Sir John Maclean, 1st Baronet

Sir John Maclean, 1st Baronet
Born	1604 Duart Castle, Isle of Mull, Scotland
Died	7 July 1666 Gothenburg, Sweden
Other names	John Makeléer, Hans Makeléer
Occupation(s)	Naval officer, merchant, royal financier
Years active	1620–1666
Known for	Merchant and civic leader in Gothenburg; royal financier; Baronetcy from Charles II; noble titles from Queen Christina of Sweden

Sir John Maclean, 1st Baronet (1604 – 7 July 1666), also recognized in Sweden as John Makeléer or Hans Makeléer, held lordship over Gåsevadholm, Hageby, and Hammarö. He made his home in Gothenburg, Sweden. Originally born John MacLean at Duart in Scotland, he was knighted and served as a naval officer for Scotland before moving abroad due to his steadfast allegiance to the Stuart monarchy during the English Civil War.

Upon settling in Gothenburg, Makeléer's career flourished as a merchant and prominent civic leader; he served on the town council from 1640 to 1650 and acted as a royal financier. In recognition of his service, Queen Christina of Sweden granted him noble titles including lordships over Gåsevadholm, Hageby, and Hammarö in 1649. Additionally, Charles II of England honored him with a Baronetcy for his contributions to both monarchies.

Makeléer's commercial activities encompassed funding arms shipments supporting Charles II during his exile, despite frequent setbacks caused by confiscations from rival factions. Letters from Charles II underscore Makeléer's crucial involvement in supplying weaponry and overseeing military matters concerning Scotland.

His adept navigation between Swedish and English political spheres secured his family’s elevated status; subsequent generations occupied military and governmental positions throughout Sweden and Denmark. His union with Anna Quickelberry resulted in numerous offspring who sustained the family's influence across Northern Europe.

Biography

John entered the world in 1604 at Duart Castle, located on the Isle of Mull in Argyll, Scotland. He was the son of Hector Og Maclean, 15th Clan Chief and Isabella Atcheson of Gosford, herself the daughter of Sir Archibald Acheson, 1st Baronet. His full sibling was Donald MacLean, 1st Laird of Brolas. John subsequently pursued a naval career within the Royal Navy.

Emigration and marriage

In 1620, he relocated to Gothenburg, Sweden, where an uncle was established as a merchant. Known locally as John Makeléer or Hans Makeléer, he engaged in commerce and wed Anna Gubbertz (circa 1595–1653) in 1629. Anna’s sister was married to Jacob Makeléer, a relative of John. He was appointed to Gothenburg’s town council in 1640, maintaining this role until 1650. Together, John and Anna had fifteen children, ten of whom reached adulthood.

Children

1. Charles Makeléer, who passed away during childhood.
2. Jacob Makeléer (1632–1663), served King Charles XI of Sweden while stationed in England; married Catherine Cochrane, daughter of Colonel John Cochrane. Jacob is believed to have died by suicide amid illness.
3. Johan Makeléer, 2nd Baronet (1636–1696), served on the Gothenburg Court of Justice; married Anna Margareta Gordon.
4. Peter Makeléer, held rank as colonel and commandant in Stralsund; married Abolla Sophia Vanplassen.
5. Gustavus Makeléer, colonel in the Swedish military and commandant stationed at Gothenburg.
6. Carl Leonard Makeléer (1633–1663).
7. Maria Makeléer, wife of General David Duncan (general), who served under the Danish crown.
8. Catharina Makeléer (1637–1709), married first Colonel David Sinclair (colonel) and subsequently General Baron Malcolm Hamilton of Hageby.
9. Eliza Makeléer, spouse of Major Cailenkerheilm.
10. Anna Makeléer (1638–1646).
11. Lunetta Makeléer (1639–1693), married Colonel Joakim Cronman, an officer of the Swedish Empire and Commandant at Neumünde, founding the Ruuth-Näslund-Winblad lineage.
12. Maria Sophia Makeléer (1640–1721).
13. Gustaf Adolf Makeléer (1641–1706), captain in the Swedish Army; married Sara Carlberg (1647–1701).
14. Elsa Beata Makeléer (1643–1730), married Major Marten Christensson.
15. David Makeléer, 1st Friherre (1645–1708), general and inaugural governor of Älvsborg County, Sweden (1693–1708); wedded a countess from the House of Arenberg. His progeny included John Aldolphus MacLean, who attained ranks as general and colonel within the Life Guards.

Baronet

In 1635, John Hans Makeléer extended a loan of 1,150 thalers to Queen Christina of Sweden to support her military forces during a period when the Royal treasury was severely strained. Subsequently, in May 1649, he received a Baronetcy from Charles II of England. Having relocated to Gothenburg in 1629, he established himself as a distinguished merchant and royal financier, playing a crucial role in the city's growth while accumulating substantial wealth.

He entered into marriage with Lilian Hamilton on 30 December 1655. Following her passing, he wed Anna Thompson. Makeléer died in 1666.

Three generations of John Hans Makeléer's lineage

John Hans Makeléer	Father: Hector Og Maclean, 15th Clan Chief	Paternal Grandfather: Sir Lachlan Mor Maclean	Paternal Great-Grandfather: Eachuinn Og Maclean
			Paternal Great-Grandmother: Janet, daughter of Archibald Campbell, 4th Earl of Argyll
		Paternal Grandmother: Margaret Cunningham of Glencairn	Paternal Great-Grandfather: William Cunningham, 6th Earl of Glencairn
			Paternal Great-Grandmother: Janet, daughter of Sir John Gordon of Lochinvar
	Mother: Isabella Acheson of Gosford	Maternal Grandfather: Sir Archibald Acheson, 1st Baronet	Maternal Great-Grandfather: Captain Patrick Acheson
			Maternal Great-Grandmother: Martha Drummond
		Maternal Grandmother: Agnes Vernor or Margaret Hamilton	Maternal Great-grandfather:
			Maternal Great-Grandmother:

• Born in Scotland in 1604
• Moved to Gothenburg, Sweden at age 25 in 1629; became a prominent merchant and royal financier
• Married Anna Gubbertz in 1629
• Provided a loan of 1,150 thalers to Queen Christina during her financial difficulties in 1635
• Granted nobility status and Baronetcy by Charles II in 1649
• Wed Lilian Hamilton in 1655
• Passed away in Sweden in 1666

See also

• Anders Örbom
• Joachim von Rohr