Emmet, Thomas Addis

Emmet, Thomas Addis, 1764–1827, Irish-American lawyer, b. Cork, Ireland, grad. Trinity College, Dublin, 1782; brother of Robert Emmet. He was trained in medicine at the Univ. of Edinburgh but abandoned that field for law and gained a brilliant reputation as a barrister in Ireland, particularly in defending members of the Society of United Irishmen. Imprisoned in 1798 for his activities in the Irish cause, he was later released on condition of perpetual exile and emigrated to the United States in 1804. He established a practice in New York and became one of the most notable American lawyers. His interest in the Irish cause continued, and he was of invaluable assistance to many of the early Irish immigrants who came to America.