Ernest Alton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ernest Alton
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|---|---|
| Provost of Trinity College Dublin | |
| In office 1942–1952 |
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| Preceded by | William Thrift |
| Succeeded by | Albert Joseph McConnell |
| Senator | |
| In office April 1938 – July 1943 |
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| Constituency | Dublin University |
| Teachta Dála | |
| In office May 1921 – July 1937 |
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| Constituency | Dublin University |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 21 September 1873 Mullingar, County Westmeath, Ireland |
| Died | 18 February 1952 (aged 78) Dublin, Ireland |
| Spouse | Ethel Hughes-Hunter |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | The High School, Dublin |
| Alma mater | Trinity College Dublin |
| Military service | |
| Battles/wars | Easter Rising |
Ernest Henry Alton (born September 21, 1873 – died February 18, 1952) was an important Irish university professor. He was also an Independent politician. He served as a Teachta Dála (TD) and a Senator.
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Ernest Alton's Early Life and Education
Ernest Alton was born near Mullingar in County Westmeath, Ireland. He went to The High School in Dublin. After that, he studied at Trinity College Dublin.
What Ernest Alton Studied
In 1896, Ernest Alton finished his studies at Trinity College Dublin. He earned high marks in classics and philosophy. He was chosen as a "Scholar" of the college in 1894. This means he was recognized as a very talented student.
He also won special awards for his skills. He received the Berkeley medal for Greek and the Wray prize for philosophy. After graduating, he was given a "studentship." This was a special scholarship for postgraduate studies.
Ernest Alton and the Easter Rising
Ernest Alton was part of Trinity College's Officer Training Corps. This was a group that trained students for military service. During the Easter Rising in 1916, he helped defend the college. He was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery. This medal is given for acts of courage during battle.
In 1912, he became a member of the Royal Irish Academy. This is a leading academic organization in Ireland. He later served as its vice-president for several years.
Ernest Alton's Political Career
Ernest Alton was involved in Irish politics for many years. He represented the Dublin University constituency. This means he was elected by people connected to Trinity College.
Serving in the Dáil
In 1921, he was elected to the House of Commons of Southern Ireland. This was a parliament that existed briefly in Ireland. He was an independent politician, meaning he didn't belong to a major political party.
He was re-elected in 1922 and became a member of the Third Dáil. The Dáil Éireann is the main house of the Irish parliament. He was re-elected five more times. His time as a Teachta Dála (TD) ended in 1937. This was when the Dublin University constituency was no longer used for Dáil elections.
Serving as a Senator
After leaving the Dáil, Ernest Alton became a Senator. He served in the 2nd Seanad and the 3rd Seanad. The Seanad Éireann is the upper house of the Irish parliament. He represented the Dublin University constituency there too. He retired from politics in 1943.
Ernest Alton's Academic Career
Besides politics, Ernest Alton had a very successful career in education. He was a respected professor at Trinity College Dublin.
Professor and Provost
From 1921 to 1942, he was a professor of Latin at Trinity College. Latin is an ancient language. In 1942, he became the Provost of Trinity College. The Provost is the head of the college, like a president. He held this important position until he passed away in 1952.
During his time as Provost, he helped the college get government funding for the first time. This was a big step for Trinity College.
Ernest Alton's Family Life
Ernest Alton married Ethel Hughes-Hunter in 1915. They had three children together: two sons and one daughter. His nephew, Bryan Alton, also became a Senator later on.
