John Cockburn

Who was John Cockburn?

John Cockburn of Ormiston, East Lothian, was a Scottish politician, the son of Adam Cockburn of Ormiston, Lord Justice Clerk. He is also known as the father of Scottish husbandry.

Cockburn became a member of the Scottish parliament and took an active interest in accomplishing the union. He was the first representative of East Lothian in the parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain, and continued to hold that seat in all successive parliaments, till 1741 and was one of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.

This last Cockburn of Ormiston was an enthusiastic entrepreneur and eventually ruined himself. His estates were sold to the Earl of Hopetoun.

John Cockburn of Ormiston died in his son's house in the Navy Office, London, England. He had married Beatrix, daughter of John Carmichael, 1st Earl of Hyndford, by whom he had no issue. His natural son, George Cockburne, was a captain in the Royal Navy, and married Caroline, daughter of George Forrester, 5th Lord Forrester, with female issue.

Refer: The House of Cockburn of that Ilk and Cadets Thereof, by Thomas H. Cockburn-Hood, page 156.