Graham

Graham, the name of an illustrious Scottish family of Anglo-Norman origin, who settled in Scotland during the 12th century. A Sir William de Græme received from David I. the lands of Abercorn and Dalkeith, and extensive grants of estates were made to his descendants by William the Lion, Alexander II. and III., and by King Robert Bruce. One of their chiefs, Sir John de Graham of Dundaff, was the bosom friend of the patriot Wallace, and was killed at the battle of Falkirk, July 22, 1298. From the war of independence downwards the Grahams have taken a prominent part in the public, and especially in the warlike, affairs of the country. Patrick Graham of Kincairdine was made a peer in 1451 under the title of Lord Graham. His grandson was created Earl of Montrose by James IV. (1504-5), and fell with his sovereign at the battle of Flodden. The third earl twice held the office of High Treasurer of Scotland, and was appointed Lord Chancellor in 1599. On resigning that office he was appointed Viceroy of Scotland for life. His grandson, the fifth earl and first Marquis of Montrose, is the glory of the House of Graham (see MONTROSE). His eldest surviving son, who was born in 1631 and died in 1699, was termed the 'Good Marquis.' He was peculiarly amiable in his disposition, and delighted in the quiet and peace of private life. The fourth marquis was appointed High Admiral of Scotland in 1705 and President of the Council in 1706. He was a firm supporter of the union between England and Scotland, and was created Duke of Montrose in 1707. He held the office of Keeper of the Privy Seal under Queen Anne (1709-13), was appointed Secretary of State for Scotland by George I. in 1717, and a second time Keeper of the Great Seal in Scotland. He was Chancellor of the university of Glasgow, and died in 1742. His grandson, the third duke, held in succession, under the ministry of William Pitt, the offices of one of the Lords of the Treasury, Paymaster of the Forces, one of the Commissioners of the Indian Board, Master of the Horse, Lord Justice-general of Scotland, President of the Board of Trade, and Joint Paymaster of the Forces. He was also, like his father, Chancellor of the university of Glasgow, and Lord-lieutenant of the counties of Stirling and Dumbarton, in which he had great influence. 'Few individuals,' says Sir Nathaniel Wraxall, 'however distinguished by birth, talents, parliamentary interest, or public services, have attained to more splendid employments, or have arrived at greater honours.' He died in 1836. The fourth duke was Lord Steward of the Household, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and Post-master-general. He died in 1874. The family honours and estates were then inherited by his third and only surviving son, the fifth duke. It is noteworthy that the title of the family is not taken from the town of Montrose, but from their hereditary estate of 'Auld Montrose,' which David Graham received from Robert Bruce in exchange for the lands of Cardross in Dumbartonshire.—The Grahams of Fintry, Duntrune, Inchbrakie, Esk, Menteith, Netherby, and Norton Conyers are minor branches of the family. See Dr James Taylor's Great Historic Families of Scotland (1887).