Alexander Abercromby, Lord Abercromby FRSE (1745–1795) was a Scottish advocate, judge and essayist.[1]
Abercromby was born in Clackmannanshire on 15 October 1745, the fourth and youngest son of George Abercromby of Tullibody (1705-1800) and Mary Dundas. Two of his brothers entered the army; one of them became general Sir Ralph Abercromby. Alexander was the brother-in-law of Robert Bruce, Lord Kennet and James Edmonstone.[2]
Alexander studied at the university of Edinburgh, where he seems to have been chiefly distinguished for his handsome person and engaging disposition. He was admitted a member of the Faculty of Advocates in 1766, and was soon afterwards appointed sheriff-depute of his native county.[1]
Personal residence, however, not being required, he continued the practice of his profession at the bar. In 1780 he resigned his sheriffship and was appointed one of the advocates-depute by Henry Dundas, then Lord Advocate of Scotland, and acquired a good practice. He also helped Henry Mackenzie, the author of the Man of Feeling, to start the Mirror, published at Edinburgh in 1779, and contributed to the Lounger in 1785 and 1786.[1]
Abercromby's papers show much correctness of style and tenderness of expression. In 1792 he took his seat on the bench of the Court of Session under the judicial title of Lord Abercromby, and a few months afterwards was appointed one of the lords commissioners of justiciary.[1]
On 17 November 1795, he died of pulmonary disease at Exmouth.[1]
Lord Abercromby's known contributions to literature consist of ten papers in the Mirror and nine in the Lounger.[1]
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Paul, James Balfour (1885). "Abercromby, Alexander (1745-1795)". In Leslie Stephen. Dictionary of National Biography. 1. London: Smith, Elder & Co. p. 38.