Henry Fulton facts for kids
Henry Fulton (born in 1761, died in 1840) was a Church of Ireland priest. He was part of a group called the Society of United Irishmen in Ireland. Because of his actions in the Irish Rebellion of 1798, he was sent to New South Wales (which is now part of Australia). There, he supported Governor William Bligh during a big event called the Rum Rebellion.
Henry Fulton's Early Life
Henry Fulton was born in Lisburn, County Antrim, in Ireland in 1761. He went to Trinity College, Dublin starting in 1788 and finished his studies in 1792. While at college, he met Theobald Wolfe Tone.
Joining the United Irishmen
Henry believed strongly in Catholic emancipation, which meant giving Catholics equal rights. He also wanted to see big changes in how Ireland was governed. Because of these beliefs, he joined the Society of United Irishmen. This group started by wanting reforms, but later aimed for Ireland to be a republic, separate from British rule.
Henry became a priest (a curate) in Silvermines and a vicar in Nenagh, both in County Tipperary. Even as a priest, he stayed active with the United Irishmen. He helped them by carrying messages and getting new members to join.
The 1798 Rebellion
During the Irish Rebellion of 1798, Henry was chased by soldiers called the Yeomanry. He was caught and put in prison in Limerick. After two years, he was sentenced to be sent away to New South Wales. This was a punishment called penal transportation. It meant he had to leave Ireland and live in a far-off colony for his crime.
Life in New South Wales
Henry Fulton, his wife, and his son left Ireland on August 24, 1799. They arrived in Sydney, Australia, on January 11, 1800.
Starting a New Life
In November 1800, Henry was given a conditional pardon, which meant he had some freedom. He started leading church services in the Hawkesbury area. In February 1801, he was sent to Norfolk Island to work as a chaplain, which is a priest who serves a community, often in a military or prison setting.
In December 1805, he received a full pardon from Governor King. This meant he was completely free. In 1806, he returned to Sydney to take over the duties of Samuel Marsden, another chaplain who was on leave.
Supporting Governor Bligh
Henry Fulton was in New South Wales during a time of trouble known as the Rum Rebellion. This was when some officers rebelled against Governor William Bligh. Henry stood by Governor Bligh and refused to give in to the officers. Because of this, he was temporarily removed from his job as chaplain.
Henry wrote letters to important people, explaining what happened and criticizing the officers who rebelled. When the new governor, Governor Macquarie, arrived, Henry was given his job back as assistant chaplain. He even traveled to England to speak as a witness in a court case about the rebellion. He returned to Sydney in 1812.
Later Years and Contributions
In 1814, Henry Fulton was appointed chaplain at Castlereagh, New South Wales. He also became a magistrate, which is like a local judge.
Henry was very interested in education. He started a school in Castlereagh. One of his students was Charles Tompson. Charles later wrote a book of poems called Wild Notes from the Lyre of a Native Minstrel. This was the first book of poetry written by someone born in Australia and published there. Charles dedicated his book to Henry Fulton, and the first poem in the book praised Henry as a great teacher and person.
Henry continued to serve as chaplain at Castlereagh in 1833. He also wrote a pamphlet that year. In 1836, he was part of a group in Penrith that worked against a new education system being introduced from Ireland.
Henry Fulton's Legacy
Henry Fulton passed away at the parsonage (the priest's house) in Castlereagh on November 17, 1840. His wife had died four years before him.
Henry lost his job in Ireland because he supported the Irish people. In Australia, he again went against what might have been easier for him by supporting Governor Bligh. He was a man who stood up for what he believed was right, even when it was difficult. He had one son and three daughters.
