John Hamilton-Gordon, 1st Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair
Encyclopedia
John Campbell Hamilton-Gordon, 1st Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair, KT
, GCMG, GCVO, PC (3 August 1847 – 7 March 1934), known as The Earl of Aberdeen from 1870 to 1916, was a Scottish
politician. Born in Edinburgh
, Hamilton-Gordon held office in several countries, serving twice as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
(1886; 1905–1915) and serving from 1893 to 1898 as the seventh Governor General of Canada
.
to George Hamilton-Gordon, 5th Earl of Aberdeen
and his wife Mary Baillie, daughter of George Baillie and sister to George Baillie-Hamilton, 10th Earl of Haddington
. He studied at the University of St Andrews
and University College, Oxford
. He succeeded as 7th Earl of Aberdeen following the death of his eldest brother, George, 6th Earl of Aberdeen
.
In 1877 he married Ishbel Maria Marjoribanks
, daughter to Dudley Marjoribanks, later 1st Baron Tweedmouth
, and Isabella Weir-Hogg. It seems that their marriage was a love match as they were long time friends and Ishbel developed a crush on Hamilton-Gordon at just 14.
Lady Aberdeen, was an LL.D. of Queen's University
, Kingston, Ontario
. She served as
President of the International Council of Women, 1893-99. Lady Aberdeen founded the National Council of Women of Canada
, and the Victorian Order of Nurses
.
They had five children:
following his succession to his brother's earldom. A Liberal
, he was present for William Ewart Gladstone
's first Midlothian campaign
at Lord Rosebery
's house in 1879. He became Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire
in 1880, served as Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
from 1881 to 1885 (he held the position again in 1915) and was briefly appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
in 1886. He became a Privy Counsellor in the same year.
He served as Governor General of Canada
from 1893 to 1898 during a period of political transition. He travelled extensively throughout the country and is described as having "transformed the role of Governor General from that of the aristocrat representing the King or Queen in Canada to a symbol representing the interests of all citizens". In 1891, he bought the Coldstream Ranch in the northern Okanagan
Valley in British Columbia and launched the first commercial orchard operations in that region, which gave birth to an industry and settlement colony as other Britons emigrated to the region because of his prestige and bought into the orcharding lifestyle. The ranch is today part of the municipality of Coldstream
, and various placenames in the area commemorate him and his family, such as Aberdeen Lake and Haddo Creek.
He was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George
in 1895.
He was again appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
in 1905, and served until 1915. During his tenure he also served as Lord Rector of the University of St Andrews
(1913–1916), was created a Knight Companion of the Order of the Thistle
(1906) and was created a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order
(1911). Following his retirement, he was created Earl of Haddo, in the County of Aberdeen, and Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair, in the County of Aberdeen, in the County of Meath and in the County of Argyll, in January 1916.
, Aberdeenshire
, which he had built and where he died in 1934. His son, George, succeeded to the marquessate.
House of Cromar passed to Sir Alexander MacRobert in 1934 and it became Alastrean House. It was leased to the RAF Benevolent Fund
in 1984.
located in the Collingsworth County, Texas
along with his father-in-law Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks, 1st Baron Tweedmouth
and his brother-in-law Edward Marjoribanks, 2nd Baron Tweedmouth
.
John Campbell Hamilton-Gordon, 1st Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair, KT
, GCMG, GCVO, PC (3 August 1847 – 7 March 1934), known as The Earl of Aberdeen from 1870 to 1916, was a Scottish
politician. Born in Edinburgh
, Hamilton-Gordon held office in several countries, serving twice as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
(1886; 1905–1915) and serving from 1893 to 1898 as the seventh Governor General of Canada
.
to George Hamilton-Gordon, 5th Earl of Aberdeen
and his wife Mary Baillie, daughter of George Baillie and sister to George Baillie-Hamilton, 10th Earl of Haddington
. He studied at the University of St Andrews
and University College, Oxford
. He succeeded as 7th Earl of Aberdeen following the death of his eldest brother, George, 6th Earl of Aberdeen
.
In 1877 he married Ishbel Maria Marjoribanks
, daughter to Dudley Marjoribanks, later 1st Baron Tweedmouth
, and Isabella Weir-Hogg. It seems that their marriage was a love match as they were long time friends and Ishbel developed a crush on Hamilton-Gordon at just 14.
Lady Aberdeen, was an LL.D. of Queen's University
, Kingston, Ontario
. She served as
President of the International Council of Women, 1893-99. Lady Aberdeen founded the National Council of Women of Canada
, and the Victorian Order of Nurses
.
They had five children:
following his succession to his brother's earldom. A Liberal
, he was present for William Ewart Gladstone
's first Midlothian campaign
at Lord Rosebery
's house in 1879. He became Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire
in 1880, served as Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
from 1881 to 1885 (he held the position again in 1915) and was briefly appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
in 1886. He became a Privy Counsellor in the same year.
He served as Governor General of Canada
from 1893 to 1898 during a period of political transition. He travelled extensively throughout the country and is described as having "transformed the role of Governor General from that of the aristocrat representing the King or Queen in Canada to a symbol representing the interests of all citizens". In 1891, he bought the Coldstream Ranch in the northern Okanagan
Valley in British Columbia and launched the first commercial orchard operations in that region, which gave birth to an industry and settlement colony as other Britons emigrated to the region because of his prestige and bought into the orcharding lifestyle. The ranch is today part of the municipality of Coldstream
, and various placenames in the area commemorate him and his family, such as Aberdeen Lake and Haddo Creek.
He was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George
in 1895.
He was again appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
in 1905, and served until 1915. During his tenure he also served as Lord Rector of the University of St Andrews
(1913–1916), was created a Knight Companion of the Order of the Thistle
(1906) and was created a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order
(1911). Following his retirement, he was created Earl of Haddo, in the County of Aberdeen, and Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair, in the County of Aberdeen, in the County of Meath and in the County of Argyll, in January 1916.
