William Scott (Irish lawyer) facts for kids

William Scott was an important Irish lawyer and judge who lived from 1705 to 1776. He played a role in the legal system of Ireland during his time.

Early Life and Education

William Scott was the only son of Reverend Gideon Scott and Jane McNeill. His father, Gideon, came to Ireland with King William III. Gideon was an army chaplain, which means he was a religious leader for soldiers. King William III was very impressed by one of Gideon's sermons. Because of this, the King gave Gideon an estate called Willsborough in County Londonderry in 1696. The estate was even named after the King.

William's mother, Jane, was the daughter of John McNeill from Ballintoy, County Antrim. Her mother was Elizabeth Ruthven. William went to school in Raphoe and later attended Trinity College Dublin. He graduated from college in 1727. After that, he began his legal training at Middle Temple in 1729. He officially became a lawyer, or was "called to the Bar", in 1732.

Legal Career

William Scott became a member of the Irish House of Commons in 1739. This was like being a politician in the Irish government. He represented the city of Londonderry. In 1735, he was made the Recorder of Derry. A Recorder is a type of judge who handles legal cases in a specific area.

On October 6, 1757, he was appointed Prime Serjeant at the Irish Bar. This was a very important and respected position for a lawyer in Ireland. In 1759, he became a judge called a Puisne Justice in the Court of King's Bench (Ireland). This court dealt with major legal cases.

Later, on August 1, 1768, he moved to another important court. He became a Puisne Baron of the Court of Exchequer (Ireland). This court mainly handled financial matters for the government. He held this position until he passed away. In 1771, Scott and other judges were also appointed as Commissioners of Accounts for Ireland. This meant they helped manage the country's finances.

William Scott's career was steady and without major problems. He was a public figure, but he didn't seem to cause strong opinions, good or bad, among people.

Family Life

William Scott married Hannah Gledstanes. She was the daughter of Thomas Gledstanes. Together, William and Hannah had three sons:

• Thomas: He briefly served as the Recorder of Londonderry, just like his father. Thomas passed away in 1770.
• James: He inherited the Willsborough estate. James married Catherine Leslie, whose father, James Leslie, was a Bishop.
• Anthony: He also passed away in 1770.