Henry Haslett (United Irishmen) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hennry Haslett
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| Born | 1758 |
| Died | 1806 |
| Resting place | Knockbreda Cemetery, Belfast |
| Occupation | Draper |
| Known for | Irish Revolutionary |
| Political party | United Irishmen  |
Henry Haslett (1758 – 1806) was an important figure in Belfast, Ireland. In 1791, he helped start a group called the Society of the United Irishmen. This group wanted a more democratic government for Ireland. Henry Haslett was also one of the first twelve owners of their newspaper, the Northern Star. This newspaper shared the ideas of Thomas Paine, who wrote about human rights.
Haslett was a merchant who felt that rules from the British government, like the Navigation Acts, were unfair. These rules limited what Ireland could trade and produce. He was held in prison for 14 months but was released just before the Irish Rebellion of 1798. He did not take part in the rebellion. After the Acts of Union in 1800, which joined Ireland with Great Britain, he continued to work to help Belfast grow as a busy port city.
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Early Life and Business
Henry Haslett was born in Limavady, a town in Ireland. He first started a business in Belfast selling woollen cloth. But he soon invested in other things too. He put money into a type of beer called Porter, and also into shipping and insurance.
In the 1790s, he was a key member of a group of shipping merchants called the "New Traders." This group ordered several ships from a shipyard in Belfast. They protested against the rules from England that limited Irish trade and businesses. They wanted "free trade," meaning fewer restrictions on what Ireland could buy and sell. They also wanted changes to how the government was run.
Joining the Volunteers
The idea of free trade and government reform was also supported by the Volunteer movement. This group formed during the American Revolutionary War. They were meant to be a backup army in case France invaded. Many Protestants, especially Presbyterians in northern Ireland, joined the Volunteers. They were against the powerful landowners, known as the Protestant Ascendancy, who often followed English interests.
Like many men of his time, Haslett joined the Volunteers and became a captain. He was excited about the new freedoms gained in America and France. He also believed in the ideas of Thomas Paine from his book, Rights of Man. The Volunteer movement later split over whether to allow more people, including Catholics, to join. Haslett chose the more radical path, supporting wider membership.
The United Irishmen Society
In October 1791, Henry Haslett was part of a group of nine men in Belfast. They were Presbyterians, Volunteers, and Freemasons. They met with Theobald Wolfe Tone and his friend Thomas Russell. Tone had written an important paper called "Argument on Behalf of the Catholics of Ireland." In it, he said that the British government kept Protestants and Catholics divided in Ireland. This way, the government could control both groups.
Tone believed that Irish people needed to unite to break away from England. He thought this would help Ireland have its own fair government. The group agreed with Tone and formed the Society of United Irishmen.
The Northern Star Newspaper
Haslett became one of the twelve owners of the Society's newspaper, the Northern Star. It was published in Belfast and edited by Samuel Neilson. In June 1794, England was at war with France. Haslett was found guilty of publishing "seditious libel," which meant printing things that criticized the government.
The newspaper's printing presses were destroyed, and it stopped publishing in May 1797. The Society of United Irishmen had grown, with groups forming in towns around Belfast, in Dublin, and across Ireland. They even joined forces with Catholic groups. People became frustrated that reforms were not happening. They hoped France would invade to help them. The government responded with harsh rules, making it easier for their forces to break up the movement and take away weapons.
Prison and the Rebellion
In September 1796, Haslett was arrested along with Russell and Neilson. The government believed they were "the most leading characters in Belfast." Haslett was held for 14 months in Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin. He was released in December 1797. While he was in prison, two of his children died. His 23-year-old sister also died after falling ill while visiting him in Dublin.
Henry Haslett did not take part in the Irish Rebellion of 1798 when it finally began in May and June. Even though he had tried to keep things calm in his hometown of Limavady, he was arrested again. He was held until December 1799.
Later Life and Legacy
After being released from prison, Haslett made a public donation to a loyalist group in Belfast. This might have been to show he was no longer a threat to the government.
Haslett's business continued to do well. In 1802 and 1804, he served on the Belfast Chamber of Commerce. He focused on improving the Lagan River for shipping and making the port better.
Henry Haslett died in 1806 when he was 48 years old. He was buried in Knockbreda Cemetery in Belfast. His old friend from the United Irishmen, Reverend William Steel Dickson, gave a speech at his funeral.
