Thomas Crosbie facts for kids
Sir Thomas Crosbie (died 1694) was an important figure in Irish history. He was an Anglo-Irish soldier and politician. This means he had both English and Irish heritage, and he was involved in both military actions and government decisions.
Early Life and Family
Thomas Crosbie was the oldest son of David Crosbie. His family were Protestants who had moved to County Kerry in Ireland in the early 1600s. His grandfather was a bishop named John Crosbie. A bishop is a high-ranking church leader. His mother was also the daughter of a bishop, John Steere.
Military and Political Career
Thomas Crosbie started his military career as an ensign. This is a junior officer rank. He served in the army of the Commonwealth of England. He eventually became a lieutenant in a troop of horse, which means he led a group of soldiers on horseback.
He was part of the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland. This was a time when Oliver Cromwell's forces took control of Ireland. Thomas Crosbie was known for being against the Confederate Catholics, a group that resisted Cromwell's rule.
After the king returned to power in England, Thomas Crosbie was forgiven for supporting Cromwell. He had inherited his family's land in 1658. He became the High Sheriff of Kerry in both 1661 and 1668. A High Sheriff was a very important local official, responsible for law and order.
In 1664, a powerful leader named the Duke of Ormond asked Thomas Crosbie to help manage government affairs in Kerry and Cork. For his good work, he was made a knight. This meant he was given the title "Sir." In 1678, he was given tasks to help keep peace and order in Kerry.
Supporting King James II
Later, during the Williamite War in Ireland, Sir Thomas Crosbie supported King James II. He joined King James's army as a captain in 1689. He was part of a group called Brigadier Francis Carroll's Dragoons. Dragoons were soldiers who could fight both on horseback and on foot.
Sir Thomas Crosbie was one of only a few Protestants who attended the Patriot Parliament in 1689. This was a special meeting of the Irish Parliament. He represented County Kerry as a Member of Parliament. After the war, when Williamite forces won, Sir Thomas Crosbie and his family were again pardoned. This meant they were forgiven, and he was allowed to keep his family's land and property.
Family Life
Sir Thomas Crosbie was married three times. His first wife was Bridget Tynte, and they had six children together. His eldest son from this marriage was David Crosbie. David Crosbie later became the father of Maurice Crosbie, who was an important figure and became the 1st Baron Brandon. Sir Thomas Crosbie's second wife was Garrett Fitzgerald, and his third wife was Elizabeth Hamilton. He passed away on February 7, 1694.