, Aberdeenshire
, which he had built and where he died in 1934. His son, George, succeeded to the marquessate.
House of Cromar passed to Sir Alexander MacRobert in 1934 and it became Alastrean House. It was leased to the RAF Benevolent Fund
in 1984.
located in the Collingsworth County, Texas
along with his father-in-law Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks, 1st Baron Tweedmouth
and his brother-in-law Edward Marjoribanks, 2nd Baron Tweedmouth
.
John Campbell Hamilton-Gordon, 1st Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair, KT
, GCMG, GCVO, PC (3 August 1847 – 7 March 1934), known as The Earl of Aberdeen from 1870 to 1916, was a Scottish
politician. Born in Edinburgh
, Hamilton-Gordon held office in several countries, serving twice as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
(1886; 1905–1915) and serving from 1893 to 1898 as the seventh Governor General of Canada
.
to George Hamilton-Gordon, 5th Earl of Aberdeen
and his wife Mary Baillie, daughter of George Baillie and sister to George Baillie-Hamilton, 10th Earl of Haddington
. He studied at the University of St Andrews
and University College, Oxford
. He succeeded as 7th Earl of Aberdeen following the death of his eldest brother, George, 6th Earl of Aberdeen
.
In 1877 he married Ishbel Maria Marjoribanks
, daughter to Dudley Marjoribanks, later 1st Baron Tweedmouth
, and Isabella Weir-Hogg. It seems that their marriage was a love match as they were long time friends and Ishbel developed a crush on Hamilton-Gordon at just 14.
Lady Aberdeen, was an LL.D. of Queen's University
, Kingston, Ontario
. She served as
President of the International Council of Women, 1893-99. Lady Aberdeen founded the National Council of Women of Canada
, and the Victorian Order of Nurses
.
They had five children:
following his succession to his brother's earldom. A Liberal
, he was present for William Ewart Gladstone
's first Midlothian campaign
at Lord Rosebery
's house in 1879. He became Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire
in 1880, served as Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
from 1881 to 1885 (he held the position again in 1915) and was briefly appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
in 1886. He became a Privy Counsellor in the same year.
He served as Governor General of Canada
from 1893 to 1898 during a period of political transition. He travelled extensively throughout the country and is described as having "transformed the role of Governor General from that of the aristocrat representing the King or Queen in Canada to a symbol representing the interests of all citizens". In 1891, he bought the Coldstream Ranch in the northern Okanagan
Valley in British Columbia and launched the first commercial orchard operations in that region, which gave birth to an industry and settlement colony as other Britons emigrated to the region because of his prestige and bought into the orcharding lifestyle. The ranch is today part of the municipality of Coldstream
, and various placenames in the area commemorate him and his family, such as Aberdeen Lake and Haddo Creek.
He was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George
in 1895.
He was again appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
in 1905, and served until 1915. During his tenure he also served as Lord Rector of the University of St Andrews
(1913–1916), was created a Knight Companion of the Order of the Thistle
(1906) and was created a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order
(1911). Following his retirement, he was created Earl of Haddo, in the County of Aberdeen, and Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair, in the County of Aberdeen, in the County of Meath and in the County of Argyll, in January 1916.
, Aberdeenshire
, which he had built and where he died in 1934. His son, George, succeeded to the marquessate.
House of Cromar passed to Sir Alexander MacRobert in 1934 and it became Alastrean House. It was leased to the RAF Benevolent Fund
in 1984.
located in the Collingsworth County, Texas
along with his father-in-law Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks, 1st Baron Tweedmouth
and his brother-in-law Edward Marjoribanks, 2nd Baron Tweedmouth
.
Order of the Thistle
The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle is an order of chivalry associated with Scotland. The current version of the Order was founded in 1687 by King James VII of Scotland who asserted that he was reviving an earlier Order...
, GCMG, GCVO, PC (3 August 1847 – 7 March 1934), known as The Earl of Aberdeen from 1870 to 1916, was a Scottish
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
politician. Born in Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
, Hamilton-Gordon held office in several countries, serving twice as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
The Lord Lieutenant of Ireland was the British King's representative and head of the Irish executive during the Lordship of Ireland , the Kingdom of Ireland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland...
(1886; 1905–1915) and serving from 1893 to 1898 as the seventh Governor General of Canada
Governor General of Canada
The Governor General of Canada is the federal viceregal representative of the Canadian monarch, Queen Elizabeth II...
.
Early and personal life
Aberdeen was born in EdinburghEdinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
to George Hamilton-Gordon, 5th Earl of Aberdeen
George Hamilton-Gordon, 5th Earl of Aberdeen
George John James Hamilton-Gordon, 5th Earl of Aberdeen , styled Lord Haddo before 1860, was a British peer and Liberal Party politician....
and his wife Mary Baillie, daughter of George Baillie and sister to George Baillie-Hamilton, 10th Earl of Haddington
George Baillie-Hamilton, 10th Earl of Haddington
George Baillie-Hamilton, 10th Earl of Haddington , known as George Baillie until 1858, was a Scottish Conservative politician....
. He studied at the University of St Andrews
University of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews, informally referred to as "St Andrews", is the oldest university in Scotland and the third oldest in the English-speaking world after Oxford and Cambridge. The university is situated in the town of St Andrews, Fife, on the east coast of Scotland. It was founded between...
and University College, Oxford
University College, Oxford
.University College , is a constituent college of the University of Oxford in England. As of 2009 the college had an estimated financial endowment of £110m...
. He succeeded as 7th Earl of Aberdeen following the death of his eldest brother, George, 6th Earl of Aberdeen
George Hamilton-Gordon, 6th Earl of Aberdeen
George Hamilton-Gordon, 6th Earl of Aberdeen , styled Lord Haddo from 1860 to 1864, was a Scottish peer and sailor.Hamilton-Gordon was born at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the eldest son of the 5th Earl of Aberdeen...
.
