Alexander Cairnes
Sir Alexander Cairnes, 1st Baronet | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1665 Donoghmore, County Donegal, Ireland |
| Died | 1732-10-30 Dublin, Ireland |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, Banker, Soldier |
| Known for | Irish House of Commons MP for Monaghan Borough and County Monaghan; Keeper of Phoenix Park; 1st Baronet of Monaghan |
Sir Alexander Cairnes, 1st Baronet (1665 – 30 October 1732) was a notable Irish figure in both politics and banking.
Background
As the firstborn son of John Cairnes from Donoghmore, County Donegal, and Jane Miller, daughter of James Miller, MD, he came from a prominent family. His sibling included the younger brother William Cairnes. During his time in military service, he formed a friendship with John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough.
Career
Cairnes held a commission in the British Army and took part in the Battle of Blenheim. In recognition of his military contributions, Queen Anne of Great Britain granted him the title of baronet, of Monaghan, on 6 May 1708, including a special succession provision favoring his youngest brother Henry. He commenced his parliamentary career in 1710 as the representative for Monaghan Borough in the Irish House of Commons, a position he held until 1713. Subsequently, he served as the MP for County Monaghan until 1727. That year, after being elected for both County Monaghan and Monaghan Borough, he opted to represent the latter until his passing in 1733. Additionally, Cairnes was appointed Keeper of Phoenix Park in 1712.
While Thomas Sheridan praised him as "an eminent Banker," Jonathan Swift offered a less favorable opinion, describing him as "a scrupulous puppy" and "a shuffling scoundrel."
Family
Cairnes married Elizabeth Gould, sister to Sir Nathaniel Gould, on 17 February 1697/98 at St Peter le Poer, London. The couple had two children: Mary and William Henry. Elizabeth passed away before 4 June 1731. Cairnes himself died in Dublin on 30 October 1732. Since his son predeceased him, the baronetcy was inherited by his brother according to the special remainder. Their daughter Mary was brought up and educated under the care of Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough.
Mary Cairnes (died 28 August 1790) became the wife of Baron Blayney and was widowed without issue at her father's death. She remarried in 1734 to Col. John Murray, who served as MP for County Monaghan during the early 1740s. Following Murray’s death in 1743, Mary had several daughters; among them Elizabeth married Robert Cuninghame, 1st Baron Rossmore, while Harriet became mother to Warner Westenra, 2nd Baron Rossmore, who succeeded to the barony through a special remainder.