Oliver Bond facts for kids

Oliver Bond (born around 1760, died 1798) was an Irish merchant. He was an important member of a group called the Society of United Irishmen in Leinster. This group wanted to change how Ireland was governed. Oliver Bond sadly died in prison after the Irish Rebellion of 1798.

Oliver Bond: An Irish Patriot

Oliver Bond was an important figure in Irish history. He worked to bring about big changes in how Ireland was governed. He believed in fairness and equal rights for everyone.

Early Life and Business

Oliver Bond was born around 1760 in St Johnston, County Donegal, in Ireland. His father was a minister. When he was young, Oliver trained as a clothing seller in Derry. Later, he moved to Dublin.

In Dublin, Oliver Bond became a successful merchant. He traded in woollen goods and became quite wealthy. In 1791, he married Eleanor 'Lucy' Jackson. Her father, Henry Jackson, was also a leader in the United Irishmen movement.

Joining the United Irishmen

Oliver Bond was one of the first people to join the Society of United Irishmen. This group wanted to unite people of different religions in Ireland. Their main goal was to change the Irish Parliament. They wanted a government that was fair and independent from British control.

In November 1791, the Society of United Irishmen formed in Dublin. Oliver Bond quickly became an active member.

Standing Up for Change

In February 1793, Oliver Bond was the secretary of an important meeting. At this meeting, the United Irishmen called for Catholic Emancipation. This meant giving Catholics full rights. They also wanted to reform the parliament. The group spoke out against the government's harsh rules. They also disagreed with the war against the new French Republic.

Because of their strong opinions, Bond and another leader, Simon Butler, were called to the Irish House of Lords. They were charged with speaking out against the government. They were fined and spent six months in Newgate Prison.

Planning for Rebellion

The United Irishmen became frustrated. They felt their peaceful efforts to get full rights and change parliament were not working. They hoped France would help them. So, they decided to plan a rebellion. Their goal was to remove the British government's control in Ireland. They wanted to create an independent Irish republic.

Oliver Bond became a key member of the United Irishmen's leadership. He was part of the group that led the movement in Leinster. Many of their important meetings took place at his house in Dublin.

At one meeting on February 19, 1798, they passed a famous statement. It said they would not be distracted by small changes. They wanted nothing less than a "complete regeneration" of their country. This meant a total change for Ireland.

Capture and Aftermath

On March 12, 1798, Oliver Bond's house was surrounded by soldiers. This happened because a person named Thomas Reynolds betrayed the group. Fourteen leaders of the United Irishmen were captured, including Bond.

Even without their leaders, the rebellion still went ahead. But it was defeated in the early summer. After the rebellion was put down, Oliver Bond went on trial. He was found guilty of treason on July 27, 1798. Treason means trying to overthrow the government. He was sentenced to death.

However, other prisoners, like Thomas Addis Emmet, made a deal with the government. To save Bond's life, they agreed to tell what they knew about the United Irishmen. They also agreed to be sent away from Ireland forever. Because of this deal, Oliver Bond's death sentence was changed.

Sadly, Oliver Bond died in prison just five weeks later. He passed away on September 6, 1798, at the age of 36. He was buried in the cemetery of St. Michan's Church, Dublin.

Oliver Bond's wife, Lucy, later moved with her family to the United States. She died in Baltimore in 1843. Today, the Oliver Bond flats in Dublin are named after him.