Robert Cusack (judge)
Robert Cusack (c.1516-1570) was an Irish judge who held office as Baron of the Court of Exchequer (Ireland) and was recommended as Chief Baron of the Irish Exchequer just before his premature death. Although his legitimacy was disputed this does not seemed to have harmed his career.
Family
He was born at Cussington, County Meath, eldest son of Sir Thomas Cusack, later Lord Chancellor of Ireland and his first wife Joan Hussey.[1] The marriage was unhappy and in 1537 it was annulled; further Robert's father in later years denied that there had been a valid marriage and spoke of his second wife Maud Darcy as his first. On the other hand Thomas seems to have acknowledged Robert and his other children by Joan; in the 1550s Robert was living at Lismullen Abbey, which his father had acquired on the Dissolution of the Monasteries and later he lived at the older family home Cussington.[2] The John Cusack who died in 1629 and was described as owner of Cussington may have been Robert's son.
Career
He was admitted to the Inner Temple in 1552-3 and later acted as Master of the Revels. He became second Baron of the Exchequer in 1561.[3] In 1566 he was appointed one of three members of the Council for the Government of Munster, but was accused to showing too much favour to Gerald FitzGerald, 15th Earl of Desmond . He sat on several Royal Commissions in the 1560s, to survey lands. determine disputed title to land and to treat with the O'Reilly clan. In 1567 like the other senior judges he was named as one of the lessees of King's Inn.[4] He held several wardships, including that of his niece Mary Wise.
Attempt to become Chief Baron
He was a firm Protestant and on account of his zeal for the Reformation was recommended for the office of Chief Baron[5] on the death of James Bathe. Robert wrote personally to William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley, arguing his case on the ground of his long and faithful service to the Crown. He had a formidable group of supporters, including Adam Loftus, Archbishop of Dublin, Hugh Brady, Bishop of Meath and Thomas Butler, 10th Earl of Ormonde ;[6] despite their pleas he was passed over by Elizabeth in favour of Sir Lucas Dillon. The Queen however acknowledged that if Dillon had not had the prior claim she would certainly have given the post to Cusack: for "we hear very good report of him.. and so we would have you inform him that he be not in any way discouraged."[7] He would almost certainly have received further promotion had he not died in the summer of 1570. His father outlived him by a few months.
Marriages and children
He is said by some sources[8] to have entered an underage marriage with Margaret Kiltane, which was later annulled. He then married Katherine, daughter of Sir Christopher Nugent, son of Richard Nugent, 4th Baron Delvin.[9]
There is little reliable information on their children but sources[10] refer to-
- John (died 1629)
- Christopher
- Anne, who married Richard Luttrell, a grandson of Sir Thomas Luttrell
- Margaret, who married John Plunkett, younger son of the second Baron Louth
- Genet
- Catherine, who married Thomas Delafield.
His widow remarried Peter Barnewall, 6th Baron Trimlestown and had issue by her second marriage.[11]
Robert's sister Catherine was the ancestor of the 1st Duke of Wellington.[12]
References
- ^ Ball, F. Elrington The Judges in Ireland 1221-1921 John Murray London 1926 Vol.1 p.209
- ^ Ball p.209
- ^ Ball p.209
- ^ Kenny, Colum The King's Inns and the Kingdom of Ireland Irish Academic Press 1992 Dublin p.55
- ^ Ball p.209
- ^ The Irish Genealogist Vol.5 pp.596-7
- ^ Irish Genealogist pp.596-7
- ^ The Irish Genealogist Vol. 5 pp. 596-7
- ^ Mosley ed. Burke's Peerage 107th Edition Delaware 2003 Vol.3 p.4129
- ^ Irish Genealogist pp.596-7
- ^ Mosley p.4129
- ^ Longford, Elizabeth Wellington- the Years of the Sword Panther Books Edition 1971 p.29
