John Campbell White (United Irishman) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Campbell White
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| Born | 1757 Templepatrick, County Antrim, Kingdom of Ireland
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| Died | 1847 |
| Nationality |  Kingdom of Ireland, Irish |
| Alma mater | University of Glasgow |
| Occupation | Physician |
| Movement |  Society of United Irishmen |
John Campbell White (1757–1847) was an important leader of the Society of United Irishmen in 1798. This group worked for change in Ireland. They wanted to challenge the power of the British Crown and the wealthy Protestant landowners. Later, John Campbell White moved to America. He became a well-known doctor and a strong supporter of Thomas Jefferson in Baltimore.
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Early Life in Ireland (1757–1798)
John Campbell White was born in Templepatrick, County Antrim. His father, Robert White, was a Presbyterian minister and a school teacher. Many important people, like William Steel Dickson, learned from his father. Dickson later became a fellow United Irishman with John.
In 1778, John married Elizabeth Getty in Belfast. He was working as a pharmacist at the Poor House. He then studied medicine at the University of Glasgow, the University of Edinburgh, and in London. After his studies, he became a doctor at the Belfast Dispensary, which he helped start in 1792. He also worked to create a Free School for poor children.
Joining the United Irishmen
In the early 1790s, many people in Belfast were excited about the French Revolution. They also wanted to see changes in Ireland. John White's friend, William Drennan, suggested forming a group to work for "Real Independence to Ireland."
In October 1791, John White met with Drennan's friends in Belfast. They were inspired by Wolfe Tone, a leader who wanted rights for Catholics. They decided to form the Society of United Irishmen. Their goal was to unite all Irish people. They wanted to reduce "English influence" in Ireland. They also aimed for major changes in the Irish Parliament. This new society quickly grew across Ireland.
Working for Change
The United Irishmen first showed their strength in January 1792. John White helped lead a call for immediate Catholic Emancipation. This meant giving Catholics the same rights as Protestants.
However, hopes for change faded. War started with France in 1793. Also, a leader who supported reforms, William Fitzwilliam, was removed from his post. Because of this, the United Irishmen began to prepare for a rebellion. They hoped France would help them.
John White was part of the northern leadership team in Belfast. He worked with other important figures like Henry Joy McCracken and Samuel Neilson. They tried to organize members into groups like militia companies and reading societies.
In 1798, a rebellion broke out. However, John White did not fight in the battles near Belfast. It is not clear how he and his family left Ireland. But by October 1798, they had arrived safely in Baltimore, America.
Life in the United States (1798–1847)
Baltimore became home to many Irish exiles, including John White. He started his medical practice there. In 1801, he became a U.S. citizen. He was also an officer of the Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of Maryland.
Community Leader in Baltimore
John White helped found and became the first president of the Baltimore Benevolent Hibernian Society in 1803. This group helped Irish immigrants. He also helped start Baltimore College in 1803. He was a consulting doctor for the Baltimore Hospital.
During the War of 1812, John White played a key role in defending Baltimore from the British. He was on a committee that managed money for the city's defense.
White loved the United States. He called it "a young country where civil, religious and political liberty are enjoyed to the fullest extent." He was a strong supporter of Thomas Jefferson. This political view was shared by many other Irish immigrants.
The Benevolent Hibernian Society helped many new arrivals. They often came "deprived of health and an asylum." The society's spirit was clear in their St Patrick’s Day toasts in 1804. They toasted "Our Native Land," "Our Adopted Country," and "Thomas Jefferson." They also toasted "United States as Asylum for the Persecuted" and "Civil and Religious Liberty to All Mankind." John White remained president of the society until 1811 or 1812.
Business Ventures
Besides being a doctor, John White also started a successful gin distillery in Baltimore. With his older sons, he expanded his business. They invested in property in New York, including large areas of land.
John Campbell White passed away in 1847. An article in the Freeman's Journal in Dublin remembered him. It said he was a "sincere patriot" who wanted freedom for his homeland. It noted that he left Ireland because he was unhappy with the situation there. He found a long and happy life in America. He lived to see some of the freedoms he fought for in Ireland finally recognized.
His grandson, William Pinkney Whyte (1824–1908), became the 35th Governor of Maryland and a United States Senator.
