Thomas Frederick Mackenzie Humberston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Frederick Mackenzie Humberston
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Brahan Castle - seat of the Earls of Seaforth
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| Born | 1753 |
| Died | 1783 |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 1771–1783 |
| Rank | Lieutenant-Colonel (Commandant) |
| Battles/wars | Second Anglo-Mysore War |
Thomas Frederick Mackenzie Humberston (1753 – 30 April 1783) was an officer in the British Army. He was also the leader, or Chief, of the Highland Clan Mackenzie.
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Who Was Thomas Mackenzie?
Thomas was the oldest son of Major William Mackenzie. His mother, Mary, came from a family called Humberston in Lincolnshire, England. His father's family was the Mackenzie family. His grandfather was Kenneth Mackenzie, who was the 4th Earl of Seaforth.
When his cousin, Kenneth Mackenzie, passed away, Thomas became the main representative of the old Mackenzie family from Kintail. He also took on the name Humberston. He bought back some of the family's old lands from his cousin.
Thomas's Army Career
Joining the Army
In 1771, Thomas Mackenzie joined the 1st King's Dragoon Guards, a cavalry regiment. He became a lieutenant in 1775. By 1777, he was promoted to captain.
Fighting in America
In 1778, during the American War of Independence, Thomas helped his cousin, Lord Seaforth. They worked together to create a new group of soldiers from the Scottish Highlands. These soldiers were known as the 78th Foot regiment. Many officers in this new regiment were from the Clan Mackenzie.
In 1779, Thomas became a major in this regiment. He was part of a group of soldiers who stopped a French attack in St Ouen's Bay, Jersey.
Serving in India
In 1780, Thomas was moved to the 100th Foot regiment. He was promoted to lieutenant-colonel. After Lord Seaforth died, Thomas took his place as the lieutenant-colonel commandant of the 78th regiment in 1782.
He then served in India during the Second Anglo-Mysore War. This was a conflict between the British and the Kingdom of Mysore.
His Final Battle
In April 1783, Thomas was traveling on a ship. The ship was attacked by Maratha pirates. He was badly wounded during this attack. Thomas Frederick Mackenzie Humberston died on 30 April 1783, in Gheriah, from his injuries.
He did not have a wife, but he had a son named Thomas B. Mackenzie Humberston. His son later became a captain in the 78th Ross-shire Buffs regiment and passed away in 1803.
His Family After Him
Thomas was succeeded as the Chief of Clan Mackenzie by his younger brother, Francis.
Images for kids
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Brahan Castle - seat of the Earls of Seaforth