In 1877 he married Ishbel Maria Marjoribanks
Ishbel Hamilton-Gordon, Marchioness of Aberdeen and Temair
Ishbel Maria Hamilton-Gordon, Marchioness of Aberdeen and Temair, GBE was a Scottish author, philanthropist and an advocate of woman's interests.-Family:...
, daughter to Dudley Marjoribanks, later 1st Baron Tweedmouth
Dudley Marjoribanks, 1st Baron Tweedmouth
Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks, 1st Baron Tweedmouth was a Scottish businessman and a Liberal politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1853 until 1880, when he was elevated to thepeerage as Baron Tweedmouth...
, and Isabella Weir-Hogg. It seems that their marriage was a love match as they were long time friends and Ishbel developed a crush on Hamilton-Gordon at just 14.
Lady Aberdeen, was an LL.D. of Queen's University
Queen's University
Queen's University, , is a public research university located in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Founded on 16 October 1841, the university pre-dates the founding of Canada by 26 years. Queen's holds more more than of land throughout Ontario as well as Herstmonceux Castle in East Sussex, England...
, Kingston, Ontario
Kingston, Ontario
Kingston, Ontario is a Canadian city located in Eastern Ontario where the St. Lawrence River flows out of Lake Ontario. Originally a First Nations settlement called "Katarowki," , growing European exploration in the 17th Century made it an important trading post...
. She served as
President of the International Council of Women, 1893-99. Lady Aberdeen founded the National Council of Women of Canada
National Council of Women of Canada
The National Council of Women of Canada is a Canadian advocacy organization based in Ottawa aimed at improving conditions for women, families, and communities. A federation of nationally-organized societies of men and women and local and provincial councils of women, it is the Canadian member of...
, and the Victorian Order of Nurses
Victorian Order of Nurses
The Victorian Order of Nurses is a non-profit charitable organization founded in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on January 29, 1897 created as a gift for Queen Victoria for the purposes of home care and social services. It is registered as a charity the Canada Revenue Agency, charity number...
.
They had five children:
- GeorgeGeorge Gordon, 2nd Marquess of Aberdeen and TemairGeorge Gordon, 2nd Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair OBE , K.StJ , JP , styled Lord Haddo until 1916 and Earl of Haddo from 1916 to 1934, was a Scottish peer and politician....
(1879–1965), succeeded as 2nd Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair - Marjorie Adeline (1880–1970), married John Sinclair, later 1st Lord PentlandJohn Sinclair, 1st Baron PentlandJohn Sinclair, 1st Baron Pentland, GCSI, GCIE was a Scottish Liberal Party politician, soldier, peer, administrator and Privy Councillor who served as the Secretary of Scotland from 1905 to 1912 and the Governor of Madras from 1912 to 1919.Baron Pentland was born John Sinclair to Sir John...
- Dorothea (March – November 1882)
- Dudley GladstoneDudley Gordon, 3rd Marquess of Aberdeen and TemairLieutenant-Colonel Dudley Gladstone Gordon, 3rd Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair DSO , styled Lord Dudley Gordon from 1916 to 1965, was a British peer, soldier, and industrialist....
(1883–1972), succeeded his brother as 3rd Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair - Archibald Ian (1884–1909)
Political life
Aberdeen entered the House of LordsHouse of Lords
The House of Lords is the upper house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Like the House of Commons, it meets in the Palace of Westminster....
following his succession to his brother's earldom. A Liberal
Liberal Party (UK)
The Liberal Party was one of the two major political parties of the United Kingdom during the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was a third party of negligible importance throughout the latter half of the 20th Century, before merging with the Social Democratic Party in 1988 to form the present day...
, he was present for William Ewart Gladstone
William Ewart Gladstone
William Ewart Gladstone FRS FSS was a British Liberal statesman. In a career lasting over sixty years, he served as Prime Minister four separate times , more than any other person. Gladstone was also Britain's oldest Prime Minister, 84 years old when he resigned for the last time...
's first Midlothian campaign
Midlothian campaign
The Midlothian campaign was a series of foreign policy speeches given by William Ewart Gladstone. It is often cited as the first modern political campaign. It also set the stage for Gladstone's comeback as a politician...
at Lord Rosebery
Archibald Primrose, 5th Earl of Rosebery
Archibald Philip Primrose, 5th Earl of Rosebery, KG, PC was a British Liberal statesman and Prime Minister. Between the death of his father, in 1851, and the death of his grandfather, the 4th Earl, in 1868, he was known by the courtesy title of Lord Dalmeny.Rosebery was a Liberal Imperialist who...
's house in 1879. He became Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire
Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire
The Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire, is the British monarch's personal representative in an area consisting of the county of Aberdeen as it existed immediately prior to abolition for local government purposes by the Local Government Act 1973 except that part within Aberdeen City.The office was...
in 1880, served as Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
The Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland is the British Sovereign's personal representative to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland , reflecting the Church's role as the national church of Scotland, and the Sovereign's role as protector and member of...
from 1881 to 1885 (he held the position again in 1915) and was briefly appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
The Lord Lieutenant of Ireland was the British King's representative and head of the Irish executive during the Lordship of Ireland , the Kingdom of Ireland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland...
in 1886. He became a Privy Counsellor in the same year.
He served as Governor General of Canada
Governor General of Canada
The Governor General of Canada is the federal viceregal representative of the Canadian monarch, Queen Elizabeth II...
from 1893 to 1898 during a period of political transition. He travelled extensively throughout the country and is described as having "transformed the role of Governor General from that of the aristocrat representing the King or Queen in Canada to a symbol representing the interests of all citizens". In 1891, he bought the Coldstream Ranch in the northern Okanagan
Okanagan
The Okanagan , also known as the Okanagan Valley and sometimes as Okanagan Country is a region located in the Canadian province of British Columbia defined by the basin of Okanagan Lake and the Canadian portion of the Okanagan River. As of 2009, the region's population is approximately 350,927. The...
