John Campbell of Mamore


John Campbell, of Mamore, was a Scottish Whig politician who sat in the Parliament of Scotland from 1700 to 1707 and in the British House of Commons between 1708 and 1727.

Early life

Campbell was the second son of Archibald Campbell, 9th Earl of Argyll, and his wife Lady Mary Stewart, daughter of the 4th Earl of Moray. He was educated at Glasgow in 1676. Being party to his father's unsuccessful rising against James II, he suffered forfeiture and banishment and was always in financial difficulties. He served as Captain of foot in the Earl of Argyll's regiment from 1689 until after 1690. In 1692 he married Elizabeth Elphinstone, the daughter of John, 8th Lord Elphinstone

Career

Campbell was Commissioner for Argyllshire in the Parliament of Scotland from 1700 to 1707 and surveyor of the King's works in Scotland from 1705 to 1717. He supported the Union of Scotland and England and after the Union in 1707 was considered sound enough to represent Scotland in the British Parliament that year. At the 1708 general election, he was returned unopposed as Member of Parliament for Dunbartonshire. He was returned unopposed again in 1710 when he was classed as a Whig. He made little impression in Parliament, being often absent. He was returned unopposed again at the 1713 general election. He was returned again at the 1715 general election and voted for the septennial bill in 1716. He went into opposition with the Duke of Argyll and lost his official post in 1717.
In 1719 the Duke of Argyll returned to office and Campbell changed his support to the government. In 1722 there was a contest at Dumbarton in which he was defeated in the poll. He was returned on petition on 23 January 1725 and held the seat until the 1727 general election. He then resigned his seat in favour of his son John.

Death and legacy

Campbell died on 9 April 1729. He and his wife had issue: