His grandfather was David Erskine, 2nd Lord Cardross, while his mother, Anna, the daughter and heiress of Sir William Dundas of Kincavel, was his father's second wife.
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However, the post of Professor of Scots Law at Edinburgh University became vacant in 1737, with the death of its incumbent Alexander Bain.
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Several descendants of his son from this marriage, James Erskine, gained distinction, including John Erskine, Sir David Erskine, Sir Arthur Erskine, Sir James Erskine and Sir George Erskine.
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John Erskine, leader of the Evangelical Party in the 18th century Scottish Church, was the son of John Erskine of Carnock by his first wife.