Valley in British Columbia and launched the first commercial orchard operations in that region, which gave birth to an industry and settlement colony as other Britons emigrated to the region because of his prestige and bought into the orcharding lifestyle. The ranch is today part of the municipality of Coldstream
Coldstream, British Columbia
Coldstream is a district municipality in British Columbia, Canada, located at the northern end of Kalamalka Lake in the Okanagan Valley. Incorporated on December 21, 1906, Coldstream celebrated its centennial in 2006. The municipality is directly southeast of Vernon and is considered part of...
, and various placenames in the area commemorate him and his family, such as Aberdeen Lake and Haddo Creek.
He was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George
Order of St Michael and St George
The Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George is an order of chivalry founded on 28 April 1818 by George, Prince Regent, later George IV of the United Kingdom, while he was acting as Prince Regent for his father, George III....
in 1895.
He was again appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
The Lord Lieutenant of Ireland was the British King's representative and head of the Irish executive during the Lordship of Ireland , the Kingdom of Ireland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland...
in 1905, and served until 1915. During his tenure he also served as Lord Rector of the University of St Andrews
Rector of the University of St Andrews
The Lord Rector of the University of St Andrews is a university official chosen every three years by the students of the University of St Andrews...
(1913–1916), was created a Knight Companion of the Order of the Thistle
Order of the Thistle
The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle is an order of chivalry associated with Scotland. The current version of the Order was founded in 1687 by King James VII of Scotland who asserted that he was reviving an earlier Order...
(1906) and was created a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order
Royal Victorian Order
The Royal Victorian Order is a dynastic order of knighthood and a house order of chivalry recognising distinguished personal service to the order's Sovereign, the reigning monarch of the Commonwealth realms, any members of her family, or any of her viceroys...
(1911). Following his retirement, he was created Earl of Haddo, in the County of Aberdeen, and Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair, in the County of Aberdeen, in the County of Meath and in the County of Argyll, in January 1916.
Later life
Aberdeen lived the later stages of his life at the House of Cromar in TarlandTarland
Tarland is a village in Aberdeenshire, Scotland and is located five miles northwest of Aboyne, and 30 miles west of Aberdeen. Population 540 ....
, Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire is one of the 32 unitary council areas in Scotland and a lieutenancy area.The present day Aberdeenshire council area does not include the City of Aberdeen, now a separate council area, from which its name derives. Together, the modern council area and the city formed historic...
, which he had built and where he died in 1934. His son, George, succeeded to the marquessate.
House of Cromar passed to Sir Alexander MacRobert in 1934 and it became Alastrean House. It was leased to the RAF Benevolent Fund
RAF Benevolent Fund
The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund is the Royal Air Force's leading welfare charity, providing financial, practical and emotional support to serving and former members of the RAF - regardless of rank - as well as their partners and dependents.They help members of the RAF family deal with a wide...
in 1984.
The Rocking Chair Ranche
From 1883 until 1896, he was also an owner of and investor in the Rocking Chair RancheRocking Chair Ranche
The Rocking Chair Ranche was a ranch located at North Elm Creek in Collingsworth County, Texas from 1883 until October 11, 1896.The Rocking Chair Ranche was bought by Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks, 1st Baron Tweedmouth in 1883...
located in the Collingsworth County, Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
along with his father-in-law Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks, 1st Baron Tweedmouth
Dudley Marjoribanks, 1st Baron Tweedmouth
Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks, 1st Baron Tweedmouth was a Scottish businessman and a Liberal politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1853 until 1880, when he was elevated to thepeerage as Baron Tweedmouth...
and his brother-in-law Edward Marjoribanks, 2nd Baron Tweedmouth
Edward Marjoribanks, 2nd Baron Tweedmouth
Edward Marjoribanks, 2nd Baron Tweedmouth KT, PC was a British Liberal Party statesman who sat in the House of Commons from 1880 until 1894 when he inherited his peerage and then sat in the House of Lords...
.
Styles and honours
- The Hon. John Hamilton-Gordon (1847–1870)
- The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Aberdeen (1870–1886)
- The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Aberdeen PC (1886–1893)
- His Excellency The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Aberdeen PC (1893–1895)
- His Excellency The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Aberdeen GCMG PC (1895–1898)
- The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Aberdeen GCMG PC (1898–1906)
- The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Aberdeen KT GCMG PC (1906–1911)
- The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Aberdeen KT GCMG GCVO PC (1911–1916)
- The Most Hon. The Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair KT GCMG GCVO PC (1916–1934)
External links
John Campbell Hamilton-Gordon, 1st Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair, KT
Order of the Thistle
The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle is an order of chivalry associated with Scotland. The current version of the Order was founded in 1687 by King James VII of Scotland who asserted that he was reviving an earlier Order...
, GCMG, GCVO, PC (3 August 1847 – 7 March 1934), known as The Earl of Aberdeen from 1870 to 1916, was a Scottish
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
politician. Born in Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
, Hamilton-Gordon held office in several countries, serving twice as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
The Lord Lieutenant of Ireland was the British King's representative and head of the Irish executive during the Lordship of Ireland , the Kingdom of Ireland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland...
(1886; 1905–1915) and serving from 1893 to 1898 as the seventh Governor General of Canada
Governor General of Canada
The Governor General of Canada is the federal viceregal representative of the Canadian monarch, Queen Elizabeth II...
.
Early and personal life
Aberdeen was born in EdinburghEdinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
to George Hamilton-Gordon, 5th Earl of Aberdeen
George Hamilton-Gordon, 5th Earl of Aberdeen
George John James Hamilton-Gordon, 5th Earl of Aberdeen , styled Lord Haddo before 1860, was a British peer and Liberal Party politician....
and his wife Mary Baillie, daughter of George Baillie and sister to George Baillie-Hamilton, 10th Earl of Haddington
George Baillie-Hamilton, 10th Earl of Haddington
George Baillie-Hamilton, 10th Earl of Haddington , known as George Baillie until 1858, was a Scottish Conservative politician....
