Edward James Saunderson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward James Saunderson
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Photograph of Colonel Saunderson, c. 1891
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| 1st Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party | |
| In office 1905–1906 |
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| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Walter Long |
| 1st Leader of the Irish Unionist Alliance | |
| In office 1891–1906 |
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| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Walter Long |
| Member of Parliament for North Armagh |
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| In office 18 December 1885 – 21 October 1906 |
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| Preceded by | Constituency established |
| Succeeded by | William Moore |
| Member of Parliament for Cavan |
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| In office 23 July 1865 – 31 January 1874 Serving with The 5th Earl Annesley
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| Preceded by | |
| Succeeded by |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 1 October 1837 Castle Saunderson, Belturbet, County Cavan, Ireland |
| Died | 21 October 1906 (aged 69) Castle Saunderson, Belturbet, County Cavan, Ireland |
| Citizenship | British |
| Political party | Irish Unionist Alliance Ulster Unionist Party |
| Other political affiliations |
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| Spouse | Helena Emily de Moleyns |
| Children | 5 |
| Parents | Alexander Saunderson Sarah Juliana Maxwell |
| Residence | Castle Saunderson |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland |
| Branch/service |  British Army |
| Years of service | 1862–1893 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | Royal Irish Fusiliers |
| Commands | 4th Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers |
Colonel Edward James Saunderson (born October 1, 1837 – died October 21, 1906) was an important Anglo-Irish landowner and politician. He was a strong supporter of Unionism in Ireland. This meant he believed Ireland should remain part of the United Kingdom. He led a political group called the Irish Unionist Alliance from 1891 until his death in 1906.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Edward James Saunderson was born at Castle Saunderson. This family home is located near Belturbet in County Cavan, Ireland. His father, Colonel Alexander Saunderson, was also a politician. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Cavan. Edward inherited his family's large estates in County Cavan after his father passed away in 1857. He received his education abroad, mainly in Nice, with private teachers.
Political Career
Saunderson first became an MP for Cavan in 1865. At that time, he was a member of the Liberal Party. In 1869, he changed to the Conservative Party. He lost his seat in the 1874 election to candidates from the Home Rule League. This group wanted Ireland to have its own government.
In 1885, Saunderson was elected to Parliament again. This time, he represented the North Armagh area as a Conservative. By then, he had become a very important figure in the Orange Order. This is a Protestant organization. He also became a leader in the unionist political movement.
He helped create the Irish Unionist Alliance (IUA). This political party aimed to bring together all unionist groups across Ireland. He became the first leader of the IUA in 1891 and held this role until he died. Saunderson was known for his strong speeches in the House of Commons. His friends and opponents even nicknamed him "the Dancing Dervish." In 1898, he became a member of the Her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council. This was a special honor for his political work.
Military Service and Public Roles
Edward Saunderson joined the Cavan militia, which was part of the Royal Irish Fusiliers, in 1862. He became a major in 1875 and a colonel in 1886. He was in charge of his battalion from 1891 to 1893. In 1893, he signed a statement from the Ulster Defence Union. This group was formed to oppose the Second Home Rule Bill. This bill would have given Ireland more self-governance.
He also held other important local roles. He was a Justice of the Peace, which meant he helped keep law and order. He was also a Deputy Lieutenant for Cavan. In 1859, he was appointed High Sheriff of Cavan. From 1901 to 1903, he served as the grand master of the Orange Order in Belfast.
Personal Life
On June 22, 1865, Edward Saunderson married Helena Emily de Moleyns. She was the daughter of Thomas de Moleyns, 3rd Baron Ventry. Edward and Helena had four sons and one daughter. Two of their sons became officers in the British Army.
Saunderson was known for his love of yachting. He also had very strong religious beliefs. He was a devoted Evangelical Anglican. He passed away from pneumonia in 1906. In 1910, a statue was put up in Portadown to honor him. People raised money to pay for it.
Family Connections
Edward Saunderson's family had interesting connections. His grandson, Alexander Saunderson, married Princess Louise in 1947. She was the great-granddaughter of John Jacob Astor IV, who was a famous victim of the Titanic disaster.
His daughter Rosa had a son named Henry William Nugent Head. He was a well-known sportsman. In 1928, he went hunting with Theodore Roosevelt Jr. and Kermit Roosevelt. Kermit Roosevelt was even his best man at his wedding in 1933.
