Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Jocelyn, Robert (1788-1870)

1399892Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900, Volume 29 — Jocelyn, Robert (1788-1870)1892Thomas Hamilton

JOCELYN, ROBERT, third Earl of Roden (1788–1870), born on 27 Oct. 1788, was son of Robert, the second earl, by his first wife, Frances Theodosia, eldest daughter of Robert Bligh, dean of Elphin. In 1810 he was elected M.P. for Dundalk, and continued to sit in the House of Commons until 29 June 1820, when he succeeded to the earldom on the death of his father. In 1821 he was created a peer of the United Kingdom by the title of Baron Clanbrassil, and in the same year a knight of St. Patrick. From the time of his entrance on public life he was an ardent conservative, and for many years he took a prominent part in conservative and protestant gatherings in the north of Ireland and elsewhere. Religious societies, such as the Hibernian Bible Society, the Sunday School Society, the Evangelical Alliance, and the Protestant Orphan Society, found in him a warm supporter. He regularly conducted service in the private chapel at Tullymore Park, Castlewellan, co. Down, where he chiefly resided when in Ireland, and delivered addresses to which the public were admitted. In the Orange Society he became a noted leader, ultimately rising to the rank of grand master. On 12 July 1849 an affray took place between Orangemen and Roman catholics at Dolly's Brae, near Castlewellan, in which a number of lives were lost. A commission of inquiry appointed to examine into the matter censured Lord Roden for his conduct in connection with this affair, and he was deprived of his place on the commission of the peace. He died on 20 March 1870 at Edinburgh, where he had gone for the benefit of his health, and was buried in the family vault at Bryansford, co. Down. Lord Roden was twice married, first, on 9 Jan. 1813, to Maria Frances Catherine, second daughter of Thomas, lord De Spencer, who died in 1861; and secondly, in 1862, to Clementina Janet, daughter of Thomas Andrews of Greenknowes, North Britain, and widow of Captain Robert Lushington Reilly of Scarva, co. Down. By his first wife he had three sons and three daughters. He was succeeded in the title and estates by his grandson, Robert, son of his heir Robert, viscount Jocelyn (1816–1854).

[Family information; Burke's Peerage; obit. notice in Belfast Newsletter, 1870.]

T. H.