Thomas Cochrane, 11th Earl of Dundonald facts for kids
Thomas Barnes Cochrane (born April 14, 1814, died January 15, 1885) was a Scottish nobleman. He became the 11th Earl of Dundonald. His father was Thomas Cochrane, a famous sailor and politician.
As a child, Thomas had an exciting adventure. He secretly traveled with his father to Chile on a ship called the O'Higgins. In 1819, the ship tried to attack the city of Callao. During this attack, a cannonball nearly hit young Thomas. Instead, it hit and killed a sailor standing right next to him.
Life and Career
Joining the Army
Later in life, Thomas Cochrane joined the British Army. He worked hard and eventually became a Captain. This was an important rank in the army.
Becoming an Earl
On October 31, 1860, Thomas's father passed away. This meant Thomas inherited his father's title. He became the 11th Earl of Dundonald. From 1879 to 1885, he also served as a Representative Peer for Scotland. This meant he represented Scotland's nobility in the British Parliament.
Family News
Thomas's oldest son, Douglas Cochrane, was a soldier. He was serving far away when he learned his father had died. Douglas was part of a military campaign in Sudan at the time.
Family Life
Thomas Cochrane married Louisa Harriet MacKinnon. They got married in Paris on December 1, 1847. Louisa's father was William Alexander MacKinnon, a Member of Parliament. Louisa lived until 1902, reaching 83 years old.
Thomas and Louisa had seven children:
- Lady Louisa Katherine Emma Cochrane: She married Edward O'Neill.
- Lady Alice Laura Sophia Cochrane: She married George Onslow Newton.
- Lady Elizabeth Mary Harriet Cochrane: She never married.
- Lady Esther Rose Georgina Cochrane.
- Hon. Thomas Alexander Cochrane: He was born in 1851 but sadly died when he was only three months old.
- Douglas Mackinnon Baillie Hamilton Cochrane: He became the 12th Earl of Dundonald, following his father. He was a Lieutenant General.
- Thomas Horatio Arthur Ernest Cochrane: He became the 1st Baron Cochrane of Cults. He was a Lieutenant Colonel. His son, Ralph Cochrane, became a famous Air Chief Marshal in World War II.
