Archibald Montgomerie, 11th Earl of Eglinton
Encyclopedia
Archibald Montgomerie, 11th Earl of Eglinton (18 May 1726 – 30 October 1796) was a Scottish General, and Member of Parliament
(MP) in the British Parliament
. He was also the Clan Chief
of the Clan Montgomery
. Montgomerie fought in the Seven Years' War
, where he served with George Washington
. He also was the patron for the poet, Robert Burns
.
and the 9th Earl's third wife, Susanna Kennedy
. Montgomerie was one of the 9th Earls 20 children. Montgomerie was educated at Eton
during his teenage years. He then went to Winchester College
. At age 13, Montgomerie joined the army.
. He served as a Cornet, from 1839 until 1840. He received this commission in the Scots Greys. At the outbreak of the Seven Years' War
, Montgomerie raised the Montgomerie's Highlanders
. He was elected Lieutenant-Colonel of the regiment, on 4 January 1757. The regiment traveled to the American Colonies, in 1757. Montgomerie was put under the command of General Amherst. Montgomerie and his regiment fought with George Washington
, and Henry Bouquet
at the expedition against Fort Duquesne
, in 1758. In 1760, he commanded an expedition against the Cherokee
during the Anglo-Cherokee War
. Montgomerie's expedition, which included 1,200 men, was successful in its mission. Montgomerie had several Cherokee
villages destroyed, including Estatoe. He defeated the Cherokees, in 1760, at the Battle of Etchocy, and again defeated the Cherokees, in 1761, at the Battle of War-Woman's Creek.
Between 1767 and 1795, Montgomerie was the colonel
of the 51st Regiment of Foot
. During his service with the 51st, Montgomerie fought in the French Revolutionary Wars
. Montgomerie rose through the ranks of the British Military, and became a Major General
, in 1772. He was Deputy Vice-Admiral of Irvine in 1777, within the Port of Irvine from Kelly Bridge to the Troon Point. He subsequently became a Lieutenant General
, in 1777. In 1793, Montgomerie was commissioned a Full General. From 1795 until 1796, Montgomerie was the Colonel
of the Royal Scots Greys (2nd Dragoons).
, in 1761. After the election was over, Montgomerie found that he was elected to two seats. He chose to give up Wigtown Burghs
, to sit in the seat for Ayrshire
. He served in the House of Commons
, from 1761 until 1768. Montgomerie served as a Whig. In 1761, Montgomerie became an Equerry
for Queen Charlotte. He was appointed Governor of Dumbarton Castle
, in 1764. Montgomerie was then appointed Deputy Ranger of St. James's Park
and Deputy Ranger of Hyde Park
, in 1766.
On 24 October 1769, Montgomerie's brother, Alexander Montgomerie, 10th Earl of Eglinton
, was shot by Mungo Campbell. Campbell shot the 10th Earl, after a dispute on whether or not Campbell could bear arms on the 10th Earl's property. The 10th Earl died, in the early morning hours, on 25 October 1769 and Montgomerie inherited the Earldom
.
He was Grand Master
of the Masonic Lodge
of Mother Kilwinning
, from 1771 until 1796. Montgomerie was elected as one of sixteen Scottish representative peer
s, in 1776. He was re-elected, in 1780, 1784, and 1790. Montgomerie was appointed Governor of Edinburgh Castle
, in 1782. He served as Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire
, between 1794 and 1796. Montgomerie was also the patron for, the poet, Robert Burns
. Burns and Montgomerie would keep in contact until 30 October 1796 when Montgomerie died at Eglinton Castle
.
After his death, the Earldom passed to a third cousin, Hugh Montgomerie, 12th Earl of Eglinton
. Although the Earldom passed to Hugh Montgomerie
, the majority of Archibald Montgomerie's wealth went to his daughter Mary. Mary's son, Archibald Montgomerie, 13th Earl of Eglinton
, would eventually become the Earl of Eglinton
. There is a portrait of Montgomerie in Windsor Castle
. It was offered back to the family, by King William IV
, but the 13th Earl of Eglinton
declined. He felt that it was an honor to have a portrait of his grandfather, at Windsor Castle
.
He and Frances had two children:
Member of Parliament
A Member of Parliament is a representative of the voters to a :parliament. In many countries with bicameral parliaments, the term applies specifically to members of the lower house, as upper houses often have a different title, such as senate, and thus also have different titles for its members,...
