Talk:Sir Alexander Holburn, 3rd Baronet

Reinstated

I've pulled this back out from the Holburn Baronets article, as it appears to be about a notable individual, although there's potential original research. If in doubt, should probably go to afd rather than merging back to the baronetcy. Jonathan Oldenbuck (talk) 14:07, 29 October 2008 (UTC)

Original Research

Following a bit more light digging, I'm placing the following here as it is unsubstantiated original research. It can be reinstated later if needed.

He was apparently unknown in Edinburgh some ten years before his death at Southwark, where he had been confined to lodgings called "Harrow Dunghill". It is stated in the testament of Sir Alexander's daughter, Lady Jean Holburn, that she, confirmed by the Commissary of Edinburgh, acknowledged her father was dead in 1762, a full decade before his actual death. Her mother (unnamed) remained as his "widow" for twelve years and did not remarry until in 1774, two years after his death, when she was wed to John Graham, a Newcastle surgeon. Lady Jean seems to have kept whatever secret led him to his final disposition, imprisoned and forgotten by his brothers and kin. He died apparently insane.

The original King's Bench Prison at Southwark was demolished in 1754. Alexander was serving under Admiral Hood in the Mediterranean in 1757 and so would have been housed in the new building during his later incarceration. Looking for the probable date of his admission, given he was recorded as dead by his daughter in 1762, this could in fact be the year he was imprisoned. It is reasonable to assume on the record of his ambitious brother, Admiral Sir Francis Holburne, that Alexander was imprisoned to allow the family title to fall to the third son (Francis), who had lied about his age if existing records are to be believed.

Problems:

• he is recorded as dying childless,[1] yet this refers to a daughter?
• he was promoted to Captain in 1763,[2] yet was certified dead the previous year?
• Admiral Francis was not his brother, but his uncle.
• His wife solicited the Duke of Portland in support of her husband in 1766,[3] hardly the behaviour of one who thought she was a widow.

Any further light welcome. Jonathan Oldenbuck (talk) 15:18, 29 October 2008 (UTC)