Biographical Summary

"Son of John Hamilton of Halcraig, and Jean, second daughter of William Mure of Glanderston. His father and others were repeatedly examined before the privy council in 1684, and latterly fined 1200 merks for being concerned in the Pent land and Bothwell Bridge rebellions, and ordered to be imprisoned till this sum was paid. Sir John was also suffering imprisonment at this period, as we find him liberated by order of the privy council, in consequence of having presented a petition to them, representing that his father was in a dying state. Before he obtained his liberation, however, he was obliged to enter into a bond, subjecting himself in a penalty of 12,000 merks in the event of not returning to prison. He was appointed an ordinary Lord at the Revolution, and took his seat 1st November 1689, by the title of Lord Halcraig; and some time afterwards was knighted by King William. He represented the burgh of Cullen in Parliament, from 1698 to 1702. He died at his house in Clydsdale 16th March 1706."

SOURCE: An Historical Account of the Senators of the College of Justice: From Its Institution in MDXXXII; by George Brunton, David Haig; 1832; Page 437