John Esmonde (United Irishman) facts for kids

John Esmonde was a doctor from Sallins, a town in County Kildare, Ireland. He was also a member of a group called the United Irishmen. In 1798, he led a group of people in the Battle of Prosperous in County Kildare. This event was part of a bigger uprising in Ireland that year. John Esmonde died on June 13, 1798, because of his role in these events.

John Esmonde's Family

John Esmonde was the son of Sir James Esmonde and Ellice White. His father held a special title called a Baronet. John married Helen O'Callan, and they had a large family together. They had five sons and one daughter.

Their oldest son, Thomas, later became the 9th Baronet in his family. He also served as a Member of Parliament for Wexford from 1841 to 1847. Another son, Bartholomew Esmonde, became a Jesuit priest. His other sons, James and Laurence, joined different armies. James joined the British Royal Navy, and Laurence joined the French Army.

A Doctor and Patriot

John Esmonde was a skilled medical doctor. He became a member of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland not long after it was created. This college is a very important place for training surgeons in Ireland.

He also took part in important political meetings. One of these was the Catholic Convention. This meeting was held to discuss the rights of Catholic people in Ireland during that time.

Role in the 1798 Uprising

John Esmonde was involved in the 1798 uprising in Ireland. He was an officer, called a lieutenant, in a local defense group known as the Clane Yeomanry. However, he joined the United Irishmen, who were fighting for more independence for Ireland.

Because of his actions, he was put on trial by a military court. He was found to have left his post and was considered a deserter. He died on June 13, 1798, for his part in the uprising.