Edmund Dwyer Gray facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edmund Dwyer Gray
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Photograph of Gray c. 1880s
|
|
| Lord Mayor of Dublin | |
| In office 1880–1881 |
|
| Preceded by | John Barrington |
| Succeeded by | George Moyers |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 29 December 1845 Dublin, Ireland |
| Died | 27 March 1888 (aged 42) Dublin, Ireland |
| Resting place | Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin |
| Political party | |
| Children | Edmund Dwyer-Gray |
| Parents | Sir John Gray, Anna Dwyer |
Edmund William Dwyer Gray (born December 29, 1845 – died March 27, 1888) was an important Irish figure. He owned newspapers, was a politician, and served as a MP in the British government. He also held important roles in Dublin, like Lord Mayor and High Sheriff of Dublin City. Gray was a strong supporter of a famous Irish leader named Charles Stewart Parnell.
Contents
Edmund Dwyer Gray's Early Life and Family
Edmund Gray was born in Dublin, Ireland, on December 29, 1845. He was the second son of Sir John Gray and his wife, Anna Dwyer. His father was also a well-known public figure.
After finishing his education, Edmund joined his father in running the Freeman's Journal. This was the oldest nationalist newspaper in Ireland. When his father passed away in 1875, Edmund took over the Journal. He also became the owner of his family's other newspapers, including the Belfast Morning News and the Dublin Evening Telegraph.
A Brave Rescue and His Marriage
In 1868, Edmund Gray showed great bravery. He saved five people from a wrecked ship in Killiney Bay. For this heroic act, he received a special gold medal for bravery.
By chance, his future wife, Caroline Agnes Gray, saw this rescue. They met soon after. Agnes was the daughter of Caroline Chisholm, a famous English woman who helped female immigrants in Australia. Even though Edmund came from a Protestant family, he became a Catholic to marry Agnes. They got married in London on July 17, 1869.
Edmund and Agnes had one son, Edmund Dwyer-Gray. Their son later took over the family newspapers. He also became a very important politician in Australia, serving as the Premier of Tasmania.
Edmund Dwyer Gray's Political Career
From 1875 to 1883, Edmund Gray was a member of the Dublin Corporation. This was like the city council for Dublin. In 1880, he served a term as the Lord Mayor of Dublin.
Unlike many Irish politicians of his time, Gray focused more on city issues than on rural ones. Like his father, he worked hard to improve public health and water supply for Dublin. He also pushed for changes to make the city's health system better.
Becoming a Member of Parliament
After his father's death, Edmund Gray first tried to win his father's old seat in Kilkenny City in 1875. He didn't win that time. However, he won a later election in 1877. This made him a Member of Parliament (MP) for Tipperary. He was part of the Home Rule League.
In the 1880 general election, he was elected to represent County Carlow. Later, in the 1885 election, he was elected for two areas: County Carlow and a new area called Dublin St Stephen's Green. He chose to represent Dublin St Stephen's Green.
In 1882, Edmund Gray faced a difficult situation. He was held for six weeks because of things he wrote in the Freeman's Journal. At that time, he was also the High Sheriff of Dublin City. This meant he was a top law enforcement officer. Because of this, another official had to take him into custody.
Images for kids
-
Photograph of Gray c. 1880s
-
A memorial cartoon showing Hibernia (a symbol of Ireland) in mourning. This was published after Gray's death.
