Henry Joy McCracken

Born at 39 High Street, Belfast, on 31 August 1767, Henry Joy McCracken, the commander of the United Irish forces in Antrim, was the product of a union of two of the most prominent and influential Presbyterian families in Belfast. He was the fifth child of Captain John McCracken, a Belfast shipowner and ropemaker, and Ann Joy, daughter of Francis Joy, who had founded the Belfast News-Letter and General Advertiser in 1737.

Henry Joy McCracken (and he was normally given his name in full) was tall, fair-haired, and just under six foot. He was rash and impulsive. He had an instinctive sympathy for his workers, caring for their welfare and education. He and his sister, Mary Ann McCracken, founded the first Sunday School in Belfast.

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