John Crosbie (bishop) facts for kids
John Crosbie, also known as Sean Mac an Chrosáin, was an important bishop in the Church of Ireland. He passed away in September 1621.
Crosbie was born into the Mac an Chrosáin family from Leinster. This family was known for being bards (poets and storytellers) for the Ui Mhórdha people in Laois.
His birth name was Sean. His mother was from the O Cellaigh family. His older brother, Patrick Crosbie, had worked for the English government since 1588. Patrick helped move some families from Laois to County Kerry. Patrick died on March 22, 1611. Patrick's son, Sir Piers Crosby, who was a statesman, died in November 1646.
Becoming John Crosbie
Sean Mac an Chrosáin became more like the English and changed his religion to Anglicanism. He changed his name to John Crosbie around 1583. In 1600, Queen Elizabeth I of England described him as "a graduate in schools, of English race (sic), skilled in the English tongue and well disposed in religion." This meant he was educated, spoke English well, and had the right religious beliefs for the Queen.
He worked as a Prebendary of Disert in the Limerick area. On December 15, 1601, he was chosen to be the Anglican Bishop of Ardfert and Aghadoe. A bishop is a high-ranking leader in the Church.
His Family
John Crosbie was married to Winifred Ni Leathlobhair (also known as Lalor). They had many children:
- Sir Walter Crosbie, who became the 1st Baronet, died on August 4, 1638.
- David Crosbie (died 1658), who died in 1658. He was an ancestor of the Earl of Glandore.
- Sir John Crosbie, died on January 14, 1639.
- Patrick Crosbie, who joined Gray's Inn (a legal society) on May 7, 1619.
- William Crosbie, who was alive in 1658.
- Richard Crosbie, who joined Lincoln's Inn (another legal society) on January 12, 1622.
- Winifred Crosbie, who married Mr. MacElligot.
- Una Crosbie, who married Mr. Stephenson.
- Joan Crosbie, who married Mr. McGillycuddy.
- Katherine Crosbie, who married Mr. Gilliesaght.
- Ellen Crosbie, who also married Mr. Gilliesaght.
Many of his family members later lived in County Carlow and County Kerry. These included:
- Maurice Crosbie, 1st Baron Brandon
- Sir Edward Crosbie
See also
- Richard Crosbie
