Keith Stewart


Keith Stewart of Glasserton was a Scottish Admiral and politician who sat in the House of Commons in 1762 and from 1768 to 1784.

Early life

Stewart was the second surviving son of Alexander Stewart, 6th Earl of Galloway and, his second wife, Lady Catherine Cochrane. Among his siblings were John Stewart, 7th Earl of Galloway, Hon. George Stewart, Lady Catherine Stewart, Lady Susanna Stewart, Lady Margaret Stewart, Lady Harriet Stewart, and Lady Charlotte Stewart.

Career

Stewart joined the Royal Navy in about 1753. He attained the rank of Captain in 1762, the promotion being one of the terms of his surrendering his seat in Parliament. He commanded HMS Berwick in 1777. He served under Admiral Keppel in the action off Ushant on 27 July 1778.
In June 1781, Stewart was given a North Sea command with the rank of Commodore. He served under Vice Admiral Hyde Parker in the Battle of Dogger Bank in August 1778. In September 1778, he was given command of the squadron blockading Dutch ports. Although he resigned this appointment after a ship escaped, Stewart was a highly regarded Naval officer and his career continued. He served under Admiral Richard Howe in his expedition to Gibraltar.
Stewart became a Rear Admiral in 1790, and Vice Admiral in 1794. He was awarded the Order of the Bath.

Political career

He represented Wigtown Burghs for a short time in 1762, between winning a by-election on 19 February 1762 and resigning before a new MP was elected on 15 April 1762. He was MP for Wigtownshire from 1768 to 1784.

Personal life

On 13 May 1782, Stewart was married to Georgina Isabella d'Aguilar, daughter of Ephraim Lópes Pereira d'Aguilar, 2nd Baron d'Aguilar. Together, they were the parents of:
Stewart died on 3 March 1795. Following Stewart's death, his widow married secondly, in 1797, to Lt.-Colonel Richard Fitzgerald, who was killed in action at the Battle of Waterloo.