Sir John Wemyss of Wemyss


(1st Earl of Wemyss)

1586 - 1649

Noble. Second son of Sir John Wemyss of Wemyss (1557 - 1622), Wemyss became heir apparent on the death of his elder brother in 1608. In 1625, Wemyss was appointed one of the first Baronets of Nova Scotia, by Charles I (1600-49), a charter which included 16,000 acres of land which was to become New Wemyss. He was created Lord Wemyss of Elcho (1628) and the Earl of Wemyss (1633). Wemyss held the crimson canopy above Charles' head at his coronation in Edinburgh (1633). Charles appointed Wemyss Commissioner to the General Assembly, although Wemyss was to strongly oppose the Episcopalian policies of his King. Wemyss signed the National Covenant, along with his son, in Greyfriars Kirkyard in 1638.


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