James Dillon, 1st Earl of Roscommon facts for kids

James Dillon, the 1st Earl of Roscommon, was an important figure in Irish history. He lived in the 1600s and was known for fighting for the king during a big conflict called the Nine Years' War. Even though he was Catholic, he was given a special noble title, partly because his son, Robert, became Protestant.

Early Life and Family Roots

James Dillon was born in Ireland around 1565. He was the oldest son of Lucas Dillon and his first wife, Jane Bathe. His father started as a lawyer and later became a judge. He even became the top judge in Ireland, known as the Chief Baron of the Irish Exchequer.

James's family, the Dillons, were part of the "Old English" group in Ireland. Their ancestors came to Ireland with Prince John way back in 1185. The Dillons owned a lot of land in different parts of Ireland, including Meath, Westmeath, Longford, and Roscommon.

His mother, Jane Bathe, was the daughter of James Bathe, who was also a chief judge before James's father. James had 11 other brothers and sisters.

Marriage and Children

James Dillon married Eleanor Barnewall, who was also called Helen. This was an interesting marriage because Eleanor was his step-sister! Her mother, Marion, married James's father after James's own mother passed away. Eleanor was the daughter of Sir Christopher Barnewall.

James and Eleanor had a large family with 13 children. They had seven sons and six daughters.

Their sons were:

• Robert (who became the 2nd Earl after James)
• Lucas of Twomere
• Thomas
• Christopher
• George
• John
• Patrick

Their daughters were:

• Jane, who married her distant cousin, Sir Christopher Dillon.
• Elizabeth, who married into the Hussey family.
• Frances, who married a writer and politician named Henry Burnell. They had many children, including a poet named Eleanor Burnell.
• Margaret, who married a member of the Nugent family.
• Mary, who married Sir John Bellew.
• Alison, who married Roger O'Farrell, a tribal chief.

A Life of Service and Nobility

James Dillon's father passed away in 1593. James officially took over his family's lands and wealth in 1595, when he was about 30 years old.

In 1599, during the Nine Years' War, James showed his loyalty to Queen Elizabeth I. He put together a group of 25 horsemen at his own expense to help keep peace in County Roscommon. Because of his service, he was knighted in 1600.

Even though James Dillon remained Catholic, his eldest son, Robert, and his grandson, James, became Protestants. Robert changed his religion before 1619. His grandson, James, was converted at a young age by a famous religious leader named James Ussher.

James Dillon was given a special noble title on January 24, 1620. He became Baron Dillon of Kilkenny-West. This was a big honor! A few years later, on August 5, 1622, he received an even higher title: Earl of Roscommon. His first title, Baron Dillon, then became a special "courtesy title" that his eldest son, Robert, used.

Lord Roscommon was a strong supporter of King Charles I. He helped create a military force to protect the King's interests in Ireland. In 1627, he helped raise money for the King's army in several counties.

His wife, Eleanor, passed away on October 11, 1628.

On July 14, 1634, Lord Roscommon took his place in the Irish House of Lords. This was the first time King Charles I had called for an Irish Parliament.

James Dillon, the 1st Earl of Roscommon, died in March 1641. His eldest son, Robert, then became the 2nd Earl of Roscommon.

Important Dates

• Around 1565: James Dillon was born.
• 1575: His father married Marion Barnewall, making Eleanor his step-sister.
• Around 1587: James married Eleanor Barnewall.
• February 1593: His father, Lucas Dillon, died.
• 1599: James raised a troop of horsemen to help Queen Elizabeth I during the Nine Years' War.
• November 1600: He was knighted for his service.
• January 24, 1620: He was made Baron Dillon of Kilkenny-West.
• August 5, 1622: He was elevated to the title of Earl of Roscommon.
• October 11, 1628: His wife, Eleanor, died.
• July 14, 1634: He took his seat in the Irish House of Lords.
• March 1641: James Dillon died.