701. He worked as a commissioner for justice in the Highlands. In 1702, he became a representative for Argyllshire in the Parliament of Scotland. He took over this role from his father. In 1704, he became a citizen of Edinburgh. He also joined the British Army as a lieutenant in the Life Guards.
After Scotland and England officially joined together in 1707 (this was called the Act of Union), Sir James was chosen as one of the 60 Scottish representatives. He served in the first British Parliament. He was a supporter of the Duke of Argyll. He voted to complete the Union, even though some other members of the Campbell family were against it.
Military Promotions and Parliamentary Work
Sir James continued to rise in the army. He was promoted to captain in March 1708. Then, in June 1708, he became a guidon and major. In the general election of 1708, he was easily re-elected as a Member of Parliament for Argyllshire. In 1709, his father passed away, and Sir James inherited the family estates and the title of Baronet.
In Parliament, he helped create a bill for the East Tarbert harbour. He also voted in an important case to remove Dr. Sacheverell from his position. Sir James was re-elected for Argyllshire in the 1710 general election. He continued to get promoted in the army, becoming a major in 1710 and a lieutenant-colonel in 1711. He was re-elected again in the 1713 general election. He often focused on Scottish issues in Parliament.
Later Life and Public Service
In 1715, Sir James left the army. He was appointed as the first deputy Governor of Stirling Castle. He held this important position until March 1717. He was re-elected as MP for Argyllshire in the 1715, 1722, and 1727 general elections.
On November 21, 1732, Sir James married for a second time. His new wife was Anne Callander. She was the daughter of John Callander and the widow of Colonel John Blackadder. Colonel Blackadder had actually taken over Sir James's old job as Deputy Governor of Stirling Castle.
In the 1734 general election, Sir James became the MP for Stirlingshire. Also in 1734, he was given the job of Muster Master of Scotland. This role involved checking the army's records. He did not run for election in the 1741 general election. He likely left his role as Muster Master around 1742.
Death and Family Legacy
Sir James Campbell passed away on July 5, 1752, when he was 86 years old. He and his first wife, Margaret, had one son and eight daughters. Sadly, their only son drowned, which meant the baronetcy (the title of Baronet) could not be passed down directly.
Their oldest daughter, Helen Campbell, married Sir James Livingston, 2nd Baronet. The Ardkinglas estate eventually went to their son, Lt.Col. Sir James Campbell, 3rd Baronet, who was originally named James Livingstone. Later, the Callander of Craigforth family inherited the Ardkinglas estate.
Images for kids
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Dunderave Castle, Loch Fyne, Argyll
