Biography of James M'Lehose
James M'Lehose was born around 1754, son of a Glaswegian merchant, William M'Lehose. His education at Glasgow University in the late 1760s paved the way for a successful career in law. In 1774 he became a member of the Royal Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow, and he lived in this city for a further four years.
After spending some time in London, M'Lehose set sail for Jamaica in November 1784 after the breakdown of his marriage to Agnes Craig, who had embarked on a scandalous (though apparently unconsummated) affair with the famous poet Robert Burns, upon which the poem 'Ae Fond Kiss' was based.
In Kingston, M'Lehose became an Attorney-at-Law, while also acting as Chief Clerk of the Common Pleas. He also settled down with a black mistress, Ann Chalon Rivvere, with whom he had a daughter, Ann Lavinia M'Lehose. He died there in March 1812.
Sources
Other Online Resources
Archival Materials
- Addison, W. Innes, The Matriculation Albums of the University of Glasgow, 1728-1858
Summary
James M'Lehose
Born 1754.
Died March 1812.
GU Degree: Arts, 1767;
University Link: Student
Occupation categories: lawyers
English snippet: Arts student at the University of Glasgow in 1767, lawyer in Glasgow and Kingston, Jamaica Record last updated: 28th Mar 2014
University Connections
University Roles
- Student