(MP) in the British Parliament
Parliament of Great Britain
The Parliament of Great Britain was formed in 1707 following the ratification of the Acts of Union by both the Parliament of England and Parliament of Scotland...
. He was also the Clan Chief
Scottish clan chief
The Scottish Gaelic word clann means children. In early times, and possibly even today, clan members believed themselves to descend from a common ancestor, the founder of the Scottish clan. From its perceived founder a clan takes its name. The clan chief is the representative of this founder, and...
of the Clan Montgomery
Clan Montgomery
-Origins of the Clan:Clan Montgomery originated in Wales, and emigrated to Scotland in the 12th century as vassals of the FitzAlans. The family derives its surname from lands in Wales, likely from the Honour of Montgomery which was located near the Shropshire lands of the FitzAlans...
. Montgomerie fought in the Seven Years' War
Seven Years' War
The Seven Years' War was a global military war between 1756 and 1763, involving most of the great powers of the time and affecting Europe, North America, Central America, the West African coast, India, and the Philippines...
, where he served with George Washington
George Washington
George Washington was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of...
. He also was the patron for the poet, Robert Burns
Robert Burns
Robert Burns was a Scottish poet and a lyricist. He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland, and is celebrated worldwide...
.
Early life
Archibald Montgomerie was born on 18 May 1726, to Alexander Montgomerie, 9th Earl of EglintonAlexander Montgomerie, 9th Earl of Eglinton
Alexander Seton Montgomerie was the ninth Earl of Eglinton in the Peerage of Scotland.Although from a traditionally Roman Catholic family, Eglinton became one of the first firmly Presbyterian nobles. During the English Civil War he was colonel of horse in the army supporting the English...
and the 9th Earl's third wife, Susanna Kennedy
Susanna Montgomery, Countess of Eglinton
Susanna or Susannah Montgomery or Montgomerie was the daughter of Sir Archibald Kennedy, 1st Baronet of Culzean and the third wife of Alexander Seton Montgomerie , ninth Earl of Eglinton in the Peerage of Scotland. Born in 1690, she died at Auchans on March 18, 1780 at the age of 90. She had been a...
. Montgomerie was one of the 9th Earls 20 children. Montgomerie was educated at Eton
Eton College
Eton College, often referred to simply as Eton, is a British independent school for boys aged 13 to 18. It was founded in 1440 by King Henry VI as "The King's College of Our Lady of Eton besides Wyndsor"....
during his teenage years. He then went to Winchester College
Winchester College
Winchester College is an independent school for boys in the British public school tradition, situated in Winchester, Hampshire, the former capital of England. It has existed in its present location for over 600 years and claims the longest unbroken history of any school in England...
. At age 13, Montgomerie joined the army.
Military career
After joining the army, Montgomerie received a commission as a CornetCornet (military rank)
Cornet was originally the third and lowest grade of commissioned officer in a British cavalry troop, after captain and lieutenant. A cornet is a new and junior officer.- Traditional duties :The cornet carried the troop standard, also known as a "cornet"....
. He served as a Cornet, from 1839 until 1840. He received this commission in the Scots Greys. At the outbreak of the Seven Years' War
Seven Years' War
The Seven Years' War was a global military war between 1756 and 1763, involving most of the great powers of the time and affecting Europe, North America, Central America, the West African coast, India, and the Philippines...
, Montgomerie raised the Montgomerie's Highlanders
77th Regiment of Foot (Montgomerie's Highlanders)
The 77th Regiment of Foot was a Highland Scots Regiment raised under Major Archibald Montgomerie, son of the Earl of Eglinton. It was originally raised as the "First Highland Battalion" in 1757, around Stirling, Scotland, with thirteen companies...
. He was elected Lieutenant-Colonel of the regiment, on 4 January 1757. The regiment traveled to the American Colonies, in 1757. Montgomerie was put under the command of General Amherst. Montgomerie and his regiment fought with George Washington
George Washington
George Washington was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of...
, and Henry Bouquet
Henry Bouquet
Henry Bouquet was a prominent British Army officer in the French and Indian War and Pontiac's War. Bouquet is best known for his victory over Native Americans at the Battle of Bushy Run, lifting the siege of Fort Pitt during Pontiac's War.-Early life:Bouquet was born into a moderately wealthy...
at the expedition against Fort Duquesne
Fort Duquesne
Fort Duquesne was a fort established by the French in 1754, at the junction of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers in what is now downtown Pittsburgh in the state of Pennsylvania....
