New Britain herald., 1916-01-26
LIFE OF DEVOY IS
 A THRILLING STORY
Great Irishman, Here Tomorrow Night, Had Adventurous Career

John Devoy, one of the old school of Irish patriots who sprang into prominence in the eos, will deliver an address in Turner hall tomorrow evening before the members of the Emmett club and their. friends. De- voy is editor of the Gaelic Ameri can," published in New York, and is one of the best known Irishmen in America.
 The life of Devoy reads like novel. Hunted and bounded by the English for his efforts in behalf of his native land, he was finally captured, through treachery, and forced to remain in prison from 1866 to 1871, when he came to this country. He assisted in the memorable rescue of John Boyle O'Reilly and other political prisoners from Australia. His life in America has been devoted to newspaper work but his great goal is the welfare of the Emerald Isle.
 . Editor Devoy was born in the parish of Kill, county Kildare, on Septem- Der 2, 1842. His father was repeal warden of the barony and in 1S48 was secretary of the Young Ireland club in Kill. Devoy was educated partly at OConnelPs school Christian Brothers) on Richmond street, Dub lin; Central Model school on Mar1bor- ough street and the School Street Model school. He attended evening classes at Catholic university and heard Eugene Curry's lectures.
 In 1858, Devoy joined a Gaelic class and studied Irish for three years. He was sworn in Fenian in 1861. The same year he went to Paris and en- ii, tho ,aoion He went to Algeria and, served a year, then re- turned to Ireland when the Trent af fair gave promise of bringing on war between the United States and Eng land. From 1862 to 1865 he lived in Naas, county Kildare, being in the em- pIoy of Watkins & Co.,, brewers He became acquainted with Fenlan SOL diers at Curragh camp through ac- companying William F. Roantree, . Fenian organizer for the British army, on visits to that place and to soldiers meetings in Dublin.
 In October, 1865, he was appointed chief organizer of the ,Fenian army in place of Roantree, who had been ar rested and devoted his efforts to or ganizing properly the men who had already been sworn in, in place or campaigning for new men. However
  brought in by others He met men from every barracks in Bublin night ly and reported to Col. Kelly, ,Stephen's chief of staff, the exact con- 4ditions inside strength of regiments, | number of Fenian soldiers and un- 1 sworn Irishmen, strength of guards, | -pickets, etc., severyTweek. a''t eaa '' Planned to Capture Fort.
 rl 1f oir- oi1 1- and one aid in each regiment. John | Boyle O'Reilly, then a private in the 1 Tenth Hussars, stationed at Island 1 Bridge Barracks, was one of these | aids. Devoy also visited Curragh ] camp, Newbridge, Mullingar and Ath- l lone and he made plans for the cap 1 ture of the barracks, fort, arsenal and martelIo in Ath1one by bringing a | force of Fenian soldiers from Dublin on a train. The arsenal contained 300O0 rifles, countrements, shirts, socks, knapsacks, ammunition, tents, 1 camp equipage, trenching tools, etc., l for an army corps.
 Outyyits Six Detectives.
 In Septemb Der, 1865, six detectives were sent out to arrest him at lis fathers house on Cork street. The six were forced to return to their master with long faces and no priS- oner.e Devoy put up stiff battle. be- ing assisted by three sisters and two little brothers. One of the detectives was hurt and Devoy made his escape over the roofs. A hue and cry was raised and he became marked man. His description was sent broadcast. His next memorable feat was to aid in the rescue of James Stephens from the Richmond Brideweli.
 Arrested Through Spy's Work.
 Through the duplicity of one Foley of the Fifth Dragoon Guards, Devoy was arrested on February 22, 1866, in Pilsworth's public house, James street, Dublin. Devoy's reputation as a fighter evidently had put fear into the hearts of those seeking his body as the detachment sent out to cap- ~!ture him consisted of thirty detec- tives. thirty uniformed policemen and a detachment of forty soldiers. He was confined in Mountjoy prison until Feb ruary, 1867, when he was tried and sentenced to fifteen years penal ser vitude He pleaded guilty in order to carrv out a plan of escape from the Green Street Courthouse but the scheme fell through, because of in- formation furnished the authorities by a spy Devoy was sent to Eng nnd and remained in Millbank, Port land and Chatham prisons until Jan uary, 1871, when all remaining pris- oners, except Manchester men and Davitt and Wilson (the latter an Eng lishman) were released on conditions that they go to America and remain away from the United Kingdom until the expiration of their sentences.
 Helps Rescue OReiIIy
 Breathing the air of freedom in