Viscount Kirkaldie
later Earl of Leven
(1786-1876)
21 February 1860

Volume 2, page 225, sitting number 2189.

[A pencilled inscription verso in a period hand identifies the sitter as ‘Viscount Kilcardie’ and he was similarly identified on the album page. However, the Silvy daybooks identify him as 'Viscount Kirkaldie,' which is the courtesy title held by the heir of the Earl of Leven.]

John Thornton Leslie-Melville was born on 19 December 1786, the son of Alexander Leslie-Melville, later 9th Earl of Leven, and his wife, Jane née Thornton. He succeeded his brother on 8 October 1860, becoming the 11th Earl of Leven.

He married, firstly, on 15 September 1812, Harriet Thornton, daughter of Samuel Thornton. She died on 26 July 1832. He married, secondly, Sophie Thornton, daughter of Henry Thornton, on 23 April 1834. Both marriages produced children.

He died on 9 September 1876 and was succeeded by his son, Alexander Melville (born 1817).