Robert Simms (United Irishmen) facts for kids

Robert Simms (born March 20, 1761 – died 1843) was an Irish political activist. He helped start the Society of United Irishmen in Belfast.

Simms was born in Belfast and was a Presbyterian. He owned a paper mill in Ballyclare with his brother, William Simms. They were also among the twelve owners of the Northern Star newspaper. Robert Simms was a close friend of Wolfe Tone, who called him 'the Tanner'.

Starting the United Irishmen

Robert Simms was one of the people who helped create the Society of United Irishmen in Belfast in 1791. He wrote an important document called "Declaration and Resolutions of the Society of United Irishmen of Belfast." Simms was the first Secretary of the Society. He wrote many of their early letters, pamphlets, and papers.

Going Underground

In 1793, France declared war on Britain. Because of this, the United Irishmen movement was made illegal. From 1794, the group began to work in secret. They became more determined to challenge British rule.

Robert Simms, his brother William, and Thomas Addis Emmet were arrested. However, they were quickly found not guilty. The leaders of the group had different ideas. Some wanted to wait for help from France before starting a revolt. Others wanted to move forward right away.

A small uprising happened in Leitrim in 1793, but it was quickly stopped. This made the leaders decide to wait for French help. They then connected with the French government. Instructions were sent to all United Irishmen members to wait for the right time.

Taking an Oath

In 1795, Robert Simms met with Wolfe Tone, Samuel Neilson, and Thomas Russell. They met at the top of McArt's Fort, which looks over Belfast. There, they made a serious promise. Wolfe Tone said they promised "never to stop trying until we had ended England's power over our country and made it independent."

Arrests and Imprisonment

The Simms brothers were arrested again in 1797. They were held in Newgate Prison. From there, Robert Simms was sent to Fort George, Scotland, along with Russell and Emmet. While he was away, the printing press of the Northern Star newspaper was destroyed.

Leading the Army

After his release, Robert Simms was chosen to be the Commander of the United Army in Antrim. He took the job, but he was not sure about it. He felt he did not have enough military experience to be a good leader.

At this time, many leaders wanted to start an uprising without waiting for help from France. Simms strongly disagreed with this idea. He believed they should wait. On June 1, 1798, he resigned from his position. Most of the other leaders had changed their minds and wanted to act.

Henry Joy McCracken took over as leader. He would lead the Society in the Battle of Antrim. Some people accused Simms of being afraid or unsure because he refused to start the uprising in Antrim.

Later Life

Despite his resignation, Robert Simms was arrested again. He was imprisoned in Fort George with Emmet and William James MacNeven. He was released in 1802.

In 1803, Robert Emmet tried to start another uprising, but it failed. The Simms brothers did not take part in this attempt. Robert Simms passed away in 1843, when he was 82 years old.

Family and Friends

Robert Simms was a friend of the scientist John Templeton, who studied plants and animals. Robert Simms' son, also named Robert Simms, helped start the Belfast Natural History Society.