Robert Steuart (1806 – 15 July 1843)
was a
British Whig politician.
Born in 1806, and baptised on 9 July of the same year, Steuart was the first son of Robert Steuart of Alderston and Louisa Clementina. He was educated at
Brasenose College, Oxford
Brasenose College (BNC) is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. It began as Brasenose Hall in the 13th century, before being founded as a college in 1509. The library and chapel were added in the mi ...
, from 1824 and, in 1827, married Maria, daughter of Samuel Dalrymple of Nunraw and North Berwick. They had three children—one son and two daughters, including Robert Dalrymple Steuart (1836–1864).
Before his parliamentary career, Steuart became a commissioner of supply for Haddingtonshire, rallying support for local reformers and the
Grey ministry at mass meetings in the winter of 1830/31. He canvassed the councils of
Jedburgh and
Haddington, and declared that he would stand for election at at the
1831 general election {{Short description, None
The following elections occurred in the year 1831.
North America
United States
* United States Senate election in New York, 1831
South America
* 1831 Chilean presidential election
Europe
* 1831 French legislative electi ...
, during which there were riotous protest and the kidnapping of the
Lauder baillie. An election petition was lodged and was ultimately successful with no contest from Steuart, leading to the return of the
Tory,
Adolphus Dalrymple
Sir Adolphus John Dalrymple, 2nd Baronet of High Mark (3 February 1784 – 3 March 1866) was a British army officer and politician.
Early life
Aldolphus Dalrymple was the eldest son of Sir Hew Whiteford Dalrymple and his wife Frances ''nee'' Lei ...
. During this short tenure in parliament, Steuart voted for the second reading of the reintroduced English reform bill.
Advocating the ballot, civil registration, and church reform, he was returned for the seat at the
1832
Events
January–March
* January 6 – Abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison founds the New-England Anti-Slavery Society.
* January 13 – The Christmas Rebellion of slaves is brought to an end in Jamaica, after the island's white plan ...
, recognised for his "abundant crop of hair" and was "much respected by all parties". His reputation led him to become a
Lords Commissioner of the Treasury under
Lord Melbourne, but resigned the office in 1841 after being passed over for the
Irish secretaryship. Dependent on government support, he held the seat until his defeat to
James Maitland Balfour in 1841.
Shortly after, he accepted a position as chargé d'affaires and consul general to the Republic of New Granada, where he died of a fever in 1843.
References
External links
*
UK MPs 1831–1832
UK MPs 1832–1835
UK MPs 1835–1837
UK MPs 1837–1841
Whig (British political party) MPs for English constituencies
1806 births
1843 deaths
People from the Republic of New Granada
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