Plentywood herald. [volume] (Plentywood, Mont.) 1908-current, 1935-08-08
Gen. Thomas F. Meagher
Was AdUenturer, Patriot
(By GRACE STONE COATES)

To persons not historically minded, who think of Gen.
Thomas Francis Meagher as a prominent figure in Montanas
political and social history, it comes as something of a shock to
realize that this deserved prominence was won in but two years
of activity within Montanas borders. Sir Francis Meagher was
appointed secretary of Montana territory in 1865; he died by
drowning in 1867, under circumstances told, retold and con-
tradced, subject of dispute that still continues. He fell from
the deck of a steamboat at Fort Benton, when on a mission to
Indians. He was a glamorous figure. He was honored and
conferred honor in the naming of the great county of Meagher.
Meagher was a political refugee. He escaped from Van
Dieman's land, where he had been in Punishment for three years,
and found his retreat in the United States. He had been SEN
fenced to death by hanging, and his sentence had been committed
to Punishment for life.
Thomas Francis Meagher was born in Waterford, Ireland,
Aug. 3, 1928. His father was a man of substance and learning,
and a political figure, having represented Waterford in Parli.
ment for many years. AT the age of nine, Meagher was placed
in a Jesuit college in County Kildare. Six years later he matri-
culated at ~Stonyhurst college, England, where he spent five
years. AS a young man he was a fiery speaker, devoted to the
cause of Irish freedom. By the time he was %, he was the
leader of the Young Ireland party. AT the time of the French
revolution he was delegated to bear the revolutionary leaders the
congratulations and resolutions of sympathy from the Irish
Youth party; and on his return was charged with sedihon and
treason, arrested, sentenced to death. He was brilliant, fervid,
dangerous; but his family connections were too important to
disregard. His sentence was committed, and he was taken under
guard to Tasmania.
After his escape and arrival in New York City, he became
a social lion in that city. He was still fiery, still ambitious.
He began the study of law, and was admitted to the bar. With
the outbreak of the rebellion, he threw himself with ardor into
the Union cause. He organized a company which was assigned
TO the Sixtv-ninth New York volunteers. He saw active service.
AT the first battle of Bull Run his horse was shot from under
him. He was acting major at the time. He served in the second
battle of Bull Run, resigned, organized the Irish Brigade, and
was commissioned DIlSddleI general, !, he Was
wounded at the wall of Fredericksburg while leading a charge.
After the battle OF Charlottesville he resigned, and was re-
commissioned in 1864, and in active service until he was mus
tered out in 1865. His patriotic services, his position and per-
sonal charm gave him the entire to exclusive social circles. He
was a man of letters. His articles and traveogues were in de-
mand among eastern magazine editors. He was eager for new
experience, and in recognition of his valor he was appointed to
office in Montana.
Governor Sidney Edgerton was on leave for several months,
and Meagher became acting governor. Hostles were active.
Meagher determined to give white settlers the protection he be-
leved was their due. He met his tragic death while on this mis-
sion of providing their protection.
His body was never recovered. Indians were too numerous,
too ~watchful, too hostile in the vicinity Of Fort Benton to per-
NIT adequate search for the body. 1t was reported found time
after time, once from the vicinity of New Orleans. Each report
aroused excitement; each proved false. His heroic statue-the
gallant statue of a gallant man, fittingly stands prominent at the
approach to the State capitol. He stands for the glamor of life,
without which effort is only d~rudgery, and aspiration a cheat.