Thomas J. Kelly (Irish nationalist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas J. Kelly
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Kelly in his military uniform
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| President of the Irish Republican Brotherhood | |
| In office August 1866 – c. 1869 |
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| Preceded by | James Stephens |
| Succeeded by | J. F. X. O'Brien |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 6 January 1833 Mountbellew, County Galway, Ireland |
| Died | 5 February 1908 (aged 75) |
| Occupation | Soldier, Journalist |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Union |
| Branch/service | US Army |
| Unit | 10th Ohio Infantry "The Bloody 10th" |
Thomas Joseph Kelly (born January 6, 1833 – died February 5, 1908) was an important Irish leader. He was a key figure in the Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB), a group that worked for Ireland's independence.
Contents
Thomas Kelly's Early Life
Growing Up in Ireland
Thomas Joseph Kelly was born in Mountbellew, County Galway, Ireland, in 1833. His father, Patrick Kelly, was a farmer and also owned a local pub. Thomas received a good education. His family hoped he would become a priest, so he went to St. Jarlath's College.
At school, one of his teachers, Michael Joseph MacCann, greatly influenced him. MacCann wrote a famous song called "O'Donnell Abu" about an Irish hero. This song helped spark Thomas Kelly's strong love for his country.
Moving to America
After finishing school, Thomas trained to be a printer in Loughrea. When he was 18, he decided to move to New York City. He arrived on March 27, 1851, and quickly found work as a printer. He also joined the Printer's Union in New York.
To gain military skills, he joined the National Guard in New York. Later, he became part of the Emmet Monument Association. This was an Irish-American group that supported Irish independence.
In 1857, Kelly moved to Nashville, Tennessee. There, he managed a printing house. He also started his own newspaper, the Nashville Democrat. This newspaper supported Stephen A. Douglas in the 1860 Presidential election.
When the American Civil War began, Kelly supported the Union (the North). He decided to leave Nashville and move north. This meant he lost his savings and his printing business.
Serving in the American Civil War
Thomas Kelly wanted to join the famous Irish 69th Infantry Regiment. But he heard about the Irish 10th Ohio Infantry and joined them instead. He first signed up for three months, then for three more years.
He served in Company "C." His military skills were quickly noticed, and he was promoted to Sergeant. By the end of 1861, he was the First Sergeant of his company.
Battle and Injury
On September 10, 1861, Kelly was shot in the jaw during the Battle of Carnifex Ferry in West Virginia. A bullet destroyed part of his jaw and three teeth. It lodged in his neck muscles, but doctors later removed it.
Despite his serious injury, he volunteered to return to duty before the end of the year. Some people believe he grew his goatee beard to hide any scars from the injury.
Rising Through the Ranks
In January 1862, Kelly became an officer. He was then assigned to work for Major General George Henry Thomas. General Thomas was a very important leader in the Union Army. Kelly became a Signal Officer, helping to send messages during battles.
He was promoted to Captain on March 17, 1863. He became the Chief Signal Officer for his army corps. His commander tried to get him back to the 10th Ohio regiment to lead a battalion. However, General Thomas said he could not spare Kelly because he was too valuable.
Kelly continued to serve with General Thomas until June 1864. At that time, his regiment, the 10th Ohio, was officially discharged from service.
Leading the Irish Republican Brotherhood
After the Civil War ended, Thomas Kelly learned about the Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB). This group aimed to create an independent Irish Republic. He joined the movement in New York.
The Fenian Brotherhood, a related group, sent him to Ireland. His mission was to meet with the IRB leader, James Stephens. Kelly returned to New York in April 1866. He became Stephens's deputy, or second-in-command. Later that year, he played a role in Stephens losing his leadership position.
Taking Charge
In December 1866, Stephens was no longer the IRB leader. Thomas Kelly then took control of the organization. He was known as the "Deputy Central Organiser of the Irish Republic."
Kelly helped James Stephens escape from Richmond Jail. He also planned a raid on Chester Castle in England, which was supposed to happen on February 11, 1867. However, the plan failed.
Kelly was also a key figure in the Fenian Rising of 1867, an attempt at rebellion in Ireland. He was arrested but managed to escape. In August 1867, he organized a secret IRB meeting in Manchester, England. At this meeting, he was named the Chief Organiser of the Irish Republic (COIR), taking over from Stephens.
Escape and Later Life
The British authorities wanted to capture Kelly. He managed to avoid them for a while. But on September 11, 1867, Kelly and another man, Timothy Deasy, were arrested in Manchester. They gave fake names, but police soon identified them.
Seven days later, Kelly and Deasy were being moved from the courthouse to the county jail. About thirty of their supporters tried to free them. During the rescue attempt, a police sergeant named Charles Brett was killed. Kelly and Deasy managed to escape and were never caught again.
Three men arrested in connection with the attack were later executed. They became known as the Manchester Martyrs.
Both Kelly and Deasy escaped to the United States. Thomas Kelly later found work at the New York custom-house. In 1871, he helped welcome a group of released Fenian prisoners, known as the "Cuba Five," to New York.
Thomas Joseph Kelly passed away at his home in New York on February 5, 1908. He and his second wife, Anna Frances, are buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, New York City.
