thumb|200px|Shield of Arms of James Graham, 4th Duke of Montrose, KT, PC

James Graham, 4th Duke of Montrose, KT, PC (16 July 1799 – 30 December 1874), styled Marquess of Graham until 1836, of Buchanan Castle, Stirlingshire and 45 Belgrave Square, London, was a British Conservative politician.

Background and education

Montrose was the son of James Graham, 3rd Duke of Montrose, by his second wife Lady Caroline Maria, daughter of George Montagu, 4th Duke of Manchester. He was educated at Eton and Trinity College, Cambridge.

Cricket

A member of Marylebone Cricket Club, Montrose made a single appearance for an England team against Hampshire in 1828. He was recorded in the scorecard as Lord James Graham and scored two runs.

Political career

In 1821, aged 21, Montrose was appointed Vice-Chamberlain of the Household, despite not having a seat in Parliament, and was sworn of the Privy Council the same year. He remained as Vice-Chamberlain until 1827. He was returned to Parliament for Cambridge in 1825, a seat he held until 1832, and served as a commissioner of the India Board between 1828 and 1830. a post he retained until the government fell in December of the same year. He again served under Derby as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster between 1858 and 1859 and under Derby and later Benjamin Disraeli as Postmaster General between 1866 and 1868, although he was never a member of the Cabinet. As Postmaster General he introduced the Electric Telegraphs Bill which resulted in the transfer of British telegraph companies to the Post Office.

Marriage and issue

In 1836, Montrose married Hon. Caroline Agnes Horsley-Beresford (1818–1894), daughter of John Beresford, 2nd Baron Decies and grand-niece of the 1st Marquess of Waterford. In 1860, they were both survivors of the train involved in the Atherstone rail accident. She survived him and in 1876 married secondly to William Stuart Stirling-Crawfurd. By his wife he had issue including:

Sons

  • Lord James John Graham (1845–1846), who died in infancy. (she married Algernon Greville, 2nd Baron Greville in 1863).