James Agar (1672–1733) Explained

James Agar (1672–1733) was an Irish politician.

Biography

He was the son of Charles Agar, an Englishman who acquired lands in County Kilkenny, including Gowran Castle. His mother was Ellis Blanchville, daughter of Peter Blanchville of Kilkenny.

He was MP for Old Leighlin in County Carlow from 1703 to 1713; Gowran in County Kilkenny from 1713 to 1714; Callan in County Kilkenny from 1715 to 1727; and St Canice in County Kilkenny from 1727 to 1733.[1]

He married firstly Susannah Alexander, and secondly Mary Wemyss, daughter of Sir Henry Wemyss of Danesfort. By his second wife, he had at least four children, including Henry Agar, James Agar, and Ellis (Elizabeth) Bermingham, Countess of Brandon in her own right. Both Henry and James, after Henry's death, sat in the Irish House of Commons for Gowran. James fought a long and bitter battle to retain control of the borough of Callan, which eventually led to his death in a duel.

Notes and References

  1. "Alumni Dublinenses: a register of the students, graduates, professors and provosts of Trinity College in the University of Dublin (1593–1860George Dames Burtchaell/Thomas Ulick Sadleir p8: Dublin, Alex Thom and Co, 1935