. He studied at the University of St Andrews
University of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews, informally referred to as "St Andrews", is the oldest university in Scotland and the third oldest in the English-speaking world after Oxford and Cambridge. The university is situated in the town of St Andrews, Fife, on the east coast of Scotland. It was founded between...
and University College, Oxford
University College, Oxford
.University College , is a constituent college of the University of Oxford in England. As of 2009 the college had an estimated financial endowment of £110m...
. He succeeded as 7th Earl of Aberdeen following the death of his eldest brother, George, 6th Earl of Aberdeen
George Hamilton-Gordon, 6th Earl of Aberdeen
George Hamilton-Gordon, 6th Earl of Aberdeen , styled Lord Haddo from 1860 to 1864, was a Scottish peer and sailor.Hamilton-Gordon was born at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the eldest son of the 5th Earl of Aberdeen...
.
In 1877 he married Ishbel Maria Marjoribanks
Ishbel Hamilton-Gordon, Marchioness of Aberdeen and Temair
Ishbel Maria Hamilton-Gordon, Marchioness of Aberdeen and Temair, GBE was a Scottish author, philanthropist and an advocate of woman's interests.-Family:...
, daughter to Dudley Marjoribanks, later 1st Baron Tweedmouth
Dudley Marjoribanks, 1st Baron Tweedmouth
Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks, 1st Baron Tweedmouth was a Scottish businessman and a Liberal politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1853 until 1880, when he was elevated to thepeerage as Baron Tweedmouth...
, and Isabella Weir-Hogg. It seems that their marriage was a love match as they were long time friends and Ishbel developed a crush on Hamilton-Gordon at just 14.
Lady Aberdeen, was an LL.D. of Queen's University
Queen's University
Queen's University, , is a public research university located in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Founded on 16 October 1841, the university pre-dates the founding of Canada by 26 years. Queen's holds more more than of land throughout Ontario as well as Herstmonceux Castle in East Sussex, England...
, Kingston, Ontario
Kingston, Ontario
Kingston, Ontario is a Canadian city located in Eastern Ontario where the St. Lawrence River flows out of Lake Ontario. Originally a First Nations settlement called "Katarowki," , growing European exploration in the 17th Century made it an important trading post...
. She served as
President of the International Council of Women, 1893-99. Lady Aberdeen founded the National Council of Women of Canada
National Council of Women of Canada
The National Council of Women of Canada is a Canadian advocacy organization based in Ottawa aimed at improving conditions for women, families, and communities. A federation of nationally-organized societies of men and women and local and provincial councils of women, it is the Canadian member of...
, and the Victorian Order of Nurses
Victorian Order of Nurses
The Victorian Order of Nurses is a non-profit charitable organization founded in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on January 29, 1897 created as a gift for Queen Victoria for the purposes of home care and social services. It is registered as a charity the Canada Revenue Agency, charity number...
.
They had five children:
- GeorgeGeorge Gordon, 2nd Marquess of Aberdeen and TemairGeorge Gordon, 2nd Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair OBE , K.StJ , JP , styled Lord Haddo until 1916 and Earl of Haddo from 1916 to 1934, was a Scottish peer and politician....
(1879–1965), succeeded as 2nd Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair - Marjorie Adeline (1880–1970), married John Sinclair, later 1st Lord PentlandJohn Sinclair, 1st Baron PentlandJohn Sinclair, 1st Baron Pentland, GCSI, GCIE was a Scottish Liberal Party politician, soldier, peer, administrator and Privy Councillor who served as the Secretary of Scotland from 1905 to 1912 and the Governor of Madras from 1912 to 1919.Baron Pentland was born John Sinclair to Sir John...
- Dorothea (March – November 1882)
- Dudley GladstoneDudley Gordon, 3rd Marquess of Aberdeen and TemairLieutenant-Colonel Dudley Gladstone Gordon, 3rd Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair DSO , styled Lord Dudley Gordon from 1916 to 1965, was a British peer, soldier, and industrialist....
(1883–1972), succeeded his brother as 3rd Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair - Archibald Ian (1884–1909)
Political life
Aberdeen entered the House of LordsHouse of Lords
The House of Lords is the upper house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Like the House of Commons, it meets in the Palace of Westminster....
following his succession to his brother's earldom. A Liberal
Liberal Party (UK)
The Liberal Party was one of the two major political parties of the United Kingdom during the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was a third party of negligible importance throughout the latter half of the 20th Century, before merging with the Social Democratic Party in 1988 to form the present day...
, he was present for William Ewart Gladstone
William Ewart Gladstone
William Ewart Gladstone FRS FSS was a British Liberal statesman. In a career lasting over sixty years, he served as Prime Minister four separate times , more than any other person. Gladstone was also Britain's oldest Prime Minister, 84 years old when he resigned for the last time...
's first Midlothian campaign
Midlothian campaign
The Midlothian campaign was a series of foreign policy speeches given by William Ewart Gladstone. It is often cited as the first modern political campaign. It also set the stage for Gladstone's comeback as a politician...
at Lord Rosebery
Archibald Primrose, 5th Earl of Rosebery
Archibald Philip Primrose, 5th Earl of Rosebery, KG, PC was a British Liberal statesman and Prime Minister. Between the death of his father, in 1851, and the death of his grandfather, the 4th Earl, in 1868, he was known by the courtesy title of Lord Dalmeny.Rosebery was a Liberal Imperialist who...
's house in 1879. He became Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire
Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire
The Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire, is the British monarch's personal representative in an area consisting of the county of Aberdeen as it existed immediately prior to abolition for local government purposes by the Local Government Act 1973 except that part within Aberdeen City.The office was...
in 1880, served as Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
The Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland is the British Sovereign's personal representative to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland , reflecting the Church's role as the national church of Scotland, and the Sovereign's role as protector and member of...
from 1881 to 1885 (he held the position again in 1915) and was briefly appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
The Lord Lieutenant of Ireland was the British King's representative and head of the Irish executive during the Lordship of Ireland , the Kingdom of Ireland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland...
in 1886. He became a Privy Counsellor in the same year.
