Elizabeth Dillon (writer) facts for kids

Elizabeth Dillon (born March 2, 1865 – died May 14, 1907) was an Irish woman who wrote diaries. She was also a strong supporter of Irish independence.

Elizabeth Dillon's Early Life

Elizabeth Dillon was born Elizabeth Mathew in England on March 2, 1865. She was the oldest of five children. Her parents were Sir James Charles Mathew and Elizabeth Blackmore Mathew. Her family was connected to the Butler family. However, Elizabeth did not visit Ireland until 1886.

She grew up in London and was taught at home. From a young age, she often visited the House of Commons. This is where laws are made in the United Kingdom. She also had a busy social life and did charity work.

Elizabeth started writing a diary in 1879. She kept writing it until she died. Her ancestor, Mary Mathew, also wrote a diary. Elizabeth first wrote for practice. Soon, she loved writing and some people think she wanted others to read her diaries later. She studied Old English and literature at King's College, London from 1882 to 1884. She also began to learn the Irish language in 1893.

Elizabeth Dillon's Political Work

Elizabeth's father supported changes to land ownership in Ireland. He led a group looking into problems for tenants in 1892. He greatly influenced Elizabeth's political views. She first wrote about politics on February 25, 1883. She noted the arrest of a group called the Invincibles. After that, she often wrote about land reform.

She traveled to Ireland for the first time in August 1886. She stayed in Killiney, County Dublin. In October 1886, she met John Dillon. She began to follow the Plan of Campaign, a political movement. This helped her discuss it with John when he visited her family's home in London.

During this time, John Dillon was very involved in politics. He was even sent to prison several times. Elizabeth followed Irish politics closely. She became a supporter of the anti-Parnellite group. This group was against a political leader named Charles Stewart Parnell.

In autumn 1895, Elizabeth spoke to John Dillon about their relationship. People were gossiping about them. She said they could no longer meet as they had been. John proposed to her within two weeks. They got married on November 21, 1895, in Brompton Oratory. They were often busy and apart. John had to spend time in warmer places because of his health. Elizabeth tried to go with him when she could. However, it was hard because they had a large family.

Her Family Life

Elizabeth and John had one daughter and five sons. Their children were John Dillon (1896-1970), Anne Elizabeth Dillon (born 1897), Theobald Wolfe Tone (1898-1946), Myles, James, and Brian.

Their family finances were tight for a while. Then, in 1898, John's uncle Charles left him his house at 2 North Great George's Street, Dublin. In 1905, a cousin named Anne Deane left him a business in Ballaghadereen, County Mayo. Elizabeth successfully managed this business. She also carried out duties as a politician's wife. For example, she opened the Belfast ladies' branch of the United Irish League in June 1905. Her busy life meant she did not write in her diary as often.

Death and What She Left Behind

Elizabeth Dillon died on May 14, 1907, in Dublin. She had given birth to a baby that morning who did not survive. The cause of death was said to be Pneumonia. She is buried in her family's burial place in Glasnevin Cemetery.

Her husband wrote about her death in June 1907. He called it A short narrative of the illness and death of my dearest love. Her diaries and letters are kept at Trinity College Dublin. Her diaries were put into a book by Brendan Ó Cathaoir and published in 2019.