Hugh Duncan Baillie
Hugh Duncan Baillie | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date |
| Died | June 21, 1866 (aged 89) |
| Occupation(s) | British Army officer, politician |
| Known for | Lord Lieutenant of Ross-shire (1843–1866), Member of Parliament for Rye and Honiton |
Hugh Duncan Baillie (31 May 1777 – 21 June 1866) was a British Army officer and politician who held the position of Lord Lieutenant of Ross-shire from 1843 until his passing in 1866.
Early life
Born as the second son to Evan Baillie of Dochfour, a successful Scottish merchant operating out of Bristol, and Mary Gurley from St Vincent, Hugh was part of a notable family that included his brothers Peter Baillie and James Evan Baillie. He inherited his father’s estate in 1835.
Personal life
Baillie was married twice: initially to Elizabeth Reynett, daughter of Reverend Henry Reynett from London, with whom he had one son and three daughters; subsequently to Mary Smith of Castleton Hall, Lancashire, with whom he fathered three sons and one daughter. In 1836, he purchased the Redcastle estate in Ross-shire from the Trustees of Sir William Fettes.
Career
Beginning his military service in 1793 as an ensign with the 37th Foot, Baillie rapidly rose through the ranks, attaining lieutenant-colonel by 1800. He took part in the British takeover of the Dutch Cape Colony during the Napoleonic Wars, was placed on half pay with the Surrey Rangers between 1802 and 1825, and received promotion to colonel in 1810 before retiring from active duty in 1825.
In 1812, together with his brother James, he became a partner at Bristol Old Bank, eventually becoming its senior partner. Baillie entered politics as the Member of Parliament for Rye in 1830 and later served as MP for Honiton from 1835 to 1847. His tenure as Lord Lieutenant of Ross-shire spanned from 1843 until his death. Notably, during the 1835 Parliament, Baillie received over £60,000 in compensation connected to emancipated slaves on estates he owned or had interests in throughout British Guiana, Grenada, St Kitts, St Vincent, and Trinidad.
Death
Baillie passed away in 1866, leaving behind a personal estate valued at less than £50,000. He was interred in the family vault located within the Lebanon Circle at Highgate Cemetery (West). His son, Duncan Baillie, also pursued a military career and achieved the rank of lieutenant-general.