Richard Magenis (died 1807) facts for kids

Captain Richard Magenis (1710–1807) was an important politician from Ireland. He was part of the House of Commons, which was like the parliament for Ireland back then. He helped make laws and decisions for the country.

Who Was Richard Magenis?

Richard Magenis was born in 1710. His family was part of the Anglo-Irish gentry. This means they were wealthy landowners of English descent living in Ireland. His last name is sometimes spelled Magennis or Maginnis.

He was the oldest son of Richard Magenis and Alicia Caddell. His younger brother, William Magenis, became a very important church leader.

His Political Career

Richard Magenis served as a politician for many years. He represented different areas in the Irish Parliament:

• From 1783 to 1790, he represented Bangor.
• From 1794 to 1798, he represented Fore.
• From 1798 until the end of 1800, he represented Carlingford.

The Parliament of Ireland stopped existing on December 31, 1800. This happened because of the Acts of Union, which joined Great Britain and Ireland.

Besides being a Member of Parliament, Richard Magenis also held other important jobs. He was a "High Sheriff" for different counties. A High Sheriff was a top law enforcement officer in a county.

• He was High Sheriff of Antrim in 1760.
• He was High Sheriff of Armagh in 1762.
• He was High Sheriff of Down in 1764.

Richard Magenis lived a long life. He passed away in 1807 when he was 96 years old.

His Family

Richard Magenis was married twice. His first wife, Miss Wray, passed away soon after they married in 1760.

In 1767, he married Elizabeth Berkeley. She was the daughter of Colonel William Berkeley. Her brother, George Berkeley, became a bishop. Richard and Elizabeth had seven children together:

• Richard Magenis (born around 1767) also became a Member of Parliament.
• William Magenis (born around 1770) became a church leader, just like his uncle.
• Ellen married Colonel Charles Albert Leslie.
• Louisa married William Richardson, who was also a Member of Parliament.
• Emily married John French, another church leader.
• Alice
• Harriette