Biography

Alexander Boswell. (1707-1782) (aka. Lord Auchinleck)

Son of James Boswell (ca. 1672-1749) and Elizabeth Bruce. Father of the James Boswell (1740-1795). Married first (1738) to Euphemia Erskine (d. 1766) and later (1769) to his cousin Elizabeth Boswell. A graduate from the University of Leyden, Holland (graduating in December 1729). In 1748 he was appointed Sheriff-Depute of Wigtownshire. In 1754 he was appointed a Lord of Session, as Lord Auchinleck, and in 1755 Lord Justiciary. He is still remembered for saving the so-called Auchinleck Manuscript (Link) from destruction in 1740.

Life with James Boswell:

James and his father disagreed on a number of issues throughout their lives together, including James' career choice, publishing schemes and travels, as well as his choice of friends and, eventually, wife. Although he respected his father much, James, when he was about 25, stated that the only thing he had learned from his father was absolute honesty, a thing which we, the readers of his diaries, can only be grateful for!

External links:

• Alexander Boswell - on Wikipedia

This article was last updated at February 16 2008 21:29:24 CET

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