William Cochrane (MP) facts for kids

William Cochrane was an important Scottish politician who lived a long time ago. He was born sometime after 1659 and passed away in August 1717. He came from a place called Kilmaronock in Dunbarton, Scotland.

William Cochrane was a Member of Parliament, which means he helped make laws for his country. He served in the Parliament of Scotland from 1689 to 1707. After Scotland and England joined together, he became a Member of the British Parliament from 1708 to 1713. He was part of the Tory political group.

William Cochrane's Early Life

William Cochrane was the second son of William Cochrane, Lord Cochrane. His mother was Lady Katherine Kennedy. He had several brothers and sisters.

His older brother was John Cochrane, 2nd Earl of Dundonald. His sisters included Margaret, Helen, and Jean. Margaret married Alexander Montgomerie, 9th Earl of Eglinton. Helen married John Gordon, 16th Earl of Sutherland. Jean married John Graham, 1st Viscount Dundee.

William's grandparents on his father's side were William Cochrane, 1st Earl of Dundonald and Euphemia Cochrane. His grandparents on his mother's side were John Kennedy, 6th Earl of Cassilis and Lady Jean Hamilton.

William Cochrane's Career and Public Service

In 1679, William Cochrane inherited the Kilmaronock estate from his grandfather. This was an important property in Scotland.

From 1689 to 1691, he was a lieutenant in a special group of soldiers called Lord Ross's independent troop of horse.

William Cochrane's Political Journey

William Cochrane started his political career in 1689. He represented the area of Renfrew in the Convention of Estates. This was a special meeting that decided important things for Scotland.

He then served as a commissioner for Renfrew in the Parliament of Scotland from 1689 to 1695. In 1693, he was a commissioner for justice in the Highlands. This meant he helped with legal matters in that region.

In 1694, William inherited another estate called Powkellie in East Ayrshire.

From 1702 to 1707, he was a commissioner for Dumbartonshire in the Scottish Parliament.

After Scotland and England united in 1707, William Cochrane continued his political work. He was elected as a member of parliament for Wigtown Burghs in 1708. In the 1710 election, he was re-elected without anyone running against him.

In 1711, he was given an important job called the joint Keeper of the Signet. This role involved looking after official documents. He decided not to run for election in 1713.

William Cochrane's Family Life

William Cochrane married Lady Grizel Graham. Her father was James Graham, 2nd Marquess of Montrose. Lady Grizel was also the widow of Robert Ker, 1st Earl of Roxburghe.

William and Lady Grizel had several children together:

• Thomas Cochrane (1702–1737): He later became the 6th Earl of Dundonald. Thomas married Catherine Hamilton.
• Catherine Cochrane (1691–1772): She married David Smythe of Methven.
• Isabella Cochrane (died 1770): She married John Ogilvy of Balbegno.
• Grizel Cochrane (died 1753): She married her cousin, John Cochrane of Ferguslie.

William Cochrane passed away in August 1717. He left behind one son and five daughters. His son, Thomas, inherited his titles and estates.