Sir James Hunter Blair, 1st Baronet facts for kids
Sir James Hunter Blair, 1st Baronet (born February 1741 – died 1 July 1787) was an important Scottish banker, landowner, and politician. He helped shape parts of Edinburgh during his time as a leader.
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Early Life and Banking Career
Sir James Hunter Blair was born John Hunter in a town called Ayr, Scotland. His father was a merchant, which means he bought and sold goods.
When he was about 15 years old in 1756, John started working for a banking company called Messrs Coutts in Edinburgh. This was like an apprenticeship, where he learned the banking business.
By 1763, he became a partner in another banking company, working with Sir William Forbes. This was a big step in his career.
Becoming Hunter Blair
In 1770, John Hunter married Jean Blair. She was the daughter and only heir of John Blair of Dunskey. When her father passed away in 1777, Jean inherited his large estate in Wigtownshire.
Because of this inheritance, John Hunter added his wife's family name, Blair, to his own. From then on, he was known as Hunter Blair. This was a common practice for families who inherited important estates.
Public Service in Edinburgh
Hunter Blair was a Member of Parliament (MP) for Edinburgh from 1780 to 1784. An MP is a person elected to represent an area in the country's government.
Later, he became the Lord Provost of Edinburgh from 1784 to 1786. The Lord Provost is like the mayor of a city. In this role, he made many important changes.
He started work on rebuilding the University of Edinburgh and began building the South Bridge. This bridge was a huge project that went over the Cowgate area of Edinburgh.
The first stone for the South Bridge was laid in 1785. This happened after the government approved the plans. Because of his work on the bridge, two places near it are named after him: Hunter Square and Blair Street.
Other Interests and Honors
In 1783, Hunter Blair helped start the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This is a famous group that promotes science and learning in Scotland.
He lived in a new, grand house on George Street in Edinburgh's New Town. He also owned a country house called Dunskey House.
In 1786, he was given the special title of a baronet of Dunskey. This means he became Sir James Hunter Blair, 1st Baronet.
Hunter Blair was also a big supporter of Freemasonry, a fraternal organization.
Meeting Robert Burns
Sir James Hunter Blair was friendly with the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns. When Burns first came to Edinburgh, Hunter Blair welcomed him.
After Hunter Blair died, Robert Burns wrote a poem about him. Although Burns himself thought the poem was "just mediocre," it showed respect for Hunter Blair's public work.
Death and Legacy
Sir James Hunter Blair passed away in Harrogate, England, in 1787. However, he was buried back in Edinburgh, at Greyfriars Kirkyard.
His wife, Lady Hunter Blair, continued to live in Edinburgh. She owned a lot of land that later became the beautiful Queen Street Gardens.
Because of his important role in building the South Bridge in 1784, both Blair Street and Hunter Square in Edinburgh are named after him. These places are at the north end of the bridge.
Family Life
Sir James Hunter Blair married Jean Blair in 1770. They had a large family with 14 children.
Among their children were 10 sons and four daughters. Some of their sons who grew up were:
- John Hunter Blair, 2nd Baronet (1772–1800)
- David Hunter Blair, 3rd Baronet (1778–1857)
- Thomas Hunter Blair (1782–1849), who became a Major-General in the army.
- Robert Hunter Blair
- Forbes Hunter Blair
- James Hunter Blair
Their daughters included:
- Anne Hunter Blair (died 1854)
- Clementina Hunter Blair
- Jane Hunter Blair
- Jemima Hunter Blair
Today, the Dunskey Estate, which was inherited by his wife, is used for weddings and filming.
See also
