Charles Godfrey McAlester


Charles Godfrey McAlester 12th of Loup, Chief of Clan MacAlister, was the son of Angus MacAlester and Jane MacDonald.

Early life

Born on 13 January 1765, he was the only son of Angus MacAlister of Loup and Jane MacDonald, daughter of John MacDonald of Ardnacroish and Grace MacAlester.

Ruling

He succeeded his father in 1796, and took the name and Arms of Somerville in 1805 along with MacAlister of Loup and became known as Charles Godfrey Somerville McAlester of Loup and Kennox.
Colonel Charles McAlester, Laird of Loup and Kennox, became Deputy Lieutenant of Ayrshire, a Justice of the Peace of Ayrshire, and Commandant of the first regiment of Ayrshire Local Militia. It is recorded that when the regiment was disbanded, he kept the banners, instruments and other items at Kennox, saying that "if anyone had a better claim" he would release the items to them.

Family life

McAlester married Janet Somerville of Kennox, daughter of William Somerville of Kennox and Lilian Porterfield, on 28 March 1792. Charles and Janet had four children: Charles Somerville MacAlester, James McAlester of Chapeltown, Williamina McAlester and Jane McAlester.

Death

He died on 7 October 1847 and was succeeded as Chief of Clan MacAlister by his son Charles.