John C. O'Neill

<p> In June 1866 an 800-man contingent of the Irish Fenian Brotherhood invaded Canada from Buffalo New York in an effort to free Ireland from British rule. The force was led by Irish-born John Charles O'Neill a veteran of the Union Army's 5th Indiana Cavalry.</p><p> The three-day invasion was a military success but a political failure yet O'Neill was celebrated for his leadership and humanity. Elevated to the presidency of the Fenian Brotherhood General O'Neill would again lead Irish nationalists against Canada in 1870. Jailed and later pardoned by President U.S. Grant O'Neill left the Fenians and attempted a third futile attack into Canada.</p><p> O'Neill then became a colonizer urging Irish Americans to abandon cities in the East to settle on the fertile plains of the West. O'Neill City Nebraska is named in his honor.</p><p> This first full-length biography covers the rise fall and resurgence of a remarkable figure in American and Irish history.</p>