William Crichton, 2nd Earl of Dumfries facts for kids

William Crichton PC (born in 1598, died in 1691) was an important Scottish nobleman. He held the title of the 2nd Earl of Dumfries. He also served as a special advisor, called a privy councillor, to King Charles II of England. After a big change in the government called the Glorious Revolution, William Crichton gave up his titles for a short time in 1690. But the new King, William III of England, quickly gave them back to him. Even though William Crichton had two sons, they both passed away before him. So, his grandson, also named William, inherited his titles.

Early Life and Family Moves

When William Crichton was born, his family owned many lands around a place called Sanquhar. However, the family faced money problems. Part of these problems came from a very large party they held in 1617 for King James VI when he visited.

Because of these financial difficulties, by 1642, the Crichton family had to sell their properties in Sanquhar. They then moved to a different area called Cumnock.

A Stand for Justice

In 1686, something unusual happened in Cumnock. The body of a man named Alexander Peden, who was a Covenanter (a group of Scottish Presbyterians), was dug up by soldiers. These soldiers were from Sorn Castle and planned to bring Peden's body to Cumnock to hang it after his death. This was meant as a punishment even though he was already gone.

However, William Crichton stepped in. His wife asked him to prevent this disrespectful act. Crichton told the soldiers that "the gibbet was erected for malefactors and murderers, and not for such men as Peden." Because of his strong words, he stopped the soldiers from hanging the body.

William Crichton's Family

On August 29, 1618, William Crichton married Penelope Swift. She was the daughter of Sir Robert Swift, who was the Sheriff of Yorkshire. William and Penelope had two sons and three daughters together.

• Robert (born around December 19, 1641) passed away at a young age.
• Charles, Lord Crichton (died before March 11, 1690) was their second son. In 1679, Charles married Sarah, who was the third daughter of James Dalrymple, 1st Viscount of Stair. Charles and Sarah had one son and four daughters. Their son, also named William, later became the 3rd Earl of Dumfries. When this grandson William died without any children, his sister Penelope inherited the title and became the Countess of Dumfries.
• Elizabeth married Alexander Montgomerie in January 1658. Alexander later became the 8th Earl of Eglinton.
• Penelope never married.
• Mary (born around February 15, 1644) also never married.