The Remarkable Life and Legacy of Michael Davitt, Champion of Irish Land Reform
Michael Davitt, a prominent figure in the history of Irish nationalism, was born into humble beginnings in Straide, County Mayo, on March 25th, 1846. His early life was marred by poverty and the devastating Potato Famine of 1848, which pushed his family even further into destitution. By the age of six, young Michael had already experienced the harsh realities of landlordism and eviction. His life took a dramatic turn when, at the age of ten, a horrific accident in a cotton mill cost him his right arm, setting the stage for an extraordinary journey of resilience, activism, and advocacy for the rights of Irish tenants.
Davitt’s early years were marked by adversity. His father, Martin Davitt, struggled to make ends meet as a small farmer in County Mayo. The family faced eviction due to unpaid rent in 1852, forcing them to relocate to Haslingden in England, where Martin found work as an insurance agent. Despite their straitened circumstances, young Michael was sent to school. However, in 1856, at the tender age of ten, he started working in a cotton mill to contribute to the family’s income.
Tragedy struck again when, just three months into his mill job, Michael Davitt’s right arm was caught and mangled in the machinery, necessitating its amputation at the shoulder. This devastating accident abruptly ended his factory work and forced him to consider a different path. Recognizing the importance of education, he returned to school for a time and, at the age of twelve, secured an errand boy position at the printing office of Mr Cockcroft, the Postmaster of Haslingden. It was here that Davitt learned the trade of printing, and it became evident that he could accomplish more with his left hand than many journeymen with both. His reputation as an industrious worker and his unwavering commitment to self-education began to take shape.
In 1868, at the age of 22, Michael Davitt became a traveler for a firm specializing in firearms. It was during this time that he crossed paths with members of the Fenian Brotherhood, who were actively planning an armed rebellion. Some sources suggest he joined them as early as 1865. Given his personal experiences with landlordism, it was natural for him to sympathize with their cause. He soon became their “arm agent,” applying his practical knowledge to support their efforts. His fervent commitment to the Fenian cause quickly drew the attention of the authorities, leading to his arrest in May 1870 on charges of treason and felony.
Davitt and John Wilson, a Birmingham gunsmith, stood trial before Lord Chief-Justice Cockburn, resulting in guilty verdicts and sentences of 15 years for Davitt and 7 years for Wilson. Davitt’s detailed prison recollections shed light on the harsh conditions he endured during his first incarceration. He described being fettered at the ankles, limiting his stride to a mere twelve to fifteen inches, and having to hold the end of the chain that bound his feet to prevent resistance. Despite these grim circumstances, Davitt persevered.
In May 1871, he was transferred to Dartmoor Prison, where he endured severe treatment. Eventually, in December 1878, Davitt obtained a ticket-of-leave, marking the end of his imprisonment. He immediately embarked on a mission to form the Irish National Land League, an organization that would play a pivotal role in Irish history.
The Land League, founded by Davitt and endorsed by Charles Stewart Parnell, aimed to dismantle Irish landlordism, which they viewed as a system responsible for Ireland’s poverty and periodic famines. Their cause gained momentum, with Davitt tirelessly working to unite and organize the Irish people in their struggle for land reform. In 1879, he was arrested for delivering a seditious speech but was later released.
Davitt’s vision for the Land League found international support when he and Parnell traveled to the United States to enlist aid from the Irish diaspora. The movement’s objectives evolved, with Davitt boldly proclaiming in America that their goal was the establishment of an Irish Republic. His return to Ireland in February 1881 led to his arrest and imprisonment until May 1882, coinciding with the tragic assassination of Lord Frederick Cavendish and Mr T. H. Burke in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.
The British government, recognizing the gravity of the Irish situation, enacted a Coercion Act in response. The Land League’s connection to the assassination was incontrovertible, as the murder weapons were purchased using League funds. League officials Frank Byrne and Patrick Egan fled to France but later returned to Ireland, where they faced arrest and imprisonment.
Davitt’s political career continued to evolve. In 1882, while imprisoned in Portland, he was elected as an MP for County Meath but was disqualified from taking his seat due to a treason-felony charge. In 1891, he contested Waterford County but was defeated. However, in the same year, he became the MP for North-East Cork without opposition. Financial setbacks resulting from the North Meath petition led to his bankruptcy, prompting him to resign his seat in 1893.
Davitt embarked on a global tour in 1895, visiting the United States, Canada, Australia, Egypt, Palestine, France, Italy, Switzerland, and South Africa. He notably advocated for the Boers during the Boer War in South Africa. In 1905, he visited Dundee, Scotland, delivering a lecture on the Irish Land Bill. He authored several books during his lifetime, including “Leaves from a Prison Diary” (1881), “Defence of the Land League” (1889), “Life and Progress in Australasia” (1898), “The Boer Fight for Freedom” (1902), “Within the Pale” (1903), and “The Fall of Feudalism in Ireland” (1904).
In 1886, Michael Davitt married Mary Yore, an American woman, and together they had three sons and one daughter. He was known for his passionate and eloquent speeches, although his oratory style often lacked the humor characteristic of Irish speakers. His tumultuous life had molded him into a serious and determined advocate for the rights of the Irish people.
Michael Davitt’s legacy endures as a symbol of resilience and unwavering commitment to justice. From his modest beginnings in County Mayo to his tireless efforts for land reform and Irish independence, Davitt’s impact on Irish history remains indelible. His journey from adversity to activism serves as a testament to the power of determination and the enduring quest for justice and equality.
Aberdeen People’s Journal – Saturday 02 June 1906
