Joseph Leeson, 1st Earl of Milltown facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Joseph Leeson, 1st Earl of Milltown
Member of the Irish House of Commons
In office 1743–1756

Joseph Leeson, who lived from 1701 to 1783, was an important Irish politician and a member of the nobility. He became the 1st Earl of Milltown.

Early Life and Family Background

Joseph Leeson was born on March 11, 1701. His father, also named Joseph, was a successful brewer in Dublin, Ireland. His mother was Mary Brice. Her father, Alderman Andrew Brice, was a Sheriff of Dublin.

Joseph's grandfather, Hugh Leeson, came to Ireland around 1680. He was an officer in the military. He also became very wealthy as a brewer. He bought a lot of land in the area that is now Dawson Street in Dublin. Joseph Leeson had one sister named Joyce. She married Sir Robert Blackwood.

Political Career and Titles

Joseph Leeson served as a politician in Ireland. From 1743 to 1756, he was a member of the Irish House of Commons. This was like the parliament in Ireland at that time. He represented the area of Rathcormack.

Over the years, he received several important titles. These titles were given by the King.

• On May 5, 1756, he became Baron Russborough. This title was linked to County Wicklow.
• On September 8, 1760, he was made Viscount Russborough. This title was linked to Russellstown, also in County Wicklow.
• Finally, on May 10, 1763, he became the Earl of Milltown. This title was linked to County Dublin.

Family Life and Lasting Legacy

Joseph Leeson was married three times and had several children.

His first wife was Cecilia Leigh. They married on January 20, 1729. They had three children together:

• Joseph Leeson (1730–1801), who later became the 2nd Earl of Milltown.
• Lady Mary Leeson (1734–1794), who married the 2nd Earl of Mayo.
• Brice Leeson (1735–1807), who later became the 3rd Earl of Milltown.

Cecilia passed away by 1738. Joseph then married Anne Preston on October 20, 1738. They had one daughter:

• Lady Anne Leeson, who married Hugh Henry.

Anne died on January 17, 1766. Joseph married his third wife, Elizabeth French, on February 10, 1768. They had four children:

• William Leeson (1770–1819)
• Robert Leeson (1773–1850)
• Lady Cecilia Leeson, who married David La Touche.
• Lady Florence Arabella Leeson (died 1840), who married Marcus Beresford.

Lord Milltown passed away on October 2, 1783, at 82 years old. His third wife lived for many years after him, passing away in 1842.

Joseph Leeson left a lasting mark on Ireland.

• In 1728, Suesey Street in Dublin was renamed Leeson Street. This was likely done to honor him.
• He also ordered the building of Russborough House. This is a very famous and beautiful house. It was designed by Richard Cassels. It was built between 1741 and 1755. The inside of the house has amazing plasterwork. It is the longest house in Ireland, measuring about 210 meters (700 feet) long. Many people think it is one of the most beautiful houses in the country.

The title of Earl of Milltown became inactive in 1891. This happened after the 7th Earl passed away.