Meagher
THOMAS FRANCIS (mä'Hur), an Irish-American patriot; born in Waterford, Ireland, Aug. 3, 1823. He was the son of a wealthy merchant, and educated at the Jesuit College of Clongowes Wood, Kildare, and at Stonyhurst. He early devoted himself to the patriotic cause as a prominent and fearless member of the Young Ireland party. In 1848 he was sentenced to death under the "Treason-felony" Act, but was sent for life to Van Diemen's Land instead. He made his escape in 1852, studied law in the United States, but on the outbreak of the Civil War volunteered as a Union soldier. In 1861 he organized the "Irish brigade" and distinguished himself by his courage in the seven days' battles around Richmond, at the second battle of Bull Run, Fredericksburg, and Antietam. He was drowned, July 1, 1867.