ABERCORN, JAMES HAMILTON, 1ST EARL OF (c. 1575-1618), was the eldest son of Claud Hamilton, Lord Pais ley (4th son of James, 2nd Earl of Arran, and Duke of Chatel herault), and of Margaret, daughter of George, 6th Lord Seton. He was made sheriff of Linlithgow in 1600, received large grants of lands in Scotland and Ireland, was created in 1603 Baron of Abercorn, and on July 1 o, 16o6 was rewarded for his services in the matter of the union by being made Earl of Abercorn, and Baron Hamilton, Mount Castle and Kilpatrick. He married Marion, daughter of Thomas, 5th Lord Boyd, and left five sons, of whom the eldest, Baron of Strabane, succeeded him as 2nd Earl of Abercorn. He died on March 23, 1618. The title of Abercorn, held by the head of the Hamilton family, became a marquisate in 179o, and a dukedom in 1868.