Walter Campbell of Shawfield facts for kids

Walter Campbell (born December 29, 1741 – died October 19, 1816) was an important Scottish landowner and lawyer. He was also the Rector of Glasgow University. He came from a well-known Scottish family, the Clan Campbell.

Walter Campbell's Early Life

Walter Campbell was born on December 29, 1741. His father was John Campbell of Shawfield, and his mother was Lady Henrietta Cunningham. Walter was part of the famous Clan Campbell of Cawdor.

His grandfather, also named Daniel Campbell, was a very important person. He was a supporter of the Duke of Argyll. Daniel Campbell was a member of the Parliament of Scotland before Scotland and England joined together in 1707. He even signed the treaty that created Great Britain.

Later, his grandfather Daniel was a member of the first Parliament of Great Britain. He represented the Glasgow Burghs from 1716 to 1734. In 1711, he built a large house in Glasgow called Shawfield Mansion. This house became famous because of the Shawfield riots in 1725.

Walter's father passed away in 1746. His grandfather died in 1753. Walter's older brother, Daniel, inherited the family estates first. But when Daniel passed away in 1777 without having any children, Walter inherited everything. He became the 3rd of Shawfield and the owner of Islay, an island in Scotland.

What Walter Campbell Did

Walter Campbell became a qualified lawyer in 1763. This meant he could argue cases in court. From 1767 to 1777, he worked as the Sheriff-Depute of Kincardineshire. A Sheriff-Depute was like a chief legal officer in a county.

In 1777, he was officially recognized by the Lord Lyon King of Arms. This is a special officer in Scotland who deals with coats of arms and family history.

One of his most important roles was being the Rector of the University of Glasgow. He held this position from 1789 to 1791. The Rector is a senior official at a university, often elected by the students.

Walter Campbell's Family Life

Walter Campbell was married two times. His first wife was Eleanor Kerr, whom he married on March 9, 1768. She passed away in 1785. Together, they had several children:

• John Campbell (1770–1809): He was an army officer and a Member of Parliament.
• Agnes Campbell (1770–1800): She was the mother of Colin Campbell, 1st Baron Clyde, who became a famous general.
• Katherine Campbell (around 1780–1855): She married Sir Charles Jenkinson, 10th Baronet.
• Margaret Campbell (around 1780–1850): She married Francis Douglas, 8th Earl of Wemyss.
• Robert Campbell: He became the 10th of Skipness.
• Colin Campbell of Ardpatrick (1787–1851): He was an Admiral in the Royal Navy.
• Walter Campbell (died 1840): He lived on Islay.
• Eleanor Campbell: She never married.
• Harriet Campbell
• Glencairn Campbell
• Elizabeth Campbell (died 1856)

After Eleanor passed away, Walter married Mary (née Nisbet) Hay. She was the sister of William Hamilton Nisbet, who was also a Member of Parliament. Mary and Walter had three children:

• Mary Hamilton Campbell (1789–1885)
• Hamilton Campbell (around 1790–1873)
• William Campbell (born 1793): He never married.

Walter Campbell passed away on October 19, 1816.

Notable Descendants

Walter Campbell had many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who became important figures.

Through his son John, he was the grandfather of Walter Frederick Campbell. Walter Frederick inherited Islay when his grandfather died in 1816.

Through his daughter Agnes, he was the grandfather of Colin Campbell, 1st Baron Clyde. Colin was adopted by his uncle John after his parents died. He became a very important military leader, serving as Commander-in-Chief, India from 1857 to 1861.

Through his daughter Margaret, he was the grandfather of Francis Wemyss-Charteris, 9th Earl of Wemyss.