Hugh Heinrick facts for kids
Hugh Heinrick (1831–1877) was an important Irish journalist and teacher. He was also a strong supporter of Home Rule for Ireland. This was a political idea that wanted Ireland to have its own government.
Heinrick was born in Caim, a place near Enniscorthy in County Wexford, Ireland. His family name suggests he might have been part of the German Palatine community. These families settled in the area in the early 1700s. Later, in the mid-1800s, Heinrick moved to Britain. He first lived in Scotland, then settled in Aston, Birmingham, England. There, he worked as a schoolmaster, teaching children.
Working for Home Rule
Hugh Heinrick was very active in the Irish Home Rule movement. This movement grew in the late 1800s. He became the Secretary for the Irish Home Rule Members of Parliament (MPs). This happened during the General Election of 1874. In that election, the Home Rule League won 59 seats in the British Parliament. This made them a powerful group.
Heinrick often spoke at public meetings about Home Rule. He also wrote many newspaper articles on the topic. In 1871, he was the editor of a newspaper called 'Irish Vindicator'. This was the first newspaper for Irish people who had moved to London. However, it only lasted for four months.
Writing About Irish People
In 1872, Heinrick published a series of articles in a patriotic Irish newspaper called ‘The Nation’. This newspaper was published in Dublin. His articles were titled "A Survey of the Irish in England."
In these writings, he looked closely at the lives of Irish immigrants in Britain. He wrote about how many Irish people lived there. He also described their jobs and their social and political standing. These articles were later collected and published again in 1990 by Alan O’Day.
After these articles, Heinrick wrote more books. In 1874, he published "What is Home Rule?" Then, in 1882, he wrote "The Irish in England." Both books were published by John Denvir.
Acknowledged for His Work
In 1874, the general election brought 59 Home Rule League MPs into Parliament. This made them the third-largest group in the British Parliament at that time.
On September 5, 1874, ‘The Nation’ newspaper reported on a special dinner. This dinner was held to honor Hugh Heinrick, the Secretary to the Irish Home Rule MPs. Isaac Butt, who was the leader of the Home Rule League in Parliament, led the dinner. Many Members of Parliament also attended to show their support.
In 1875, Heinrick became the first editor of ‘United Irishman’. This was the newspaper for the Irish Home Rule Confederation. He is also mentioned in a book called "The Life Story of an Old Rebel" by John Denvir. In this book, Denvir called Heinrick "an able journalist" and "a brilliant writer."
Hugh Heinrick passed away in Birmingham on October 7, 1877. He had been ill for a long time.
