Edward Richard Stewart was born on 5 May 1782, the fifth surviving son of
John Stewart, 7th Earl of Galloway, and his second wife,
Anne Dashwood, daughter of
Sir James Dashwood, 2nd Baronet. He was educated at Charterhouse. He married the
Honourable Katherine Charteris, daughter of
Francis Charteris, Lord Elcho. went on to marry her first cousin,
George Spencer-Churchill, 6th Duke of Marlborough, son of
George Spencer-Churchill, 5th Duke of Marlborough, and Lady Susan Stewart. == Career ==