He served as Governor General of Canada
Governor General of Canada
The Governor General of Canada is the federal viceregal representative of the Canadian monarch, Queen Elizabeth II...
from 1893 to 1898 during a period of political transition. He travelled extensively throughout the country and is described as having "transformed the role of Governor General from that of the aristocrat representing the King or Queen in Canada to a symbol representing the interests of all citizens". In 1891, he bought the Coldstream Ranch in the northern Okanagan
Okanagan
The Okanagan , also known as the Okanagan Valley and sometimes as Okanagan Country is a region located in the Canadian province of British Columbia defined by the basin of Okanagan Lake and the Canadian portion of the Okanagan River. As of 2009, the region's population is approximately 350,927. The...
Valley in British Columbia and launched the first commercial orchard operations in that region, which gave birth to an industry and settlement colony as other Britons emigrated to the region because of his prestige and bought into the orcharding lifestyle. The ranch is today part of the municipality of Coldstream
Coldstream, British Columbia
Coldstream is a district municipality in British Columbia, Canada, located at the northern end of Kalamalka Lake in the Okanagan Valley. Incorporated on December 21, 1906, Coldstream celebrated its centennial in 2006. The municipality is directly southeast of Vernon and is considered part of...
, and various placenames in the area commemorate him and his family, such as Aberdeen Lake and Haddo Creek.
He was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George
Order of St Michael and St George
The Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George is an order of chivalry founded on 28 April 1818 by George, Prince Regent, later George IV of the United Kingdom, while he was acting as Prince Regent for his father, George III....
in 1895.
He was again appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
The Lord Lieutenant of Ireland was the British King's representative and head of the Irish executive during the Lordship of Ireland , the Kingdom of Ireland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland...
in 1905, and served until 1915. During his tenure he also served as Lord Rector of the University of St Andrews
Rector of the University of St Andrews
The Lord Rector of the University of St Andrews is a university official chosen every three years by the students of the University of St Andrews...
(1913–1916), was created a Knight Companion of the Order of the Thistle
Order of the Thistle
The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle is an order of chivalry associated with Scotland. The current version of the Order was founded in 1687 by King James VII of Scotland who asserted that he was reviving an earlier Order...
(1906) and was created a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order
Royal Victorian Order
The Royal Victorian Order is a dynastic order of knighthood and a house order of chivalry recognising distinguished personal service to the order's Sovereign, the reigning monarch of the Commonwealth realms, any members of her family, or any of her viceroys...
(1911). Following his retirement, he was created Earl of Haddo, in the County of Aberdeen, and Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair, in the County of Aberdeen, in the County of Meath and in the County of Argyll, in January 1916.
Later life
Aberdeen lived the later stages of his life at the House of Cromar in TarlandTarland
Tarland is a village in Aberdeenshire, Scotland and is located five miles northwest of Aboyne, and 30 miles west of Aberdeen. Population 540 ....
, Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire is one of the 32 unitary council areas in Scotland and a lieutenancy area.The present day Aberdeenshire council area does not include the City of Aberdeen, now a separate council area, from which its name derives. Together, the modern council area and the city formed historic...
, which he had built and where he died in 1934. His son, George, succeeded to the marquessate.
House of Cromar passed to Sir Alexander MacRobert in 1934 and it became Alastrean House. It was leased to the RAF Benevolent Fund
RAF Benevolent Fund
The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund is the Royal Air Force's leading welfare charity, providing financial, practical and emotional support to serving and former members of the RAF - regardless of rank - as well as their partners and dependents.They help members of the RAF family deal with a wide...
in 1984.
The Rocking Chair Ranche
From 1883 until 1896, he was also an owner of and investor in the Rocking Chair RancheRocking Chair Ranche
The Rocking Chair Ranche was a ranch located at North Elm Creek in Collingsworth County, Texas from 1883 until October 11, 1896.The Rocking Chair Ranche was bought by Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks, 1st Baron Tweedmouth in 1883...
located in the Collingsworth County, Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
along with his father-in-law Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks, 1st Baron Tweedmouth
Dudley Marjoribanks, 1st Baron Tweedmouth
Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks, 1st Baron Tweedmouth was a Scottish businessman and a Liberal politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1853 until 1880, when he was elevated to thepeerage as Baron Tweedmouth...
and his brother-in-law Edward Marjoribanks, 2nd Baron Tweedmouth
Edward Marjoribanks, 2nd Baron Tweedmouth
Edward Marjoribanks, 2nd Baron Tweedmouth KT, PC was a British Liberal Party statesman who sat in the House of Commons from 1880 until 1894 when he inherited his peerage and then sat in the House of Lords...
.
Styles and honours
- The Hon. John Hamilton-Gordon (1847–1870)
- The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Aberdeen (1870–1886)
- The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Aberdeen PC (1886–1893)
- His Excellency The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Aberdeen PC (1893–1895)
- His Excellency The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Aberdeen GCMG PC (1895–1898)
- The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Aberdeen GCMG PC (1898–1906)
- The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Aberdeen KT GCMG PC (1906–1911)
- The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Aberdeen KT GCMG GCVO PC (1911–1916)
- The Most Hon. The Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair KT GCMG GCVO PC (1916–1934)
External links
John Campbell Hamilton-Gordon, 1st Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair, KT
Order of the Thistle
The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle is an order of chivalry associated with Scotland. The current version of the Order was founded in 1687 by King James VII of Scotland who asserted that he was reviving an earlier Order...
, GCMG, GCVO, PC (3 August 1847 – 7 March 1934), known as The Earl of Aberdeen from 1870 to 1916, was a Scottish
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
politician. Born in Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
, Hamilton-Gordon held office in several countries, serving twice as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
The Lord Lieutenant of Ireland was the British King's representative and head of the Irish executive during the Lordship of Ireland , the Kingdom of Ireland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland...
(1886; 1905–1915) and serving from 1893 to 1898 as the seventh Governor General of Canada
Governor General of Canada
The Governor General of Canada is the federal viceregal representative of the Canadian monarch, Queen Elizabeth II...
