William Ker, 2nd Earl of Roxburghe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Roxburghe
|
|
|---|---|
| Personal details | |
| Born |
William Drummond
1622 |
| Died | 2 July 1675 (aged 52–53) |
| Spouse |
Hon. Jane Ker
(m. 1655) |
| Children | 5 |
| Parents | John Drummond, 2nd Earl of Perth Lady Jean Ker |
| Relatives | Robert Ker, 1st Earl of Roxburghe (grandfather) |
William Ker, the 2nd Earl of Roxburghe, was an important Scottish nobleman who lived from 1622 to 1675. He was also a member of the Privy Council of Scotland, a group of important advisors to the king. He became an Earl by inheriting the title from his maternal grandfather, Robert Ker, 1st Earl of Roxburghe.
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Who Was William Ker?
William Ker was born William Drummond in 1622. He was the youngest of five sons born to John Drummond, 2nd Earl of Perth, and Lady Jean Ker. His older brother, James Drummond, later became the 3rd Earl of Perth.
His Family Connections
William's mother, Lady Jean Ker, was the oldest daughter of Robert Ker, 1st Earl of Roxburghe. This connection to the Roxburghe family was very important for William's future. His father's parents were Patrick Drummond, 3rd Lord Drummond, and Lady Elizabeth Lindsay.
How William Became an Earl
William's grandfather, the 1st Earl of Roxburghe, had a problem. Both of his own sons died without having any sons to inherit his titles and lands. So, in 1648, the 1st Earl decided to choose his grandson, William Drummond, to inherit everything.
To make this happen, William changed his last name from Drummond to Ker. This special agreement was officially approved by the Scottish Parliament in 1661. After this, William inherited his grandfather's titles and estates, becoming the 2nd Earl of Roxburghe.
His Public Service
William Ker also served in important roles for Scotland.
- In 1660 and 1661, he was a Privy Councillor. This meant he was part of a special group that advised the king.
- In 1668, he was a Colonel of Foot with the Roxburgh and Selkirk Militia, which was a local military group.
William's Family Life
On May 17, 1655, William Ker married his cousin, Jane Ker. She was the eldest daughter of his late uncle, Harry Ker. William and Jane had five children together:
- Robert Ker (around 1658–1682): He later became the 3rd Earl of Roxburghe.
- Harry Ker
- William Ker: He served as the Sheriff of Tweeddale, an important local official.
- John Ker (died 1707): He later changed his name to Bellenden and became the 2nd Lord Bellenden.
- Lady Jean Ker: She married Colin Lindsay, 3rd Earl of Balcarres.
William Ker, the 2nd Earl of Roxburghe, passed away on July 2, 1675. His oldest son, Robert, then inherited his titles.