, in 1758. In 1760, he commanded an expedition against the Cherokee
Cherokee
The Cherokee are a Native American people historically settled in the Southeastern United States . Linguistically, they are part of the Iroquoian language family...
during the Anglo-Cherokee War
Anglo-Cherokee War
The Anglo-Cherokee War , also known as the Cherokee War, the Cherokee Uprising, the Cherokee Rebellion, was a conflict between British forces in North America and Cherokee Indians during the French and Indian War...
. Montgomerie's expedition, which included 1,200 men, was successful in its mission. Montgomerie had several Cherokee
Cherokee
The Cherokee are a Native American people historically settled in the Southeastern United States . Linguistically, they are part of the Iroquoian language family...
villages destroyed, including Estatoe. He defeated the Cherokees, in 1760, at the Battle of Etchocy, and again defeated the Cherokees, in 1761, at the Battle of War-Woman's Creek.
Between 1767 and 1795, Montgomerie was the colonel
Colonel
Colonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures...
of the 51st Regiment of Foot
51st (2nd Yorkshire West Riding) Regiment of Foot
The 51st Regiment of Foot was a British Army line infantry regiment. During the Childers Reforms it was united with the 105th Regiment of Foot to form the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry....
. During his service with the 51st, Montgomerie fought in the French Revolutionary Wars
French Revolutionary Wars
The French Revolutionary Wars were a series of major conflicts, from 1792 until 1802, fought between the French Revolutionary government and several European states...
. Montgomerie rose through the ranks of the British Military, and became a Major General
Major General
Major general or major-general is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. A major general is a high-ranking officer, normally subordinate to the rank of lieutenant general and senior to the ranks of brigadier and brigadier general...
, in 1772. He was Deputy Vice-Admiral of Irvine in 1777, within the Port of Irvine from Kelly Bridge to the Troon Point. He subsequently became a Lieutenant General
Lieutenant General
Lieutenant General is a military rank used in many countries. The rank traces its origins to the Middle Ages where the title of Lieutenant General was held by the second in command on the battlefield, who was normally subordinate to a Captain General....
, in 1777. In 1793, Montgomerie was commissioned a Full General. From 1795 until 1796, Montgomerie was the Colonel
Colonel
Colonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures...
of the Royal Scots Greys (2nd Dragoons).
Political career and Earldom
Montgomerie ran for a position in the House of CommonsBritish House of Commons
The House of Commons is the lower house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, which also comprises the Sovereign and the House of Lords . Both Commons and Lords meet in the Palace of Westminster. The Commons is a democratically elected body, consisting of 650 members , who are known as Members...
, in 1761. After the election was over, Montgomerie found that he was elected to two seats. He chose to give up Wigtown Burghs
Wigtown (UK Parliament constituency)
Wigtown Burghs, also known as Wigton Burghs,. was a constituency of the House of Commons of the Parliament of Great Britain from 1708 to 1800 and of the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom from 1801 to 1885. It was represented by one Member of Parliament .The first election in...
, to sit in the seat for Ayrshire
Ayrshire (UK Parliament constituency)
Ayrshire was a county constituency of the House of Commons of the Parliament of Great Britain from 1708 to 1800 and of the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom from 1801 until 1868, when it was divided into North Ayrshire and South Ayrshire....
. He served in the House of Commons
British House of Commons
The House of Commons is the lower house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, which also comprises the Sovereign and the House of Lords . Both Commons and Lords meet in the Palace of Westminster. The Commons is a democratically elected body, consisting of 650 members , who are known as Members...
, from 1761 until 1768. Montgomerie served as a Whig. In 1761, Montgomerie became an Equerry
Equerry
An equerry , and related to the French word "écuyer" ) is an officer of honour. Historically, it was a senior attendant with responsibilities for the horses of a person of rank. In contemporary use, it is a personal attendant, usually upon a Sovereign, a member of a Royal Family, or a national...
for Queen Charlotte. He was appointed Governor of Dumbarton Castle
Dumbarton Castle
Dumbarton Castle has the longest recorded history of any stronghold in Great Britain. It overlooks the Scottish town of Dumbarton, and sits on a plug of volcanic basalt known as Dumbarton Rock which is high.-Iron Age:...
