Joseph Deane facts for kids

Joseph Deane (1674–1715) was an important Irish politician and judge. He held a very high position as the Chief Baron of the Irish Exchequer. People at the time believed he died suddenly because he caught a chill while watching an eclipse of the sun.

Early Life and Family Roots

Joseph Deane was born in Crumlin, a place in Dublin, Ireland. His father was also named Joseph Deane, and his mother was Elizabeth Parker. His mother's father was John Parker, who was the Archbishop of Dublin.

Joseph's grandfather, Major Joseph Deane, was a close helper of Oliver Cromwell. Because of his good work for Cromwell, the Major received large areas of land. Even when King Charles II returned to power, the Major managed to keep much of his property. This included land in Crumlin and Terenure in Dublin.

While Joseph's brother, Edward, inherited most of the family's land, Joseph received the Crumlin estate. He also owned a manor in Old Leighlin, County Carlow. He later sold this property to the local Bishop.

Historians believe that Joseph Deane built Crumlin House. Today, this house is part of a religious building.

His Journey in Law and Politics

Joseph Deane started his education at Trinity College Dublin in 1689. Later, in 1694, he went to Gray's Inn, which is a famous place in London where people train to become lawyers.

He became a lawyer and then joined the Irish Parliament. He represented County Dublin in the Irish House of Commons from 1703 to 1714. He was good friends with William King, who was the Archbishop of Dublin. The Archbishop spoke highly of Deane to the English King. He described Deane as a very smart person who knew a lot about law, was honest, and had a good personality.

Because of his skills and connections, Deane became a Privy Councillor. This meant he was a trusted advisor to the King. When King George I came to the throne, Joseph Deane was appointed the Chief Baron of the Irish Exchequer. This was a very high judicial role.

His Sudden Passing

Joseph Deane died very suddenly in May 1715. This was only about eight months after he became the Chief Baron. He had just returned from his first circuit, which is when judges travel to different parts of the country to hear cases.

According to popular belief at the time, his death was caused by catching a cold. His friend, Archbishop King, said that Deane got sick while watching a solar eclipse on May 3, 1715. The weather that day was unusually cold and wet for May. However, some historians believe his death was more likely due to gout, a common illness at the time.

Joseph Deane was buried in St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin.

His Family Life

Joseph Deane married Margaret Boyle. Her brother was Henry Boyle, who later became the first Earl of Shannon.

Joseph and Margaret had only one son, who sadly died when he was young. Because of this, Joseph Deane's estates were passed down to his five daughters. All of his daughters married into important aristocratic families. They were:

• Elizabeth, who married Hayes St. Leger, the 4th Viscount Doneraile.
• Barbara, who married Arthur Hill-Trevor, the 1st Viscount Dungannon. She died young and did not have any children.
• Mary, who married John Bourke, the 1st Earl of Mayo.
• Catherine, who married John Lysaght, the 1st Baron Lisle.
• Margaret, who married John FitzGerald, the 15th Knight of Kerry.