Charles Hemphill, 1st Baron Hemphill facts for kids
Charles Hare Hemphill, 1st Baron Hemphill (born August 1822 – died 4 March 1908) was an Irish politician and a barrister (a type of lawyer). He was also a member of the Privy Council of Ireland and a Queen's Counsel (QC).
A Look at His Career
Charles Hemphill was born in County Tyrone, Ireland. His parents were John and Barbara Hemphill, who was a novelist. He became a Queen's Counsel (QC) in 1892. This is a special title for experienced lawyers.
Soon after, he was chosen to be the Solicitor-General for Ireland. This is a senior legal role, helping the government with legal matters. He held this job until 1895.
From 1895 to 1906, he was a Member of Parliament for North Tyrone. This meant he represented his local area in the UK Parliament. After this, he was given the title of Baron Hemphill. This made him a peer, which is a special rank in society. He became Baron Hemphill of Rathkenny and Cashel in County Tipperary.
A Famous Court Case
As Solicitor-General, Charles Hemphill was involved in a well-known court case in 1894. It was called R. (Bridgeman) v. Drury. Hemphill was representing the Dublin Corporation, which was like the city council of Dublin.
He argued that the council members should be allowed to charge the people of Dublin for a very fancy picnic. The judge, Sir Peter O'Brien, listened carefully. He joked about how good Hemphill was at speaking. But the judge also said that Hemphill had not convinced him that the council members would "starve" if they had to pay for their own expensive drinks and cigars. The judge even mentioned that only a few wineglasses were broken, which seemed quite reasonable!
His Family Life
Lord Hemphill married Augusta Mary in 1849. She was the daughter of Major the Honourable Sir Francis Charles Stanhope. Charles and Augusta had three sons and one daughter.
Lord Hemphill passed away in March 1908. His oldest son, Stanhope Charles John Hemphill, inherited his title. Stanhope later married the Honourable May Hamilton. Since Stanhope did not have any sons, the title then passed to his brother, Fitzroy Hemphill, 3rd Baron Hemphill.
Charles Hemphill's daughter, Mary Hannah Augusta Hemphill, had a son named Lt. Col. Herbert St Maur Carter. He was a brave officer and surgeon in the Royal Army Medical Corps.
Charles Hemphill was also related to John Hemphill. This cousin was a Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court in the United States. He was also a US Senator. His father was the Reverend John Hemphill from County Tyrone.
Images for kids
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The coronet (crown) of a British Baron.
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The coat of arms for the Hemphill family.
