Samuel McTier facts for kids
Samuel McTier (born around 1737 or 1738 – died 1795) was an important person in a group called the Society of the United Irishmen. This group wanted big changes in Ireland during the late 1700s. He was the first leader of their Belfast branch.
Samuel McTier's Early Life
Samuel McTier was born in a place called Dundonald in County Down. He worked as a chandler, which means he made and sold candles. He was also a member of a social group known as the Freemasons.
In 1773, Samuel married Martha Drennan, who was also known as 'Matty'. Martha was 31 years old at the time. Her brother, William Drennan, was one of the people who helped start the United Irishmen group. Samuel had already been married before, and his first wife had passed away. He had a young daughter from his first marriage. Samuel and Martha did not have any children together.
Later, in 1781, Samuel faced some tough times and lost all his money. This is called being bankrupt. It happened because of some bad luck and choices. But he worked hard to get back on his feet. Four years later, he got a job in Belfast. He worked as a ballast master for the new Harbour Commission, which meant he helped manage the heavy weights used in ships. After that, he became a notary public, an official who helps make legal documents official.
The United Irishmen Group
The United Irishmen group started in 1791. It was first made up of Protestant men who wanted to change how the government worked. They were inspired by new ideas from thinkers like Thomas Paine and his famous book, ‘The Rights of Man’. Some of the first members included Thomas Russell, Wolfe Tone, William Drennan, and Samuel Neilson.
Even though Samuel McTier was not one of the original 11 people who started the group, he was chosen to be the very first President of the Belfast United Irishmen. After he became president, his home became a busy place. Many United Irishmen meetings and gatherings happened there. Martha, Samuel's wife, was also very interested in their work and helped out a lot.
However, things became dangerous for the group in 1793. This was when Revolutionary France declared war on Britain. The government then made the United Irishmen illegal. Because of this, the group had to start meeting in secret.
His Final Years
Samuel McTier passed away suddenly in June 1795. He was on holiday in Inveraray, Scotland, with his wife Martha when it happened. He did not leave a will, which is a legal document saying what should happen to his belongings. Because of this, Martha had to live with less money for the rest of her life as a widow. She lived for many more years and passed away in 1837.
