John Proby, 2nd Earl Of Carysfort

John Proby, 2nd Earl of Carysfort (1780 – 11 June 1855), was a British military officer and politician associated with the Whig party. He was born in 1780 as the second son of John Proby, 1st Earl of Carysfort, and his wife Elizabeth Osbourne. His early education took place at Rugby School.

In 1804, upon the death of his older brother, he assumed the courtesy title of Lord Proby. He succeeded his father as the Earl of Carysfort in 1828, inheriting Elton Hall located in Huntingdonshire, which is now part of Cambridgeshire.

Proby began his military career in 1794 when he received a commission in the British Army. His service included participation in the French Revolutionary Wars. Over the years, his military rank advanced, with a promotion to major-general in 1814. During that year, he was involved in the attack on Bergen op Zoom in the Netherlands, an operation considered unsuccessful. Further promotions included lieutenant-general in 1830 and general in 1846.

In addition to his military service, Lord Carysfort was involved in politics. He served as a Member of Parliament for Buckingham from 1805 to 1806. Subsequently, he represented Huntingdonshire in Parliament during two periods: from 1806 to 1807, and from 1814 to 1818. His political affiliation was with the Whig party, known for its support of various reforms including abolition.

He was an advocate of the British abolitionist movement. Lord Carysfort did not marry during his lifetime. Upon his death on 11 June 1855, he was succeeded in the earldom by his younger brother, Granville Proby.