Garrett Dillon facts for kids

Garrett Dillon (born around 1640, died around 1696) was an important Irish judge, politician, and soldier. He held the job of Recorder of Dublin. People remember him today mainly because he helped negotiate and sign the Treaty of Limerick. This treaty was meant to end a big war in Ireland. However, the Irish Parliament refused to agree to the treaty. This led to Garrett Dillon losing his position. He had to leave Ireland and died in exile in France.

Garrett Dillon's Early Life

Garrett Dillon was born around 1640 in County Westmeath, Ireland. His father was Theobald Dillon. His family had owned Portlick Castle for many centuries. Garrett inherited lands in Westmeath, Roscommon, and Mayo.

During the 1690s, he lost all his lands because of the war. His oldest son, Theobald, managed to keep some of the family's estates. However, Portlick Castle was taken over by another family, the Smyths. The castle is still privately owned today.

Garrett Dillon's Career Path

Garrett Dillon began studying law in England in 1669. He became a lawyer in Ireland in 1674. He quickly became a very successful lawyer, especially in the Connacht area.

When King James II of England became king in 1685, he wanted to appoint many Catholics to important jobs. Garrett Dillon was a strong Catholic. He was also seen as a good choice for government work. He quickly rose to high positions. He became a top lawyer for the King and the Recorder of Dublin in 1685. In 1687, he became the Prime Serjeant.

In 1689, he was a member of the Irish House of Commons. He represented the area of Mullingar. When the war began, he joined King James's army and became a colonel.

The Treaty of Limerick and Its Aftermath

After King James's side lost the war, the new King William III of England wanted to make peace. He wanted to work with his former opponents. This led to the negotiation of the Treaty of Limerick. This treaty was actually two agreements: one for the military and one for civilians.

Garrett Dillon had lost all his political jobs. But he was one of three lawyers who negotiated the civilian parts of the treaty. The others were John Brown and Sir Toby Butler.

Treaty Terms and Parliament's Refusal

Dillon and his colleagues signed the treaty on October 3, 1691. The terms were surprisingly fair to the losing side. For example, the treaty said that those who supported King James could keep their lands if they promised loyalty to the new King.

However, the Parliament of Ireland did not agree with these terms. They thought the treaty was too generous to King James's supporters. After many arguments, Parliament ended its session without voting on the treaty. It was never officially approved.

Life became very hard for Catholics who had supported King James. While his fellow negotiators, Butler and Brown, were left alone, Garrett Dillon was punished. He lost 4,700 acres of his land and had to leave the country. He joined King James in France. He became a colonel in King James's army in 1693. He died a few years later. People remembered him as a man of great honesty, speaking skills, knowledge, and worth.

Garrett Dillon's Family Life

Garrett Dillon married twice. His first marriage was in 1677 to Susanna Clifford. She was from Devon, England. Susanna was the widow of Sir Sir Edward Crofton, 1st Baronet of the Mote. Garrett and Susanna did not have any children together. However, Susanna had a son from her first marriage, named Edward.

Political Differences with Stepson

Sir Edward Crofton and his stepfather, Garrett Dillon, had different political views. They might have even been personal enemies. Susanna died before 1689, which ended the family connection between them. Edward strongly supported the Glorious Revolution. Because of this, the Patriot Parliament, where Dillon was an important member, took away Edward's lands.

After King James's side lost the war, Edward quickly got his lands back. He went on to have a successful political career. It seems Edward did not try to help his stepfather. And perhaps Garrett Dillon, after his actions in Parliament, did not expect any help from Edward.

Dillon married a second time before 1690 to Mary Hamilton. She was the daughter of George Hamilton, 4th Baron Hamilton of Strabane. Garrett and Mary had several children. Their oldest son and heir, Theobald, managed to keep at least some of the family's land.