The New Student's Reference Work/Dalhousie, James Andrew Broun-Ramsay, Marquis of

Dalhousie (dăl-hou′zĭ), James Andrew Broun-Ramsay, Marquis of, was born at Midlothian, April 22, 1812. By the death of his elder brother he became Lord Ramsay, and on the death of his father he entered the house of peers as Earl of Dalhousie. He distinguished himself in Parliament, holding with credit many important posts, and in 1847 proceeded to India as the youngest governor-general ever appointed to that country. His course there was marked by energy and ability, and earned him the title of the greatest of Indian proconsuls. He carried out many reforms, opened the country by railroads, telegraphs, roads and canals, and added four kingdoms to the British possessions. At the end of eight years his health gave way and he returned to England. He died on December 19, 1860.