Henry MacCormac (physician) facts for kids

Henry MacCormac (born June 30, 1800 – died June 9, 1886) was an important doctor in the 1800s. He lived in Northern Ireland and was also a writer who exchanged letters with famous thinkers like John Stuart Mill.

Early Life and Family Background

Henry MacCormac was born in 1800 in Carnan, a place in County Armagh, Ireland. His father, John MacCormac, was a rich linen merchant. His mother, Mary Ann Hall, came from a wealthy family too. Her father was a successful distiller.

Henry's family had a history of important people. His grandfather, Cornelius MacCormac, was a high-ranking officer in the Royal Navy.

Education and Medical Training

Henry MacCormac studied medicine in several places. He trained in Dublin and Paris. He earned his Medical Doctorate from the University of Edinburgh in 1816. He also became a Licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians in Edinburgh. This meant he was officially allowed to practice medicine.

Travel to Sierra Leone

In the early 1800s, Henry MacCormac visited Sierra Leone. His brothers, John and Hamilton MacCormac, lived there. They worked as timber merchants, selling wood. His brother John was a very successful businessman. He even served on the Colonial Council in Sierra Leone. Later, he became a Police Magistrate for the colony.

Medical Career and Writings

Henry MacCormac became a well-known doctor. He was considered for a high position at Queen's University in Northern Ireland. After he stopped practicing medicine, he spent his time on writing and studying. He wrote many letters to important thinkers of his time. These included famous people from the Victorian era.

His Family Life

Henry MacCormac married his distant cousin, Mary Newsam. Her family were also wealthy linen merchants. Henry and Mary had five children together. One of their sons was William MacCormac. William became very famous in medicine. He was even knighted by Queen Victoria. This means he was given the title "Sir" for his achievements.

Henry MacCormac was also the great-grandfather of Sir Richard MacCormac. Richard was a notable architect in the 1900s and early 2000s.

Later Years

Henry MacCormac lived a long life. He passed away in Belfast on May 26, 1886. He was 86 years old.

Interesting Facts

• Henry MacCormac's brother, John MacCormac, had children who often visited Henry in Belfast.