, in 1764. Montgomerie was then appointed Deputy Ranger of St. James's Park
St. James's Park
St. James's Park is a 23 hectare park in the City of Westminster, central London - the oldest of the Royal Parks of London. The park lies at the southernmost tip of the St. James's area, which was named after a leper hospital dedicated to St. James the Less.- Geographical location :St. James's...
and Deputy Ranger of Hyde Park
Hyde Park, London
Hyde Park is one of the largest parks in central London, United Kingdom, and one of the Royal Parks of London, famous for its Speakers' Corner.The park is divided in two by the Serpentine...
, in 1766.
On 24 October 1769, Montgomerie's brother, Alexander Montgomerie, 10th Earl of Eglinton
Alexander Montgomerie, 10th Earl of Eglinton
Alexander Montgomerie, 10th Earl of Eglinton , was a Scottish peer.Eglinton was the son of the 9th Earl of Eglinton. His mother and third wife of the 9th Earl was Susanna Montgomery, Countess of Eglinton the renowned society beauty...
, was shot by Mungo Campbell. Campbell shot the 10th Earl, after a dispute on whether or not Campbell could bear arms on the 10th Earl's property. The 10th Earl died, in the early morning hours, on 25 October 1769 and Montgomerie inherited the Earldom
Earl of Eglinton
Earl of Eglinton is a title in the Peerage of Scotland.Some authorities spell the title: Earl of Eglintoun In 1859 the thirteenth Earl of Eglinton, Archibald Montgomerie, was also created Earl of Winton in the Peerage of the United Kingdom, which gave him an automatic seat in the House of Lords,...
.
He was Grand Master
Grand Master (Masonic)
In Freemasonry a Grand Master is the leader of the lodges within his Masonic jurisdiction. He presides over a Grand Lodge, and has certain rights in the constituent lodges that form his jurisdiction....
of the Masonic Lodge
Masonic Lodge
This article is about the Masonic term for a membership group. For buildings named Masonic Lodge, see Masonic Lodge A Masonic Lodge, often termed a Private Lodge or Constituent Lodge, is the basic organisation of Freemasonry...
of Mother Kilwinning
Lodge Mother Kilwinning
Lodge Mother Kilwinning is a Masonic Lodge in Kilwinning, Scotland under the auspices of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. It is number 0 on the Roll, and is reputed to be the oldest Lodge not only in Scotland, but the world...
, from 1771 until 1796. Montgomerie was elected as one of sixteen Scottish representative peer
Representative peer
In the United Kingdom, representative peers were those peers elected by the members of the Peerage of Scotland and the Peerage of Ireland to sit in the British House of Lords...
s, in 1776. He was re-elected, in 1780, 1784, and 1790. Montgomerie was appointed Governor of Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is a fortress which dominates the skyline of the city of Edinburgh, Scotland, from its position atop the volcanic Castle Rock. Human habitation of the site is dated back as far as the 9th century BC, although the nature of early settlement is unclear...
, in 1782. He served as Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire
Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire
This is a list of people who served as Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire, Scotland.*Archibald Montgomerie, 11th Earl of Eglinton 17 March 1794 – 30 October 1796*Hugh Montgomerie, 12th Earl of Eglinton 23 November 1796 – 14 December 1819...
, between 1794 and 1796. Montgomerie was also the patron for, the poet, Robert Burns
Robert Burns
Robert Burns was a Scottish poet and a lyricist. He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland, and is celebrated worldwide...
. Burns and Montgomerie would keep in contact until 30 October 1796 when Montgomerie died at Eglinton Castle
Eglinton Castle
Eglinton Castle was a large Gothic castellated mansion in Kilwinning, North Ayrshire, Scotland.-The castle :The ancient seat of the Earls of Eglinton, it is located just south of the town of Kilwinning...
.
After his death, the Earldom passed to a third cousin, Hugh Montgomerie, 12th Earl of Eglinton
Hugh Montgomerie, 12th Earl of Eglinton
Sir Hugh Montgomerie, 12th Earl of Eglinton KT was a Scottish peer, politician, and composer. He was the grandfather of Archibald Montgomerie, 13th Earl of Eglinton....
. Although the Earldom passed to Hugh Montgomerie
Hugh Montgomerie, 12th Earl of Eglinton
Sir Hugh Montgomerie, 12th Earl of Eglinton KT was a Scottish peer, politician, and composer. He was the grandfather of Archibald Montgomerie, 13th Earl of Eglinton....
