John O'Neill (Fenian) facts for kids

John Charles O'Neill (born March 9, 1834, died January 7, 1878) was an important figure from Ireland. He served as an officer in the American Civil War. He was also a member of a group called the Fenian Brotherhood. O'Neill is most famous for leading attacks on Canada in 1866 and 1871. These attacks are known as the Fenian raids.

Early Life and Military Service

John O'Neill was born in Drumgallon, Clontibrit, County Monaghan, Ireland. He went to school there for a while. In 1848, he moved to New Jersey in the United States. This was during a very difficult time in Ireland called the Great Famine. After moving, he studied for another year and worked at different jobs.

In 1857, O'Neill joined the United States Army. He served in a conflict called the Utah War. After this, he moved to California.

Civil War Experience

In California, John O'Neill joined the 1st Cavalry regiment. He fought as a sergeant in the American Civil War. In December 1862, he became an officer in the 5th Indiana Cavalry. People said he was a brave and daring officer. He later transferred to the 17th United States Colored Infantry as a captain. O'Neill left the Union Army before the war ended. He married Mary Crow, and they had several children.

Fenian Brotherhood Activities

While living in Tennessee, O'Neill joined the Fenian Brotherhood. This was a group of Irish-Americans who wanted to free Ireland from British rule. They believed in taking action rather than just talking about politics. O'Neill joined a part of the group led by William Randall Roberts. This group wanted to attack Canada.

The Battle of Ridgeway

O'Neill, who was a colonel, traveled to the border between Canada and the United States. He went with a group from Nashville to join the Fenian raids. The person who was supposed to lead the mission did not show up. So, O'Neill took command.

On June 1, 1866, he led about 600 men across the Niagara River. They took control of Fort Erie in Canada. The next day, O'Neill's group met some Canadian volunteer soldiers. These Canadian soldiers were not very experienced. O'Neill's men, who were veterans of the Civil War, defeated them.

O'Neill then led his men back to Fort Erie. There, they fought another battle. As many more Canadian forces arrived, O'Neill managed a successful escape. His men crossed back into the United States safely on the night of June 2–3. Later, he was accused of breaking US neutrality laws, but the charges were dropped.

The Dictionary of Canadian Biography says that this battle made O'Neill a hero among the Fenians. He achieved the only real success the Fenians had against Canada. He led his forces well and kept his men disciplined. There was very little stealing or disorder. Because of this, the Fenian Brotherhood appointed him as "inspector general of the Irish Republican Army." He became the president of his Fenian group at the end of 1867.

The Pembina Raid

However, the Fenian Brotherhood was divided into two groups. British and Canadian spies were able to learn about O'Neill's plans. So, when he tried to enter Canada again in 1870, Canada was ready. This led to the Battle of Eccles Hill. After another battle, the Battle of Trout River, O'Neill was arrested by a US Marshal. He was charged with breaking neutrality laws.

O'Neill was sent to prison in July 1870 for two years. But he and other Fenians were pardoned by President Ulysses S. Grant in October of the same year.

Even though he said he would not attack Canada again, he changed his mind. An associate of Louis Riel, William Bernard O'Donoghue, convinced him. Without the support of most Fenians, O'Neill led an attack. On October 5, 1871, they attacked a Hudson's Bay Company post. This was at Pembina, Dakota Territory. He was arrested again by American troops.

Later Life and Legacy

In January 1878, John O'Neill was working for a company that bought and sold land. This was in Holt County, Nebraska. He died there from a paralytic stroke. The main town in Holt County, O'Neill, was named in his honor.