William Dalrymple (1678–1744) facts for kids

William Dalrymple (born 1678, died November 30, 1744) was an important Scottish politician. He was a member of the Parliament of Scotland from 1702 to 1707. After Scotland and England joined to form Great Britain, he served in the British House of Commons from 1707 to 1741.

William Dalrymple was born on October 11, 1678. He was the second son of John Dalrymple, 1st Earl of Stair and Elizabeth Dundas. In 1698, he married his cousin, Penelope Crichton, who was the Countess of Dumfries in her own right.

Early Political Career in Scotland

William Dalrymple started his political journey in the Parliament of Scotland. From 1702 to 1707, he represented Ayrshire. During this time, he mostly supported the government's views.

In 1706, he became a joint "muster master general" for Scotland. This job involved checking the number of soldiers. He strongly supported the Union between Scotland and England. Because of his support, he was chosen as a commissioner for the Equivalent in 1707. This group managed money related to the Union.

Joining the British Parliament

After the Union, William Dalrymple was one of the first Scottish representatives in the new Parliament of Great Britain. He served there from 1707 to 1708.

Representing Clackmannanshire

In the 1708 British general election, Dalrymple was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Clackmannanshire. This election was very competitive. He had the support of Lord Mar, a powerful local figure. Dalrymple also became the Sheriff of Clackmannan in 1708, a position he held until his death.

In 1709, he joined the 3rd Foot Guards (Scots Guards) as a company commander. He continued to support the government in Parliament. For example, in 1709, he presented documents from the Equivalent commissioners. In 1710, he voted to impeach Dr. Sacheverell, a religious leader.

Later Elections and Opposition

Clackmannanshire did not have an election in 1710. By the time of the 1713 British general election, Dalrymple was no longer on good terms with Lord Mar.

In the 1722 British general election, Dalrymple was elected as an MP for Wigtown Burghs. His family's influence helped him win this seat. He continued to support the government.

At the 1727 British general election, he was elected for two areas: Wigtown Burghs and Wigtownshire. He chose to represent Wigtownshire. In 1733, he joined the political opposition with his brother, the 2nd Earl of Stair. He remained in opposition afterwards. He was re-elected in the 1734 British general election.

Family and Legacy

William Dalrymple passed away on November 30, 1744. He had six sons and two daughters. His oldest surviving son, also named William, inherited his mother's title, becoming the Earl of Dumfries. His second son, James, inherited the earldom of Stair in 1747. When James died in 1760, the earldom of Stair also passed to his brother William.