William Henry (priest) facts for kids

William Henry was an important priest from Ireland who lived a long time ago. He became a leader in the church as the Dean of Killaloe. He was also a smart person who became a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a group for scientists and thinkers.

A Life of Learning and Service

William Henry studied at Trinity College, Dublin, a famous university in Ireland. He earned several degrees, including a Master of Arts in 1748 and later advanced degrees in divinity by 1750.

He was a good friend and chaplain (a priest who serves a person or institution) to Josiah Hort. Through this friendship, William Henry became a priest in charge of a church area called Killesher in County Fermanagh in 1731. Later, in 1734, he became the rector (another type of church leader) of Urney, County Tyrone.

William Henry was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society of London in 1755. This is a special honor for people who have made important discoveries or contributions to science. In 1761, he became the Dean of Killaloe, a high position in the church. He got this promotion thanks to the support of powerful families like the Shelburnes.

William Henry passed away in Dublin in 1768. He was buried at St. Ann's Church, Dawson Street there. He believed strongly in temperance, which means avoiding too much alcohol. He also supported civil and religious liberty, meaning people should have freedom in their daily lives and beliefs.

His Writings and Ideas

William Henry wrote several papers that were read to the Royal Society and then published in a scientific journal called Philosophical Transactions. One of his papers was about "The Copper Springs in County Wicklow," which he wrote in 1753. He also wrote a description of a large lake in Ireland called Lough Erne.

He had at least twelve of his sermons (speeches given in church) printed. He also wrote short books called pamphlets against groups like the Jacobites, who supported a different royal family for the throne. He also wrote against Charles Lucas, who was a political figure at the time. Sometimes, he used a pen name, "W. Hiberno-Britannus," when he wrote.

His Family

William Henry's wife outlived him. She later married a surgeon named Doyle from Dublin, and she also outlived him. She passed away in 1793.

Sources

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain:  "Henry, William (d.1768)". Dictionary of National Biography 26. (1891). Ed. Sidney Lee. London: Smith, Elder & Co.