.
Early and personal life
Aberdeen was born in EdinburghEdinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
to George Hamilton-Gordon, 5th Earl of Aberdeen
George Hamilton-Gordon, 5th Earl of Aberdeen
George John James Hamilton-Gordon, 5th Earl of Aberdeen , styled Lord Haddo before 1860, was a British peer and Liberal Party politician....
and his wife Mary Baillie, daughter of George Baillie and sister to George Baillie-Hamilton, 10th Earl of Haddington
George Baillie-Hamilton, 10th Earl of Haddington
George Baillie-Hamilton, 10th Earl of Haddington , known as George Baillie until 1858, was a Scottish Conservative politician....
. He studied at the University of St Andrews
University of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews, informally referred to as "St Andrews", is the oldest university in Scotland and the third oldest in the English-speaking world after Oxford and Cambridge. The university is situated in the town of St Andrews, Fife, on the east coast of Scotland. It was founded between...
and University College, Oxford
University College, Oxford
.University College , is a constituent college of the University of Oxford in England. As of 2009 the college had an estimated financial endowment of £110m...
. He succeeded as 7th Earl of Aberdeen following the death of his eldest brother, George, 6th Earl of Aberdeen
George Hamilton-Gordon, 6th Earl of Aberdeen
George Hamilton-Gordon, 6th Earl of Aberdeen , styled Lord Haddo from 1860 to 1864, was a Scottish peer and sailor.Hamilton-Gordon was born at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the eldest son of the 5th Earl of Aberdeen...
.
In 1877 he married Ishbel Maria Marjoribanks
Ishbel Hamilton-Gordon, Marchioness of Aberdeen and Temair
Ishbel Maria Hamilton-Gordon, Marchioness of Aberdeen and Temair, GBE was a Scottish author, philanthropist and an advocate of woman's interests.-Family:...
, daughter to Dudley Marjoribanks, later 1st Baron Tweedmouth
Dudley Marjoribanks, 1st Baron Tweedmouth
Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks, 1st Baron Tweedmouth was a Scottish businessman and a Liberal politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1853 until 1880, when he was elevated to thepeerage as Baron Tweedmouth...
, and Isabella Weir-Hogg. It seems that their marriage was a love match as they were long time friends and Ishbel developed a crush on Hamilton-Gordon at just 14.
Lady Aberdeen, was an LL.D. of Queen's University
Queen's University
Queen's University, , is a public research university located in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Founded on 16 October 1841, the university pre-dates the founding of Canada by 26 years. Queen's holds more more than of land throughout Ontario as well as Herstmonceux Castle in East Sussex, England...
, Kingston, Ontario
Kingston, Ontario
Kingston, Ontario is a Canadian city located in Eastern Ontario where the St. Lawrence River flows out of Lake Ontario. Originally a First Nations settlement called "Katarowki," , growing European exploration in the 17th Century made it an important trading post...
. She served as
President of the International Council of Women, 1893-99. Lady Aberdeen founded the National Council of Women of Canada
National Council of Women of Canada
The National Council of Women of Canada is a Canadian advocacy organization based in Ottawa aimed at improving conditions for women, families, and communities. A federation of nationally-organized societies of men and women and local and provincial councils of women, it is the Canadian member of...
, and the Victorian Order of Nurses
Victorian Order of Nurses
The Victorian Order of Nurses is a non-profit charitable organization founded in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on January 29, 1897 created as a gift for Queen Victoria for the purposes of home care and social services. It is registered as a charity the Canada Revenue Agency, charity number...
.
They had five children:
- GeorgeGeorge Gordon, 2nd Marquess of Aberdeen and TemairGeorge Gordon, 2nd Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair OBE , K.StJ , JP , styled Lord Haddo until 1916 and Earl of Haddo from 1916 to 1934, was a Scottish peer and politician....
(1879–1965), succeeded as 2nd Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair - Marjorie Adeline (1880–1970), married John Sinclair, later 1st Lord PentlandJohn Sinclair, 1st Baron PentlandJohn Sinclair, 1st Baron Pentland, GCSI, GCIE was a Scottish Liberal Party politician, soldier, peer, administrator and Privy Councillor who served as the Secretary of Scotland from 1905 to 1912 and the Governor of Madras from 1912 to 1919.Baron Pentland was born John Sinclair to Sir John...
- Dorothea (March – November 1882)
- Dudley GladstoneDudley Gordon, 3rd Marquess of Aberdeen and TemairLieutenant-Colonel Dudley Gladstone Gordon, 3rd Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair DSO , styled Lord Dudley Gordon from 1916 to 1965, was a British peer, soldier, and industrialist....
(1883–1972), succeeded his brother as 3rd Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair - Archibald Ian (1884–1909)
Political life
Aberdeen entered the House of LordsHouse of Lords
The House of Lords is the upper house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Like the House of Commons, it meets in the Palace of Westminster....
following his succession to his brother's earldom. A Liberal
Liberal Party (UK)
The Liberal Party was one of the two major political parties of the United Kingdom during the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was a third party of negligible importance throughout the latter half of the 20th Century, before merging with the Social Democratic Party in 1988 to form the present day...
, he was present for William Ewart Gladstone
William Ewart Gladstone
William Ewart Gladstone FRS FSS was a British Liberal statesman. In a career lasting over sixty years, he served as Prime Minister four separate times , more than any other person. Gladstone was also Britain's oldest Prime Minister, 84 years old when he resigned for the last time...
's first Midlothian campaign
Midlothian campaign
The Midlothian campaign was a series of foreign policy speeches given by William Ewart Gladstone. It is often cited as the first modern political campaign. It also set the stage for Gladstone's comeback as a politician...
at Lord Rosebery
Archibald Primrose, 5th Earl of Rosebery
Archibald Philip Primrose, 5th Earl of Rosebery, KG, PC was a British Liberal statesman and Prime Minister. Between the death of his father, in 1851, and the death of his grandfather, the 4th Earl, in 1868, he was known by the courtesy title of Lord Dalmeny.Rosebery was a Liberal Imperialist who...
