Sir Tristram BERESFORD 3d. Bt.
- Born: 1669, Coleraine, Londonderry, Ireland
- Marriage (1): Nichola Sophia HAMILTON in Feb 1687
- Died: 16 Jun 1701, Coleraine, Londonderry, Ireland aged 32
General Notes:
Background
He was the second, but oldest surviving son of Sir Randal Beresford, 2nd Baronet and his wife Catherine Annesley, daughter of Francis Annesley, 1st Viscount Valentia.[2] In 1681, he succeeded his father as baronet.[3]
Career
Commanding a Protestant regiment, Beresford was attained by King James II of England in May 1689, however was acquitted after the Glorious Revolution.[2] He entered the Irish House of Commons in 1692, sitting for Londonderry County until 1699.[4]
Family and death
In February 1687, he married Nichola Sophia Hamilton, youngest daughter of Hugh Hamilton, 1st Baron Hamilton of Glenawly, and had by her four daughters and a son.[5] His wife grew up with James Power, 3rd Earl of Tyrone and according to a family legend they both agreed in their childhood, that whoever should die at first, should try to return and report to the other about the afterlife.[6] In October 1693, Nichola wore one morning a black ribbon and after a request by her husband, declared that her friend had died.[6] Shortly thereafter a letter from the earl's steward arrived, confirming her assertion.[6] She also predicted Beresford the birth of his son and when in 1713, a clergyman presented her documents, which changed her age to fortyseven, she announced her oncoming death. Nichola told a female friend, that in the night after the earl's death, his ghost had manifested and had given her information about her future life.[6] As a proof, that it had been no dream, a black mark then appeared at her wrist, which she later covered with the rippon.[6] Following this explanation Nichola expired in the presence of her friend.[6] Beresford himself died in 1701 and was succeeded in the baronetcy by his son Marcus, later raised to the Peerage of Ireland by the title Earl of Tyrone.[3]
Tristram married Nichola Sophia HAMILTON, daughter of Hugh HAMILTON 1st baron Hamilton of Glenawly and Arabella Susan BALFOUR of Pitcullo, in Feb 1687. (Nichola Sophia HAMILTON was born on 23 Feb 1666 in Cavan, Cavan, Ireland and died on 23 Feb 1713 in Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.)
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