James Douglas Stoddart Douglas née James Douglas Stoddart

MP for Rochester, inherited 'slave-property' in Grenada through his wife Margaret, adopted daughter of George Douglas of Chilston Park and Baads. Born James Douglas Stoddart, changed his name in 1833 to James Douglas Stoddart Douglas and again in 1873 to James Douglas Douglas of Baads.

1. Son of George Alexander Stoddart (1765-1796, son of the Rev. James Stoddart and Mary Euphan Douglas) and Miss Bridges, who died 31/08/1796 at New York, 'whither he had lately gone for recovery of his health..late of the island of St Christopher'. Married firstly Margaret Braziere Douglas [sic] daughter [sic] of George Douglas in 1830 [sic]. Married secondly Jane Sarah Jenkin, daughter of James Jenkin, in 1875 [sic]. In 1873 he inherited the estate of Baads from his cousin Elizabeth. On [sic] 1873 his name was legally changed to James Douglas Douglas of Baads.

2. Under will of George Douglas dated 12/03/1831: 'I give and bequeath unto Mrs Margaret Stoddart, wife of James Douglas Stoddart, now residing with me, 50,000£ 3 per cent consolidated annuities, to be transferred within six months after my decease to her, or as she shall direct, for her own sole and separate use, independent of her husband'; he left Chilston also to her for her lifetime for her independent use and benefit; then to James Douglas Stoddart for his life, with remainder to heirs of the body of Margaret Stoddart, in tail; 'with remainder to the use of my nephew, the Rev. Alexander Houstoun', for his natural life, with remainder to the use of the heirs of his body, in tail; 'with remainder to my niece Elizabeth Houstoun', with remainder to the heirs of her body, in tail, with remainder to the use of my cousin Aretas Akers, son of the late Aretas Akers, for his natural life with remainder to the use of the heirs of his body, in tail; 'and I do declare, that all the aforesaid limitations of my estate are intended by me to be in strict settlement, with remainder to my own right heirs for ever.' Executors were William Congreve, Ralph Dunn and John Morrison.

3. James Douglas Stoddart Douglas died 25/02/1875, at Chilston House Tunbridge, executors include Jane Sarah Stoddart Douglas of Chilston House widow (2nd wife) and Aretas Akers of Hayes Common Hayes. Effects under £160,000.

4. St Lukes Chelsea marriage of James Douglas Stoddart of this parish and Margaret Brasier of Chilston Park in the County of Kent 28/10/1828 (witnessed by George Douglas)

5. 'Douglas, formerly Stoddart MP (Lieutenant, 1815): James Douglas Stodart Douglas was promoted to a lieutenancy in the Doris 36, Capt. Robt. O'Brien, then on the East India station, 15 June, 1815. He is a lieutenant of Yeomanry Cavalry, and Representative in Parliament for Rochester. Agents Messrs. Stillwell.'

T71/880 Grenada claim no. 767 (Mirebeau (sic) Estate). London Gazette19096 p. 1929 shows the first change of name 19/10/1833 'in order to evince their respect for the memory of George Douglas.'

1. Gentleman's Magazine Vol. 81 p 252. http://www.thepeerage.com/p21964.htm#i219637 [accessed 09/08/2012]. Margaret Brazier was in fact the adopted daughter of George Douglas of Chilston Park.

2. Sir William Hodges, Reports of cases argued and determined in the Court of Common Pleas (2 vols., Henry Butterworth, 1838), vol. 2, pp. 235-239.

3. National Probate Calendar 1875.

4. Ancestry.com, London, England, Marriages and Banns, 1754-1921 [database online].

5. Ancestry.com, British Naval Biographical Dictionary, 1849 [database online].