Arthur Acheson, 1st Earl Of Gosford

Arthur Acheson, 1st Earl of Gosford (circa 1744–1745 – 14 January 1807), was an Irish peer and politician of Scottish descent. He was known as The Viscount Gosford from 1790 until 1806, when he was elevated to Earl of Gosford.

Early Life

Born around 1744 or 1745, Arthur Acheson was the eldest son of Archibald Acheson, 1st Viscount Gosford, and his wife, Mary Richardson. His paternal grandfather was Sir Arthur Acheson, 5th Baronet. His maternal grandfather was John Richardson of Rich Hill. In 1748, his father succeeded to the baronetcy after the death of his own father, subsequently being created Baron Gosford in 1776 and Viscount Gosford in 1785.

Political Career

Acheson served as a Member of Parliament for Old Leighlin from 1783 to 1791. During his tenure, he held the role of governor of County Armagh and was active during the Armagh disturbances of 1795. In his public statements, he condemned the persecution of Catholics, criticizing Protestant extremists for lawless actions and violence. Specifically, he described the situation as a persecution rooted in the profession of the Roman Catholic faith, with bandits acting as judges and implying the confiscation of property and expulsion as punishments.

He succeeded to the viscountcy upon the death of his father in 1790. In February 1806, he was further elevated to the rank of Earl of Gosford.

Personal Life

In 1774, Arthur Acheson married Millicent Pole, daughter of Lieutenant-General Edward Pole and Olivia Walsh Pole. Her paternal lineage traces to the Poles of Radbourne Hall in Derbyshire, and her maternal lineage to John Walsh of Ballykilcavan.

Together, they had several children:

- Lady Olivia Acheson (1775–1863), married Brigadier General Robert Bernard Sparrow of Brampton Park in 1797.

- Archibald Acheson, 2nd Earl of Gosford (1776–1849), who married Mary Sparrow, daughter of Robert Sparrow of Worlingham Hall.

- Hon. Edward Acheson (died 1828), a captain in the Coldstream Guards and collector at Dublin port.

- Lady Mary Acheson (1787–1843), who married Lieutenant General Lord William Cavendish Bentinck in 1803.

- Lady Millicent Acheson, who married the Reverend J. H. Barber in 1826.

- Two additional sons named Arthur Acheson and Arthur Pole Acheson, both of whom died young.

Death and Succession

Lord Gosford died on 14 January 1807. His wife, Lady Gosford, died later on 1 November 1825.