James Hamilton, 6th Earl of Abercorn (c. 1661 – 1 March 1734) was a Scottish peer who succeeded to the earldom in 1701 after the death of his brother, Charles Hamilton, 5th Earl of Abercorn. He held several titles in the Peerage of Scotland and the Peerage of Ireland, including Baron Hamilton of Strabane.
Family and succession
- He was the son of William Hamilton, a younger son of the 3rd Earl of Abercorn, making him a descendant of the original Hamilton line that held the Abercorn titles.
- Upon the death of his elder brother Charles, who left no male issue, James inherited the earldom and the associated estates.
Political role
- Following the Acts of Union 1707, which unified the Parliaments of Scotland and England, Abercorn was elected as a Scottish representative peer to sit in the House of Lords of Great Britain.
- He served in this capacity during several parliamentary sessions in the early 18th century, participating in legislative matters concerning Scotland and the United Kingdom.
Marriage and issue
- James Hamilton married Elizabeth Reading, daughter of Sir John Reading. The couple had several children, among them James Hamilton (d. 1744), who succeeded as the 7th Earl of Abercorn.
Death
- The 6th Earl died on 1 March 1734. His title passed to his son, James Hamilton, 7th Earl of Abercorn.
The information presented is derived from standard biographical references on the Scottish peerage and contemporary parliamentary records.
