Sir William Sharp, 6th Baronet facts for kids

Sir William Sharp (1729-1780) was a Scottish soldier who traveled a lot. He had a very successful career in the military, serving in different armies. However, his personal life was not as happy.

Sir William Sharp: A Scottish Soldier

Early Life and Rebellion

William Sharp was born on January 28, 1729, in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland. He was the only son of Sir Alexander Sharp and Margaret Hamilton.

While he was a student at the University of St Andrews, a big event called the 1745 Rebellion happened. This was a time when some people in Scotland tried to put a different king on the throne. William joined the rebel forces.

He was captured by the British Army and faced a serious punishment. However, five professors from his university wrote to the court to help him. Because of their help, he was not punished severely but was kept prisoner.

In August 1747, William managed to escape. He then traveled to France, which was fighting Great Britain in a conflict known as the War of the Austrian Succession.

A Career in Europe

William joined the French Army as an officer trainee. He worked his way up and became a captain by 1761. That year, he left the French army. Even though he was still considered a rebel in Britain, he decided to return home.

At this time, the British government was helping Portugal. They were gathering experienced officers to strengthen the Portuguese army, which was fighting Spain in the Seven Years' War. William was able to join this group.

He quickly rose through the ranks in the Portuguese Army. In 1762, he became a Major. By 1763, he was a Colonel, leading the 1st Infantry Regiment. He also served as Governor of the important border town of Olivença in 1764. In 1765, he was promoted to Brigadier.

Family and Later Years

In 1769, William finally received a pardon from the British government. This meant he was no longer considered a rebel for his actions when he was 16. He also learned that his father had passed away in Scotland.

He took eight months of leave and went back to St Andrews to visit his mother. There, he met Margaret Bethune, who was around 40 years old and unmarried. She was the eldest daughter of John Bethune.

After William returned to Portugal, Margaret had a son named Alexander Sharp in 1771. William continued his military career and became a Major-General in 1775.

Later, in 1777, William married again in Olivença. His new wife was Ana Francisca da Gama Lobo. They had a daughter named Domingas, but she only lived for three years. William never saw his family in Scotland again.

In 1779, William took leave due to poor health. He traveled to London, where he passed away alone in a lodging house on February 13, 1780. He left behind only debts. His wife in Portugal later remarried.

In Scotland, Margaret Bethune went back to using her maiden name. Her son, Alexander, also used the name Bethune for the rest of his life. He never claimed his father's special title. Margaret later married a lawyer named William Chalmers. She died in 1791. Her husband took over her lands and changed his name to William Bethune. He married again and had a daughter named Isabella. A famous artist named Wilkie painted them.

Images for kids

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  William Bethune with wife & child, about 1804