Frederick Hamilton (Donegal politician) facts for kids

Frederick Hamilton (around 1663 – 1715) was an important Irish politician. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for County Donegal in three different Irish parliaments. He was also expected to inherit his father's title, Viscount Boyne. Sadly, Frederick passed away before his father, but his son later became the 3rd Viscount.

Early Life and Family

Frederick was born in Ireland sometime before 1686. He was the oldest son of Gustavus Hamilton and his wife, Elizabeth Brooke. His father later became a noble, first as Baron Stackallan in 1715, and then as Viscount Boyne in 1717. Frederick's father's family was a Protestant branch of the famous House of Hamilton.

Frederick's mother, Elizabeth, was the oldest daughter of Sir Henry Brooke. Sir Henry was a knight from Brookeborough, County Fermanagh, and was in charge of Donegal Castle. Frederick had two brothers and one sister. You can find their names in his father's article.

Serving as a Member of Parliament

First Time as MP: 1707

During the first Irish Parliament of Queen Anne, Frederick Hamilton became a Member of Parliament (MP). He won a special election in 1707 for one of the two seats representing County Donegal. This election happened because the previous MP, Henry Conyngham, had died in battle during the War of the Spanish Succession in 1706. Frederick's father already held the other seat for County Donegal.

Second Time as MP: 1713

Frederick was elected as an MP for County Donegal again in 1713. This was for Queen Anne's second Irish parliament. However, this parliament ended when the Queen passed away.

Third Time as MP: 1715

On October 3, 1715, Frederick Hamilton became a member of the Irish Privy Council. This was a group of important advisors to the King. In November 1715, he was elected as an MP for County Donegal one last time. This was for the only Irish parliament during the reign of King George I. Sadly, Frederick died on December 10, 1715, less than a month after starting his service in this parliament. His younger brother, Gustavus, took his place.

Marriage and Children

On September 1, 1707, Frederick Hamilton married Sophia Hamilton. Sophia was the daughter of James Hamilton of Tollymore, a place near Newcastle, County Down. She was also the sister of James Hamilton, 1st Earl of Clanbrassil.

Frederick and Sophia had two sons and two daughters:

• Gustavus (1710–1746): He later became the 2nd Viscount Boyne, taking over from his grandfather.
• James (died 1740): He was a lieutenant in the navy.
• Anne (born 1712): She died when she was young.
• Elizabeth (born 1715): She also died when she was young.

Vice-Admiral of Ulster

In 1710, Frederick became the Vice-Admiral of Ulster. His father had held this position and passed it on to him. Frederick kept this job until his death in 1715, when it went back to his father. This role was mostly an honorary title, meaning it didn't involve much actual work, especially since Ireland didn't have its own navy.

Death and Succession

Frederick Hamilton passed away on December 10, 1715. He died before his father, who lived until 1723, and his mother, who died in 1721. When Frederick died, his father had just received the title of Baron Stackallan. He had not yet become Viscount Boyne. Because of this, Frederick was expected to inherit his father's title but didn't have a special "courtesy title" himself. After Frederick's father died, Frederick's son, Gustavus, became the 2nd Viscount Boyne.

See also

• List of parliaments of Ireland