Hugh Morrison (Northern Ireland politician) facts for kids

Hugh Smith Morrison (1858–1929) was an important doctor and politician from Northern Ireland. He was known for his work as a surgeon and for representing Queen's University in the Northern Ireland Parliament.

About Hugh Smith Morrison

Early Life and Education

Hugh Smith Morrison was born in County Londonderry in 1858. He was the second son of Hugh Morrison. He went to school at Coleraine Academical Institution. After that, he studied medicine at the Royal University of Ireland, Queen's College, Belfast, and the College of Surgeons, Dublin. In 1884, he earned his medical degree and became a qualified surgeon.

Medical Career and Politics

After finishing his studies, Morrison started working as a doctor in County Londonderry. He lived in a place called Aghadowey. He also became involved in politics, supporting the idea of Northern Ireland remaining part of the United Kingdom. Later, he became a coroner for Coleraine. A coroner is an official who investigates deaths.

Morrison was also a member of the Presbyterian church. He took part in important church meetings. He was also active in medical groups, where he worked to make improvements. When Denis Henry, who was Catholic, ran for a seat in the Westminster parliament, Morrison supported him.

Political Role in Northern Ireland

From 1921, Hugh Smith Morrison became a politician for the Ulster Unionist Party. He represented the Queen's University area in the Northern Ireland Parliament, also known as Stormont. He supported a law called the Special Powers Act 1922, which gave the government extra powers during a time of unrest.

Morrison passed away at his home in Coleraine on May 21, 1929.

What He Wrote

Morrison wrote a book called Modern Ulster, its Character, Customs, Politics and Industries in 1920. This book talked about different parts of life in Ulster. It included topics like the Orange Institution, which is a Protestant fraternal organization, and the Ulster Volunteers, who were a group formed to protect Ulster's place in the United Kingdom. It also discussed Irish Presbyterianism, which is a major Christian denomination in Ireland.

His Family

In 1884, Morrison married Louisa Jane Whitley. She was the only daughter of David Whitley from Ballymena. Hugh and Louisa were buried together in the graveyard at Aghadowey parish church. Two of their sons were also buried there.