Cherry Crawford Hyndman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cherry Crawford Hyndman
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Miss Cherry Crawford by Joseph Wilson, 1789
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| Born | 1768 |
| Died | 1845 |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Movement |  Society of United Irishmen |
Cherry Crawford Hyndman (1768-1845) was an important woman in Belfast, Ireland, during a time of big political changes. She was known for being part of a household that supported new ideas. Many believed she was an active member of the Society of United Irishmen, a group that wanted Ireland to be independent.
Contents
Cherry Crawford's Early Life
Cherry Crawford was born in 1768 in a place called Cornacrow, near Laragh in County Monaghan. She was the second daughter of George Crawford and Fanny Cherry. Her family had roots in Scotland. Her father worked as a linen draper, which meant he sold linen fabric. He also ran a bleaching mill, a factory where linen was made white, called "Castle Dawson."
In 1791 or 1792, Cherry married James Hyndman. He was a woollen merchant, selling wool products, and also an auctioneer. His family in Belfast were Presbyterian and had business connections in the West Indies.
James Hyndman and the Volunteers
When James Hyndman was younger, he was a captain in the Irish Volunteers. This was a group of citizen soldiers. During the American Revolutionary War, this group saw a chance to push for Ireland to have its own laws and a fairer government.
Cherry and the United Irishmen
The Ulster Museum in Belfast has a painting of Cherry Crawford from 1789. The museum's notes say she was "the only woman to be admitted to the Brotherhood of the United Irishmen." This group wanted to unite all Irish people, no matter their religion, to work for an independent Irish government.
Other women from Belfast, like Mary Ann McCracken and Martha McTier, also took the United Irish "test" or promise. This promise was about creating "a brotherhood of affection among Irishmen of every religious persuasion." However, these women's writings also suggest that women usually had their own separate groups or clubs.
If Cherry was allowed into the regular meetings of the United Irishmen, it was quite unusual. Her husband was even the secretary of one of their groups in Belfast. Martha McTier did write about attending some "select" (special) meetings of the United Irishmen where decisions were made.
Family Connections to the Movement
Cherry's father, George Crawford, was also a United Irishman in Monaghan. He even helped hide William Hamilton, a great speaker who gathered many people, including Catholic Defenders, to hear about the United Irish goals. Hamilton often spoke about Thomas Paine’s book, Rights of Man, which was about human rights.
Later Life and Legacy
Belfast was under strict control during this time. It seems neither Cherry nor her husband were directly involved in the Irish Rebellion of 1798. However, Cherry did have a difficult encounter with the soldiers. One day, after visiting a sick friend, she was stopped in the street by the military guard. She was arrested and punished by the soldiers. It's not clear if they knew who she was.
Before the rebellions in June 1798, James Hyndman did not sign a statement of loyalty to the British Crown, unlike other merchants and important people in the town.
Cherry Hyndman passed away on August 3, 1845, at her home on Donegall Street in Belfast. She is buried in Belfast's Clifton Street Cemetery. Her sister Elizabeth McTear and her youngest son Hugh Hyndman died before her. She was survived by her daughter Fanny Hyndman and her son George Crawford Hyndman.
George Crawford Hyndman's Contributions
George Crawford Hyndman (1796-1867) became a well-known figure in Belfast. He was a Liberal in politics and a Unitarian in his faith. He was involved in both business and community life in Belfast.
George was very interested in nature. He helped start the Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society and the Botanical and Horticultural Society, which began the Belfast Botanical Gardens. He was also the first president of the Belfast Naturalists' Field Club. George was also important in running the Royal Belfast Academical Institution, a school founded by another United Irishman, William Drennan.
