James Boswell (1778–1822)

James Boswell (1778–1822) was the son of Alexander Boswell, Lord Auchinleck, and a grandson of the more famous biographer James Boswell (1740–1795), author of The Life of Samuel Johnson. He followed in his father's footsteps, becoming a Member of Parliament for Ayrshire from 1820 until his death in 1822. He inherited the Auchinleck estate. While less renowned than his grandfather, he was a figure of some public standing in his own right and continued the family's involvement in Scottish public life. He is sometimes referred to in genealogical records to distinguish him from his more famous grandfather. His early death cut short a promising political career.