Richard Slater Milnes (December 1759 – 2 June 1804) was an English heir, landowner and politician. The heir to a cloth fortune, he served in the British Parliament, where he championed the abolitionist cause.[1]
Richard Slater Milnes | |
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![]() Portrait of Mr Richard Slater Milnes (circle of Michael Dahl) | |
Born | December 1759 |
Died | 2 June 1804 |
Alma mater | University of Glasgow |
Occupation | Politician |
Spouse | Rachel Busk |
Children | 9, including Robert |
Parent(s) | Robert Milnes Joyce Slater |
Early life
editRichard Slater Milnes was born in December 1759 to Robert Milnes, a Presbyterian cloth merchant, who he succeeded in 1771. His mother, Joyce, was the daughter of Adam Slater. Milnes graduated from the University of Glasgow in Scotland in 1775.[1]
Career
editMilnes was a country gentleman at his Fryston Hall estate in Yorkshire. He served as a Member of Parliament for the City of York in the House of Commons of Great Britain from 1784 to 1790. During his tenure, he gave a speech in favour of the abolition of the slave trade and was a supporter of William Pitt the Younger.[1]
Personal life
editMilnes married Rachel, the daughter of Hans Busk, and had 2 sons and 7 daughters. They resided at Fryston Hall.[1]
Death
editMilnes died on 2 June 1804.[1] He was succeeded by his eldest son Robert Pemberton Milnes who also became an MP.
References
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