Gordon O'Neill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gordon O'Neill
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| Born | c. 1650 or c. 1652 |
| Died | 1705 France |
| Allegiance |
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| Rank | Colonel in Ireland, |
| Battles/wars | |
Gordon O'Neill was an important officer in the Irish army of King James II. He fought in major battles like the Siege of Derry, the Battle of the Boyne, and the Battle of Aughrim. He was part of the Jacobites, who supported King James II.
Early Life and Family
Gordon O'Neill was born around 1650 or 1652. He was the only child of Felim O'Neill of Kinard and his third wife, Jean Gordon. His father was a leading member of the O'Neill dynasty, a powerful family in Ireland. His father was also a leader of the Confederates, a group of Irish Catholics who fought for their rights.
Gordon's mother, Jean Gordon, was from Scotland. She was the daughter of a Scottish nobleman, George Gordon, 1st Marquess of Huntly. Both of Gordon's parents were Catholic. They got married in November 1649.
Gordon was a young child during the Irish Confederate Wars (1641–1653). These were a series of wars fought in Ireland. Sadly, his father was executed in 1653 after the Confederates were defeated.
Fighting in the Williamite War
In 1689, Gordon O'Neill raised his own group of soldiers for King James II. Because of this, he became a colonel in the Irish army.
He was also chosen to be a Member of Parliament for County Tyrone. This was part of the Patriot Parliament, a special meeting called by King James II in 1689.
During the Williamite war in Ireland, Gordon O'Neill was very active. He fought in Ulster, a region in Ireland. He took part in important battles and sieges, including:
- The Siege of Derry
- The Battle of the Boyne
- The Battle of Aughrim
At the Battle of Aughrim, he was badly wounded and left for dead. However, some Scottish officers from the opposing side recognized him. They picked him up, and he survived.
Life in France
After recovering from his injuries, Gordon O'Neill took his soldiers to France. This happened after the Treaty of Limerick was signed in 1692. This treaty ended the Williamite War in Ireland.
In France, his group of soldiers became known as the Régiment de Charlemont. Gordon O'Neill lived in France until he died in 1705.
