Robert Ward (1754–1831) facts for kids

Colonel Robert Ward (born July 14, 1754 – died March 1831) was an important Irish politician. He was also a colonel in the South Down militia, which was a local military group. From 1770, he was known as 'The Honourable', a title given to younger sons of viscounts.

Early Life and Family

Robert Ward was the fourth son of Bernard Ward, who was the first Viscount Bangor. His mother was Lady Ann Bligh. Lady Ann's father was John Bligh, the first Earl of Darnley. Robert had two older brothers, Nicholas Ward and Edward Ward. The Ward family lived at Castle Ward.

Political Career

Robert Ward began his political journey in 1777. He became a member of the Irish House of Commons, which was like the parliament for Ireland at that time. He represented the area of Wicklow until 1783.

Later, in 1790, Ward was elected to represent Killyleagh. He served there until 1798. After that, he was chosen to represent Bangor, which was a traditional area for his family to represent. He continued in this role until 1801. This was the year the Act of Union happened, which joined the parliaments of Great Britain and Ireland.

In November 1801, Robert Ward became a member of the Privy Council of Ireland. This was a group of important advisors to the King or Queen. He also served as the High Sheriff of Down from 1792 to 1793. A High Sheriff was a top official responsible for law and order in a county.

Ward was also a trustee for the Irish Linen Board, which helped the linen industry in Ireland. From 1805, he was the Governor of County Down. In 1800, he became the first colonel of the new South Downshire Militia. This was a local army unit.

In May 1812, Ward won a special election, called a by-election, to become a member of the British House of Commons for Down. This was the parliament for the whole United Kingdom. However, he did not run for election again in October of that same year.

Family Life

In May 1782, Robert Ward married Sophia Frances Whaley. They had four sons and one daughter together. Sadly, Sophia died in 1793.

Four years later, Ward married again to Louisa Jane Symes. With his second wife, he had four more sons and two daughters.

Robert Ward passed away in March 1831 when he was 76 years old. His oldest son, Edward, became a diplomat, which means he represented his country in other nations. His fifth son, James, became a vice-admiral in the Royal Navy, a high rank in the navy. His daughter, Anne-Catherine, married a lawyer named John Goddard Richards.