William Greene (MP) facts for kids
William Greene (born January 17, 1748 – died June 3, 1829) was an important person in Irish and British politics. He was a member of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, which is like a big meeting where laws are made. He served from 1802 to 1806, representing the area called Dungarvan. This was after a big change called the Act of Union 1801, which joined Ireland and Great Britain.
Early Life and Military Career
William Greene was born in 1748. He was the fourth son of John Greene from Greenville in County Kilkenny, Ireland. His mother was Frances Nicholson.
When he was older, William joined the East India Company. This company had its own army in India. He started as a cadet in the Bengal Army in 1769. He worked his way up, becoming a lieutenant in 1772, a captain in 1779, and a major in 1785.
After his time in India, William Greene came back to Ireland. He bought land in County Kilkenny and Waterford. In 1789, he married Jane Massy. Her father was Hugh Massy, 2nd Baron Massy. William and Jane had eight children together: four sons and four daughters. Some of their children and grandchildren later used the last name Massy Greene or Massy-Greene.
Political Journey
William Greene followed his older brother, Godfrey Greene, into politics. Godfrey had also represented Dungarvan in the Irish Parliament before it joined with the British Parliament.
William got help from a powerful person named George Beresford, 1st Marquess of Waterford. With this support, William won the election for the Dungarvan seat in 1802. He was a member of the Whig Party. He stayed in Parliament until October 1806, when the Parliament ended. He decided not to run for re-election after that.
Someone who was against William Greene in politics once said that he was "extremely unpopular in the town." This person also mentioned that Greene was a "harsh landlord" and that his time in India made him have "very arbitrary habits." This means some people thought he was strict and bossy.
Later in 1823, William Greene was chosen to be the High Sheriff of County Kilkenny. This was an important public job, where he was responsible for law and order in the county.
See also
- Members of the 3rd UK Parliament from Ireland
