Thomas McCabe (United Irishmen) facts for kids

Thomas McCabe (1739 - 1820) was an important merchant in Belfast. He was a strong supporter of ending slavery, known as an abolitionist. He famously stopped a plan to build ships in Belfast that would have been used in the slave trade. Thomas and his son, William Putnam McCabe, were active members of a group called the Society of the United Irishmen.

Thomas McCabe's Early Life and Family

Thomas McCabe was born in Lurgan, a town in County Armagh. He became a watchmaker in Belfast and also worked in cotton manufacturing. He was involved with the Joy and McCracken families in these businesses. Like many others who would join the United Irishmen, he was a Freemason.

Thomas married Jean Woolsey, and they had four children together. Their son, William Putnam McCabe, also became a Freemason and joined the United Irishmen. William was very important in organizing people in Ulster before the 1798 Rebellion. Jean passed away in 1790.

How Thomas McCabe Fought Against Slavery

Thomas McCabe was one of the people who helped start the Belfast Charitable Society in 1774. This society built Clifton House, Belfast, which was originally a poor house. In the 1770s, Thomas and John McCracken set up cotton spinning machines there. This made it the first cotton mill in Belfast.

Thomas was a key figure in Belfast's business world. He gave money to help build a new White Linen Hall in 1782. This hall was a central place for the busy linen industry in the city.

Before the United Irishmen group was formed, Thomas was a leader in Belfast's efforts to end slavery. In 1786, he successfully stopped a shipping company that owned slaves from starting a business in Belfast. Because of his actions, Theobald Wolfe Tone called him the 'Irish Slave' – meaning he was a champion for those enslaved in Ireland.

Joining the United Irishmen Movement

In October 1791, Thomas McCabe and his friends invited Theobald Wolfe Tone to speak at a meeting. Tone had written an important paper about the rights of Catholics in Ireland. He explained how the British government in Dublin tried to keep different groups in Ireland divided.

McCabe and his friends agreed with Tone. They decided to form the Society of United Irishmen. Their goal was to reduce "English influence" and create an Irish parliament where "all the people" would have "equal representation." This meant they wanted a fairer government for Ireland.

To prepare for possible government action against them, Thomas McCabe joined a secret group. This group included important figures like Neilson, William Tenant, Robert Simms, and Henry Haslett. Thomas McCabe's home became a regular meeting place for the United Irishmen. In March 1793, his house was attacked by soldiers.

As the United Irishmen grew, Thomas and others decided to plan a rebellion. They hoped to get help from France. Thomas helped get weapons, including cannons, for the group. By 1797, he faced money problems and moved back to Lurgan.

The 1798 Rebellion and Later Years

In March 1798, many leaders of the United Irishmen were arrested in Dublin. This weakened the group. Some leaders were already in prison, while others were in Europe.

However, the rebellion still began in May 1798. It started in County Kildare and spread to other areas, including Ulster. Meetings to plan the Battle of Antrim were held at Thomas McCabe's house. During and after the rebellion, government soldiers repeatedly attacked his shop in Belfast. His son, William, helped protect Lord Edward Fitzgerald before he was captured. William then escaped to France.

Thomas McCabe was 59 years old during the rebellion, so he was too old to fight. Even though he was still very involved, the authorities did not bother him afterward. His son William later took part in another uprising led by Robert Emmet in 1803.

Thomas McCabe is buried in Clifton Street Cemetery in Belfast. Many other important United Irishmen are buried there too. A special Blue Plaque honors Thomas and his son William. It is on the wall of St Malachy's College in Belfast, which was built where the McCabe home once stood.