Nicholas Cusack (Jacobite) facts for kids
Colonel Nicholas Cusack (born around 1638 – died September 1726) was an important Irish politician and soldier who supported King James II.
He was the third son of James Cusack from Cushinstown and Frances Talbot. His mother was the daughter of Sir William Talbot, 1st Baronet and sister of Richard Talbot, 1st Earl of Tyrconnell. Nicholas Cusack was also the great-grandson of Sir Thomas Cusack, who was a very important judge called the Lord Chancellor of Ireland.
In 1683, Nicholas Cusack married Catherine Keating. She was the daughter of Edward Keating of Narraghmore in County Kildare. Catherine had been married before to Adam Cusack, who was also a judge. Catherine passed away in 1699.
Contents
Nicholas Cusack's Political Role
In 1688, King James II named Nicholas Cusack as a burgess (a type of town official) for Navan.
Serving in Parliament
In May 1689, Nicholas Cusack was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Trim. This was for a special meeting of Parliament called the Patriot Parliament, which King James II put together. It didn't last very long. His wife Catherine's brother, Chief Justice John Keating, was also a very important person in this Parliament.
A Soldier and Negotiator
During the Williamite War in Ireland, Nicholas Cusack first served as a captain. He was part of a group of horse soldiers led by his uncle, Tyrconnell. Later, he became a colonel for the Jacobite side, supporting King James II.
The Siege of Limerick
During the second Siege of Limerick, Nicholas Cusack was one of the trusted friends of Patrick Sarsfield, 1st Earl of Lucan. He encouraged Sarsfield to ask for peace. After Limerick surrendered, Cusack was chosen as one of the Jacobite leaders. Their job was to talk with the Williamites (supporters of King William III) and agree on the terms for peace.
Signing the Articles of Limerick
Nicholas Cusack was one of the people who signed the important Articles of Limerick on October 3, 1691. These articles were an agreement that ended the war.
Life After the War
After the war, Nicholas Cusack was declared an "outlaw." This meant he lost his legal rights and had to leave Ireland. He went to France and joined the Irish Brigade, which was a group of Irish soldiers serving in the French army. He lived in France until he passed away at the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye in 1726.
