John Sweetman (United Irishman) facts for kids

John Sweetman (born in 1752, died in 1826) was an important Irish person who wanted fair treatment for everyone. He was part of a group called the United Irishmen. This group worked to make Ireland a more equal place for all its people.

John Sweetman's Life Story

Early Life and Family Business

John Sweetman was born in 1752 in a small village called Raheny, near Dublin, Ireland. His family were Catholics and had a big brewery business in Dublin for over a hundred years. When his father passed away, John took over the family brewery.

Working for Change

At that time, Catholics in Ireland faced many unfair rules. These rules, called the Penal Laws, stopped them from doing many things, like owning land or holding certain jobs. John Sweetman strongly believed these rules were wrong. He joined a group called the Catholic Committee. This group worked to get rid of these unfair laws.

In 1792, John Sweetman was chosen to be a delegate at a big meeting in Dublin called the Catholic Convention. This meeting helped lead to the Relief Act of 1793. This new law removed some of the unfair rules against Catholics.

Later that year, some people accused John Sweetman of helping a group called the "Defenders." He quickly wrote a paper called A Refutation. In it, he said the accusation was false. He explained that he had offered help because he believed the person was innocent. He signed it as "Secretary to the sub-committee of the Catholics of Ireland."

The United Irishmen and Exile

John Sweetman was also a very active member of the United Irishmen. This was a secret group that wanted to make big changes in Ireland. Many important meetings of the group happened at his brewery in Francis Street, Dublin.

Just before the Irish Rebellion started, John Sweetman and other leaders of the United Irishmen were arrested on March 12, 1798. After the rebellion was stopped, these leaders made a deal with the government. They agreed to share information about their plans, but without naming anyone. In return, the government promised to stop executing other United Irishmen.

In early 1799, John Sweetman was sent to Fort George in Scotland. He was one of only four Catholics among the twenty leaders sent there. In June 1802, he and the others were sent to Holland and set free. One of the famous leaders, Wolfe Tone, even wrote in his notebook that Sweetman would be his successor.

Return to Ireland

After being away from Ireland for eighteen years, John Sweetman was finally allowed to come home in 1820. He passed away in May 1826 and was buried in Swords, a town near Dublin.

Personal Life

In 1784, John Sweetman married Mary Atkinson. Her father also owned a brewery in Dublin.