, the majority of Archibald Montgomerie's wealth went to his daughter Mary. Mary's son, Archibald Montgomerie, 13th Earl of Eglinton
Archibald Montgomerie, 13th Earl of Eglinton
Sir Archibald William Montgomerie, 13th Earl of Eglinton KT, PC , known as Lord Montgomerie from 1814 to 1819, was a British Conservative politician...
, would eventually become the Earl of Eglinton
Earl of Eglinton
Earl of Eglinton is a title in the Peerage of Scotland.Some authorities spell the title: Earl of Eglintoun In 1859 the thirteenth Earl of Eglinton, Archibald Montgomerie, was also created Earl of Winton in the Peerage of the United Kingdom, which gave him an automatic seat in the House of Lords,...
. There is a portrait of Montgomerie in Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is a medieval castle and royal residence in Windsor in the English county of Berkshire, notable for its long association with the British royal family and its architecture. The original castle was built after the Norman invasion by William the Conqueror. Since the time of Henry I it...
. It was offered back to the family, by King William IV
William IV of the United Kingdom
William IV was King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of Hanover from 26 June 1830 until his death...
, but the 13th Earl of Eglinton
Archibald Montgomerie, 13th Earl of Eglinton
Sir Archibald William Montgomerie, 13th Earl of Eglinton KT, PC , known as Lord Montgomerie from 1814 to 1819, was a British Conservative politician...
declined. He felt that it was an honor to have a portrait of his grandfather, at Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is a medieval castle and royal residence in Windsor in the English county of Berkshire, notable for its long association with the British royal family and its architecture. The original castle was built after the Norman invasion by William the Conqueror. Since the time of Henry I it...
.
Personal life
Montgomerie was married, twice during his lifetime. He was first married, to Lady Jean (Jane) Lindsay. She was the daughter of George Lindsay-Crawford, 21st Earl of Crawford and Lady Jean Hamilton. They married, on 30 March 1772. Jean died, in 1778, without issue. Montgomerie married secondly, to Frances Twysden. She was the daughter of Sir William Twysden, 6th Baronet and Mary Jervis. They married, on 9 August 1783.He and Frances had two children:
- Lady Mary Montgomerie b. 5 March 1787, d. 12 Jun 1848. Mary was married to Lord Hugh Montgomerie. Their son, Archibald Montgomerie, 13th Earl of EglintonArchibald Montgomerie, 13th Earl of EglintonSir Archibald William Montgomerie, 13th Earl of Eglinton KT, PC , known as Lord Montgomerie from 1814 to 1819, was a British Conservative politician...
, would eventually succeed to the EarldomEarl of EglintonEarl of Eglinton is a title in the Peerage of Scotland.Some authorities spell the title: Earl of Eglintoun In 1859 the thirteenth Earl of Eglinton, Archibald Montgomerie, was also created Earl of Winton in the Peerage of the United Kingdom, which gave him an automatic seat in the House of Lords,...
. It is through Mary that the lineal and male lines of the Montgomerie familyClan Montgomery-Origins of the Clan:Clan Montgomery originated in Wales, and emigrated to Scotland in the 12th century as vassals of the FitzAlans. The family derives its surname from lands in Wales, likely from the Honour of Montgomery which was located near the Shropshire lands of the FitzAlans...
would unite. This uniting would return the Earldom of EglintonEarl of EglintonEarl of Eglinton is a title in the Peerage of Scotland.Some authorities spell the title: Earl of Eglintoun In 1859 the thirteenth Earl of Eglinton, Archibald Montgomerie, was also created Earl of Winton in the Peerage of the United Kingdom, which gave him an automatic seat in the House of Lords,...
to her descendants. - Lady Susanna Montgomerie b. 26 May 1788, d. 16 Nov 1805. Susanna died unmarried.
External links
- History of Parliament: House of Commons 1754-1790, by Sir Lewis Namier and James BrookeJames BrookeJames, Rajah of Sarawak, KCB was the first White Rajah of Sarawak. His father, Thomas Brooke, was an English Judge Court of Appeal at Bareilly, British India; his mother, Anna Maria, born in Hertfordshire, was the illegitimate daughter of Scottish peer Colonel William Stuart, 9th Lord Blantyre,...
, Sidgwick & Jackson, 1964