Maurice Mahon, 1st Baron Hartland facts for kids

Maurice Mahon, 1st Baron Hartland (born 1738, died 1819) was an important Irish politician and a large landowner. He and his sons served as representatives for County Roscommon in the Irish and British Parliaments. He became a "peer" (a noble with a special title) because he supported the Union of Great Britain and Ireland. He hoped to get an even higher title, like a "viscount," but this did not happen.

Maurice Mahon was born in Strokestown. His father was Thomas Mahon. In 1765, Maurice married Catherine Moore. They had three sons: Thomas, Stephen, and Maurice.

Early Political Life

When Maurice's father died in 1782, Maurice took over the family's large estate in Strokestown. The Mahon family was very influential in Roscommon politics. Maurice followed in his father's footsteps and became a representative for County Roscommon in the Irish Parliament. However, he lost his seat in 1783 to Arthur French.

Supporting the Union

Maurice Mahon really wanted to become a peer. A big political event called the Union gave him a chance. The Union was a plan to join the Parliaments of Great Britain and Ireland. Many politicians were offered rewards for their support.

In 1799, a special election happened in County Roscommon. The King family, another powerful political family, had a candidate who was against the Union. Maurice Mahon promised the government that he would support the Union if they helped him. With the government's help, Maurice's oldest son, Thomas, won the election for Roscommon. Thomas had recently helped defend Carlow during the Rebellion of 1798.

However, the people of Roscommon were strongly against the Union. So, Thomas decided not to vote on the Union at all. To keep his promise to the government, Maurice had to buy a seat in Parliament for his younger son, Stephen, in a different area called Knocktopher.

Becoming Baron Hartland

Stephen Mahon voted for the Union, just as his father had promised. As a reward, Maurice Mahon was given the title of Baron Hartland on July 30, 1800. This made him a peer of Ireland.

After the Union, the government still wanted to keep the powerful King family happy. So, Thomas Mahon did not run for Roscommon in the 1802 election. In 1806, Baron Hartland put forward his younger son Stephen for the Roscommon seat again. It cost a lot of money, but Stephen won.

Stephen continued to support the government, hoping his father would get an even higher title, like a viscount. This never happened. Baron Hartland passed away on January 4, 1819, at the age of 80. His son, Thomas, became the 2nd Baron Hartland.