Sir John Anstruther, 2nd Baronet facts for kids
Sir John Anstruther, 2nd Baronet (born 1718, died 1799) was an important person from Scotland. He was known as an industrialist, meaning he built and ran big businesses. He was also a politician, someone who helped make decisions for the country.
Sir John was the only son of Sir John Anstruther, 1st Baronet. He studied at the University of Glasgow in 1733. When his father passed away in 1753, Sir John inherited the title of Baronet. This is a special title, like a knight, that can be passed down in a family. His title was part of the Baronetage of Nova Scotia.
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Building Businesses and Industries
Sir John Anstruther was very active in business. In 1771, he started a company called the Newark Coal and Salt Company. He did this with his business partner, Robert Fall.
Coal Mining and Salt Production
The company mined coal from land near St Monans in Fife. Some of this coal was used to heat special pans called salt pans. These pans were used to make salt from seawater. The salt pans worked together with the
St Monan's Windmill, which is still standing today.
The salt pans employed 20 men. The coal mine employed 36 men. This shows how many jobs Sir John's businesses created.
Improving Pittenweem Harbour
To help move the coal and salt, Sir John built a special track called a waggonway. This track connected the coal mine and salt pans to Pittenweem harbour. He also paid to make the harbour bigger and better. This made it easier to ship goods.
Serving in Parliament
Besides his businesses, Sir John Anstruther also served in the government. He was a Member of Parliament (MP) for Anstruther Burghs. He held this position for several years:
- From 1766 to 1774
- From 1780 to 1783
- From 1790 to 1793
Family Life
Sir John Anstruther married Janet Fall in 1750. She was the daughter of James Fall. A famous artist, Sir Joshua Reynolds, painted a portrait of Lady Anstruther in 1761. Sir John and Lady Anstruther had three sons and one daughter who survived. His oldest son, Philip Anstruther-Paterson, took over his title after him.
