Montana oil and mining journal. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1931-1953, 1941-07-19
THOMAS MEAGHER
LEFT HIS IMPRINT
ON THIS REGION
ONE COUNTY WAS NAMED FOR
MAN WHO WAS HERO IN
CIVIL WAR
By WTLCHEY

August. 1871, will be the 18th an
niversary Of the birth Of Thomas
Francis Meagher, one Of the most
notable of Irishmen who served In the
Union army during the Civil war and
one Of those who was at the infant
cradle Of Montana in the early days.
His connections in this territory came
after the close of the war when he
was named secretary of state and he
served as governor pro tenn for a brief
period. Montana later named one Of
its counties in his honor as a tribute
to his service.
This state has cause to hold the
memory of Meagher in the highest es-
TEEN, as does the land Of his birth, for
he was one of the distinguished leaders
of the Young ireland" party during
the rebellion against British rule in
1846-1848
His leadership In Montana was recog-
nized at once and he became prominent
In the political affairs of the early
territory at once after his appointment
as secretary of state. 1t was during
the absence of Governor Edgerton that
he served in that officials chair and
today an equestrian statue Of Thomas
Francis Meagher fronts the capitol
building on the Helena grounds as a
tribute to his memory.
He was born at Waterford, Ireland,
of wealthy and cultured parents. His
father was a merchant and a member
Of the British parliament for several
years and Meagher was given the OPP
portunity for a liberal education. AS
q youth he attended the Jesuit college
In Kildare and concluded his studies
at Stonyhurst college in England
His oratorical abilities won him rec
ignition when quite young and his
reputation as platform speaker
brought him national recognition. He
became an influential member of the |
Young Ireland" party, which he joined |
n 1916. BY reason Of his loyalty and /
patriotism he was selected to visit Paris |
n 1916 as a representative Of the Irish |
to address the provision
Il government of France. On his re- |
urn to Ireland he presented an Irish |
ri-color to the citizens Of Dublin and |
made the presentation exercises the /
occasion for the delivery Of q ringing
speech in which he dwelt upon the
wrongs of Ireland and bristled with
charges aimed at the British parlia-
nent.
Raised Famous ZOuaves
The address was considered incen-
liary and young Meagher was arrested
N the charge of sedition. From this
.harge he was released on bail. With
he passage Of the treason-felony act,
which was brought about q short time
lfter, he was again arrested and sem
enced to death. This extreme sentence
vas not, however, carried into execu-
ion, for the crown interviewed with
Of the sentence to ban
shment. Thus he was consigned as a
,risoner Of state to faraway Van Die
mans land. Other workers In the same
ause were treated In like manner.
after three years Of the hardships OF
prisoners life Meagher made his
scape and found his way to America
md to New York city in 1852. Here
lie studied law and was admitted to
,ractice in 1856.
After five years the Civil war came
nd Meagher Immediately eSpoused the
ause Of the Union and raised the IA
nous zouaves which afterward became
part of the 69th regiment of New
York voluntee rs, commanded by
Michael Corcoran.