Joseph Deane
Joseph Deane PC (1674–1715) was an Irish politician and judge who became Chief Baron of the Irish Exchequer.
Background
He was born at Crumlin, Dublin, son of Joseph Deane (of Deanehill, County Meath) and his wife Elizabeth Parker, daughter of John Parker, Archbishop of Dublin. His grandfather Major Joseph Deane was a close associate of Oliver Cromwell and a cousin of Richard Deane the regicide. For his good services to Cromwell, the Major received large grants of land in five counties. On the Restoration of Charles II he managed to retain much of the property including Crumlin and Terenure. While the judge's brother Edward inherited most of the Deane property including Terenure, Joseph inherited the Crumlin estate.
Career
Deane matriculated in the University of Dublin in 1689 and entered Gray's Inn in 1694.
He was called to the Bar and sat in the Irish House of Commons from 1703 to 1714 as member for County Dublin. He enjoyed the friendship of the powerful William King, Archbishop of Dublin who recommended him to the English Crown as a man of great sense, knowledge of the law, honesty and good temper. Deane was made a Privy Councillor and on the accession of King George I he became the Irish Chief Baron.
Death
Barely eight months after taking office Deane died suddenly in May 1715, just after returning from his first asssize. According to the picturesque story his death was due to catching cold while watching the solar eclipse of May 3, 1715; Elrington Ball more prosaically states that it was probably due to gout.[1] He was buried in St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin.
Family
Deane married Margaret Boyle, sister of Henry Boyle, 1st Earl of Shannon. Their only son died young, and the judge's estates passed to his five daughters, all of whom married into the aristocracy.[2] They were:
- Elizabeth, who married Hayes St. Leger, 4th Viscount Doneraile
- Barbara, who married Arthur Hill-Trevor, 1st Viscount Dungannon, but died young, without issue
- Mary, who married John Bourke, 1st Earl of Mayo
- Catherine, who married John Lysaght, 1st Baron Lisle
- Margaret, who married John FitzGerald, 15th Knight of Kerry