William Sinclair (United Irishmen) facts for kids

William Sinclair was an Irish minister who lived a long time ago. He was part of a group called the Society of United Irishmen, which wanted more fairness and freedom for people in Ireland. Because of his beliefs and actions during a big rebellion in 1798, he had to leave Ireland and move to America. He settled in Baltimore and became an important leader for other Irish people who had moved there.

Early Life and Education

William Sinclair was likely born in a farming family in County Londonderry, Ireland. He went to the University of Glasgow in Scotland, a famous school known for new ideas at the time. He graduated in 1775. By 1786, he was working as a minister in Newtownards, County Down.

Joining the United Irishmen

On October 14, 1791, William Sinclair was one of 12 men who started the Society of United Irishmen in Belfast. This group wanted to bring people together from different backgrounds in Ireland. They also wanted to make Ireland more democratic. His brothers, George and Thomas, also joined the group later.

A powerful local leader, Lord Castlereagh, who was also a member of Sinclair's church, became suspicious of him. In 1796, Castlereagh wrote that Sinclair was being very clever and had "done much to mislead" people.

Role in the 1798 Rebellion

During the 1798 Rebellion, William Sinclair was part of a group that helped lead the uprising in Newtownards. After another minister was arrested, Sinclair's brother, George, briefly became a leader for the rebel forces in County Down.

After the rebellion, Sinclair's home was attacked and burned. He was then put on a prison ship in Belfast. Along with other ministers, he was allowed to leave Ireland and go to America.

Life in America

In May 1799, William Sinclair sailed to New York. Even though he was a minister, his strong political views made it hard for him to find a church to lead in the United States.

Instead, Sinclair opened a school called Baltimore Academy. In 1808, his school joined with another one to form Baltimore College. A fellow United Irishman, Doctor John Campbell White, helped start this college. Sinclair became the college's vice president and taught subjects like logic and public speaking.

Community Work in Baltimore

In 1810, Sinclair helped lead the Baltimore Hibernian Benevolent Society. This group helped Irish immigrants in the city. The society supported the Republican-Democratic Party, which was led by Thomas Jefferson. Sinclair even helped his friend, David Bailie Warden, when he had problems with the government.

Sinclair was also involved in the cultural life of Baltimore. In 1816, he helped start a literary club called the Delphian Club and became its first president. William Sinclair passed away in Baltimore in 1830.