Thomas Francis Meagher 

(August 3, 1823 - July 5, 1887)

Meagher of the sword

Born in Waterford, educated at Clongowes Wood and Stonyhurst, in 1848 he returned from France with the new tricolour flag of Young Ireland. In 1849 he was convicted of treason against Her Majesty and sentenced to death, commuted to life penal servitude in Tasmania. Escaping in 1852, he landed in New York where his popularity as a lecturer was immediate. He studied law, founded the Irish News and undertook an exploring expedition in Central America. On the secession of the Southern States in 1861 he raised a company of Zouaves for the 69th N.Y. Regiment and organized the Irish Brigade. He distinguishing himself as a fearless warrior and leader in battle for the union forces. In 1862, he was appointed Brigadier General. At the close of the war in 1865 he was made Governor of Montana.

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