Sir James Milles Riddell, 2nd Baronet facts for kids
Sir James Milles Riddell (born 1787, died 1861) was an important Scottish landowner in the 1800s. He was known as the 2nd Baronet of Ardnamurchan and Sunart. A baronet is a special title, like a knight, that can be passed down in a family. Sir James was also interested in improving farming methods on his land.
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Early Life and Family Estate
James Milles Riddell was born on June 3, 1787. His parents were Thomas Riddell and Margaretta Campbell. When he was ten years old, in 1797, he became the 2nd Baronet. This happened because his grandfather, Sir James Riddell, who was the 1st Baronet, lived longer than James's father.
The Riddell family lived on their large estate called Strontian in Argyleshire, Scotland. This place is famous because a scientist named Thomas Charles Hope discovered a new element there in 1791. He named it strontium after the town of Strontian!
Education and Important Connections
James Milles Riddell went to Christ Church, Oxford University to study. Later, in 1820, he had a home in Edinburgh's New Town at 30 Abercromby Place.
In 1821, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This is a group of important scientists and thinkers in Scotland. The person who suggested him for this honor was the same scientist who discovered strontium, Thomas Charles Hope.
Changes on the Land
Sir James Milles Riddell was a landowner, which meant he owned a lot of land. In 1828, he made a difficult decision to clear out two small villages on his land, called Bourblaige and Tornamona. This meant the people living there had to leave their homes.
The people's homes were taken apart, and their animals were moved away. This happened in the winter, which made it very hard for the families.
Later Life and Burial
Sir James Milles Riddell passed away in Edinburgh on September 28, 1861. He is buried in the churchyard of St John's Church in Edinburgh. His grave is in the north-west part of the area next to the church.
Family Life
In 1822, Sir James married Mary Brooke. Her father was also a Baronet, Sir Richard Brooke.
Sir James and Mary had one daughter named Mary Augusta Riddell, who died in 1879.
When Sir James Milles Riddell died, the Baronet title went to his cousin, Thomas Miles Riddell.
How He Was Remembered
A portrait of Sir James Milles Riddell was painted by an artist named Joseph Slater, Jr.. Later, another artist, Frederick Christian Lewis, made an engraving of this portrait. An engraving is a type of print made from a picture.
Images for kids
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The grave of Sir James Milles Riddell
