Cosmo Gordon

Cosmo Gordon of Cluny FRSE (1736) was a Scottish politician, agricultural improver and co-founder of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. He was MP for Nairnshire 1774 to 1777. He was Baron of the Exchequer 1777 until death. He was twice Rector of Marischal College in Aberdeen.

Life

The grave of Cosmo Gordon, St Cuthbert's Churchyard, Edinburgh

He was the eldest son of John Gordon of Cluny (d.1769), a former Edinburgh merchant, and estate factor to Cosmo Gordon, 3rd Duke of Gordon who had bought Cluny Castle with monies from leasing salmon fishing rights on the River Spey on the Duke’s estate.

Cosmo studied Law at Marischal College in Aberdeen 1749 to 1753. He was created an advocate in 1758. In 1763 he bought the Kinsteary estate in Nairnshire. He inherited the Cluny estate on the death of his father in 1769.

In 1774 he succeeded Sir William Pulteney, 5th Baronet as MP to Cromarty (which alternated with Nairn in representation). Whilst in office he strongly supported the war against America. In 1777 the prime minister, Frederick North, Lord North created him as Baron of the Exchequer, a prestigious and well-paid role.[1]

He was of strong character, a friend of Lord Monboddo and James Boswell. In 1783 along with many Edinburgh literati he co-founded the Royal Society of Edinburgh serving as their Literary President.[2]

He died at his townhouse, 4 St Andrew Square in Edinburgh[3] (demolished) on 19 November 1800. He is buried in a highly ornate Gothic family vault in the churchyard of St Cuthbert's Church, Edinburgh to the north-west of the churchyard. He lies in the eastmost section of the vault.

Being childless, on his death his estates passed to his younger brother Charles Gordon of Braid (d.1815) and from there passed to Charles’ son, John Gordon of Cluny (d.1858).[4]

Family

Cosmo’s youngest brother Alexander Gordon made a fortune in the plantations of Tobago.

Cosmo married Mary Baillie, daughter of Henry Baillie of Carnbroe in 1786. She died in 1791 and he did not remarry.

Publications

References

  1. ↑ http://www.historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1754-1790/member/gordon-cosmo-1736-1800
  2. ↑ BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX OF FORMER FELLOWS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH 1783 – 2002 (PDF). The Royal Society of Edinburgh. July 2006. ISBN 0 902 198 84 X.
  3. ↑ Edinburgh and Leith Post Office Directory 1799-1800
  4. ↑ http://deriv.nls.uk/dcn23/9568/95685414.23.pdf
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