Background
Oswald was the son of George Oswald, a merchant of Scotstoun, Rector of Glasgow University and the grand nephew of Richard Oswald (merchant) of Auchincruive.
Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom
Oswald was the son of George Oswald, a merchant of Scotstoun, Rector of Glasgow University and the grand nephew of Richard Oswald (merchant) of Auchincruive.
He held the seat until 1835. Oswald died at the age of 70. Oswald married Louisa or Lucy Johnstone.
The poet Robert Burns composed his verses, "O wat ye wha"s in yon town?" to her.
She died of consumption at Lisbon. Other evidence suggests Oswald had at least one child by Louisa Johnston, a son Richard Oswald who married Lady Mary Kennedy.
This book states that Oswald went on to marry Lady Lilias Montgomerie (daughter of Hugh Montgomerie, 12th Earl of Eglinton), and widow of Robert Dundas MacQueen. of Auchencruive".
11th United Kingdom Parliament]
At the 1832 general election Oswald was elected as the Member of Parliament (Member of Parliament) for Ayrshire.