's house in 1879. He became Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire
Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire
The Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire, is the British monarch's personal representative in an area consisting of the county of Aberdeen as it existed immediately prior to abolition for local government purposes by the Local Government Act 1973 except that part within Aberdeen City.The office was...
in 1880, served as Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
The Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland is the British Sovereign's personal representative to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland , reflecting the Church's role as the national church of Scotland, and the Sovereign's role as protector and member of...
from 1881 to 1885 (he held the position again in 1915) and was briefly appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
The Lord Lieutenant of Ireland was the British King's representative and head of the Irish executive during the Lordship of Ireland , the Kingdom of Ireland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland...
in 1886. He became a Privy Counsellor in the same year.
He served as Governor General of Canada
Governor General of Canada
The Governor General of Canada is the federal viceregal representative of the Canadian monarch, Queen Elizabeth II...
from 1893 to 1898 during a period of political transition. He travelled extensively throughout the country and is described as having "transformed the role of Governor General from that of the aristocrat representing the King or Queen in Canada to a symbol representing the interests of all citizens". In 1891, he bought the Coldstream Ranch in the northern Okanagan
Okanagan
The Okanagan , also known as the Okanagan Valley and sometimes as Okanagan Country is a region located in the Canadian province of British Columbia defined by the basin of Okanagan Lake and the Canadian portion of the Okanagan River. As of 2009, the region's population is approximately 350,927. The...
Valley in British Columbia and launched the first commercial orchard operations in that region, which gave birth to an industry and settlement colony as other Britons emigrated to the region because of his prestige and bought into the orcharding lifestyle. The ranch is today part of the municipality of Coldstream
Coldstream, British Columbia
Coldstream is a district municipality in British Columbia, Canada, located at the northern end of Kalamalka Lake in the Okanagan Valley. Incorporated on December 21, 1906, Coldstream celebrated its centennial in 2006. The municipality is directly southeast of Vernon and is considered part of...
, and various placenames in the area commemorate him and his family, such as Aberdeen Lake and Haddo Creek.
He was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George
Order of St Michael and St George
The Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George is an order of chivalry founded on 28 April 1818 by George, Prince Regent, later George IV of the United Kingdom, while he was acting as Prince Regent for his father, George III....
in 1895.
He was again appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
The Lord Lieutenant of Ireland was the British King's representative and head of the Irish executive during the Lordship of Ireland , the Kingdom of Ireland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland...
in 1905, and served until 1915. During his tenure he also served as Lord Rector of the University of St Andrews
Rector of the University of St Andrews
The Lord Rector of the University of St Andrews is a university official chosen every three years by the students of the University of St Andrews...
(1913–1916), was created a Knight Companion of the Order of the Thistle
Order of the Thistle
The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle is an order of chivalry associated with Scotland. The current version of the Order was founded in 1687 by King James VII of Scotland who asserted that he was reviving an earlier Order...
(1906) and was created a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order
Royal Victorian Order
The Royal Victorian Order is a dynastic order of knighthood and a house order of chivalry recognising distinguished personal service to the order's Sovereign, the reigning monarch of the Commonwealth realms, any members of her family, or any of her viceroys...
(1911). Following his retirement, he was created Earl of Haddo, in the County of Aberdeen, and Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair, in the County of Aberdeen, in the County of Meath and in the County of Argyll, in January 1916.
Later life
Aberdeen lived the later stages of his life at the House of Cromar in TarlandTarland
Tarland is a village in Aberdeenshire, Scotland and is located five miles northwest of Aboyne, and 30 miles west of Aberdeen. Population 540 ....
, Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire is one of the 32 unitary council areas in Scotland and a lieutenancy area.The present day Aberdeenshire council area does not include the City of Aberdeen, now a separate council area, from which its name derives. Together, the modern council area and the city formed historic...
, which he had built and where he died in 1934. His son, George, succeeded to the marquessate.
House of Cromar passed to Sir Alexander MacRobert in 1934 and it became Alastrean House. It was leased to the RAF Benevolent Fund
RAF Benevolent Fund
The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund is the Royal Air Force's leading welfare charity, providing financial, practical and emotional support to serving and former members of the RAF - regardless of rank - as well as their partners and dependents.They help members of the RAF family deal with a wide...
in 1984.
The Rocking Chair Ranche
From 1883 until 1896, he was also an owner of and investor in the Rocking Chair RancheRocking Chair Ranche
The Rocking Chair Ranche was a ranch located at North Elm Creek in Collingsworth County, Texas from 1883 until October 11, 1896.The Rocking Chair Ranche was bought by Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks, 1st Baron Tweedmouth in 1883...
located in the Collingsworth County, Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
along with his father-in-law Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks, 1st Baron Tweedmouth
Dudley Marjoribanks, 1st Baron Tweedmouth
Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks, 1st Baron Tweedmouth was a Scottish businessman and a Liberal politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1853 until 1880, when he was elevated to thepeerage as Baron Tweedmouth...
and his brother-in-law Edward Marjoribanks, 2nd Baron Tweedmouth
Edward Marjoribanks, 2nd Baron Tweedmouth
Edward Marjoribanks, 2nd Baron Tweedmouth KT, PC was a British Liberal Party statesman who sat in the House of Commons from 1880 until 1894 when he inherited his peerage and then sat in the House of Lords...
.
Styles and honours
- The Hon. John Hamilton-Gordon (1847–1870)
- The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Aberdeen (1870–1886)
- The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Aberdeen PC (1886–1893)
- His Excellency The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Aberdeen PC (1893–1895)
- His Excellency The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Aberdeen GCMG PC (1895–1898)
- The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Aberdeen GCMG PC (1898–1906)
- The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Aberdeen KT GCMG PC (1906–1911)
- The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Aberdeen KT GCMG GCVO PC (1911–1916)
- The Most Hon. The Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair KT GCMG GCVO PC (1916–1934)