John Stokes (archdeacon of Armagh) facts for kids
John Whitley Stokes was an important church leader in Ireland. He was born in 1801 in Skreen, County Sligo, and passed away in 1883 in Armagh. For many years, he served as the Archdeacon of Armagh, a senior role in the church.
Early Life and Family
John Whitley Stokes was the second child and oldest son in a large family. He had seven brothers and sisters. His father, Gabriel Stokes, was a reverend and a rector, which means he was a leader in a local church.
John's father was very religious, and this had a big impact on his sons. Three of John's four brothers also became clergymen, just like their father.
A Famous Brother
One of John's younger brothers became very famous. This was Sir George Stokes, 1st Baronet, a well-known physicist. A physicist is a scientist who studies how the world works, like energy and matter.
John and George were very close. When George was younger and went to school in Dublin, he even lived in John's house. Their mother, Elizabeth Haughton, was remembered by the family as being "beautiful, but very stern."
Education and Church Career
John Whitley Stokes went to Trinity College, Dublin for his education. This is a famous university in Ireland.
After his studies, he became a rector in a place called Clogherny for many years. A rector is like a main pastor or priest for a church parish. Later, he became the Archdeacon of Armagh, which is a high-ranking position in the Church of Ireland.
Family Life
In 1827, John Whitley Stokes married Caroline Elrington. Her father, Thomas Elrington, was also a very important church leader, a bishop.
John and Caroline had one son named Thomas Gabriel Stokes. He followed in his father's and grandfather's footsteps and also became a clergyman. Thomas Gabriel later became the Chancellor of the Diocese of Armagh. He married Sophia Fenwick and they had many children. Caroline, John's wife, passed away in 1868.
Legacy
There is a special memorial for Archdeacon Stokes. You can find it on the north wall of the north transept in St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh. This shows how important he was to the church and the community.
