Background
O’Reilly, John Boyle was born on June 28, 1844 in Castle Dowth, near Drogheda, Ireland. Son of William David and Eliza (Boyle) O’R.
O’Reilly, John Boyle was born on June 28, 1844 in Castle Dowth, near Drogheda, Ireland. Son of William David and Eliza (Boyle) O’R.
Honorary Doctor of Laws, U. Notre Dame, 1881, Georgetown University, 1889.
Enlisted in 10th Husars, British Army, 1863. Joined Fenian Order, tried and court martialed, 1866, sentenced to death as conspirator to levy war against the Queen, sentence commuted to 20 years penal servitude. One of 63 political prisoners deported to Australia (1st company sent there since uprising of 1848), arrived 1868.
Escaped, came to Philadelphia, 1869.
Employed by Boston Pilot (most influential Irish-American paper), 1869, covered Fenian Raid into Canada from Saint Albans (Vermont) as war correspondent, 1870, became co-owner (with Catholic archbishop of Boston), 1876, editor, 1876-1890. Became ardent advocate of Irish Home Rule.
Irish leader in New England. Lectured throughout country.
1st recording secretary Catholic Union of Boston, 1873.
Author: Songs from Southern Seas, 1873. Songs, Legends and Ballads, 1878. The Statues in the Block, 1881.
In Bohemia, 1886.
Moondyne. Athletics and Manly Sport.
Married Mary Murphy, August 15, 1872.