[1] Home married wealthy Jamaican-English heiress Elizabeth Lawes for her fortune on Christmas Day 1742.

[1][2] The couple would have no children, and the Earl deserted his wife in February 1743 for unknown reasons, taking a commission as a captain in the 3rd regiment of dragoon guards in July 1743.

Distinguishing service meant that he was given command of the Glasgow volunteer regiment of foot which was given orders to defend Stirling.

[1][4] Despite the separation, his wife Elizabeth retained her title and remained independently wealthy due to her father and first husband[5] until her death in 1784.

The UK Government has a painting of Major General William Home in its collection attributed to the British school of painters.