Michael Ward (Irish politician) facts for kids
Michael Ward (born 1683 – died 21 February 1759) was an important Irish politician and judge. He was known for his work in the legal system and for helping to develop his family's lands.
Early Life and Education
Michael Ward was born in 1683. His family lived at Castle Ward in County Down, Ireland. His father, Bernard Ward, was killed in a duel in 1690 while serving as the top law enforcement officer, known as the High Sheriff of Down.
Michael went to Trinity College Dublin in 1699 to study. Later, in 1700, he joined the Inner Temple in London, which is a place where people train to become lawyers. By 1703, he became a lawyer in Ireland, which was called being "called to the Irish Bar".
Political Career
In 1713, Michael Ward became a member of the Irish House of Commons. This was like being a member of parliament, where he helped make laws for Ireland. He represented County Down.
He also ran for election in Bangor in 1715 and 1727. Even though his wife's family, the Hamiltons, had a lot of influence in Bangor, Michael chose to represent County Down each time.
A Career as a Judge
In 1727, Michael Ward was chosen to be a judge. He became a Justice of the Court of King's Bench (Ireland). This was a very important court in Ireland. He served as a judge for many years, until 1758. Towards the end of his life, he became ill and could not work as much.
Michael Ward also helped improve the local area. He turned the town of Killough into a busy port. He also built a road from Killough to Castle Ward, his family's home. This road made it easier to transport lead that was mined on their land to ships at the port.
Family Life
In 1709, Michael Ward married Anne Catharine Hamilton. She was from a well-known family in Bangor, County Down. They had three children together: one daughter and two sons.
Their son, Bernard, later became a very important person in Ireland. He was given the title of Baron Bangor in 1770 and then Viscount Bangor in 1781. This meant he became a member of the Peerage of Ireland, a group of high-ranking nobles.
Michael and Anne's daughter, Anne, married Sir John Parnell, 1st Baronet. Their family line includes Charles Stewart Parnell, who was a very famous Irish political leader much later.
Legacy
Michael Ward passed away on 21 February 1759. People remembered him for his long service as a judge. They said he was honest and worked very hard during his thirty years on the court.
