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

• Royal Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow website

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

Country Associations

Scotland, No Region
Place of Birth

Jamaica, Kingston
Place of Death

University Connections

University Roles

• Student