James Wilson (Irish nationalist)

Apr 19, 2026 - 05:59
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James Wilson (Irish nationalist)

Date and place of birth: add reference

← Previous revision Revision as of 00:28, 19 April 2026
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[[Image:James Thomas.jpg|right|thumb|Wilson as 'James Thomas']]
[[Image:James Thomas.jpg|right|thumb|Wilson as 'James Thomas']]


'''James Wilson''' (6 February 1836 – 6 November 1921) or '''Séamas Mac Liammóir''''','' was an Irish [[Irish Republican Brotherhood|Fenian]] and British soldier. In 1867, he was [[penal transportation|transported]] as a [[Convict era of Western Australia|convict]] to [[Western Australia]] and later escaped during the [[Catalpa rescue]].
'''James Wilson''' (6 February 1832 – 6 November 1921) or '''Séamas Mac Liammóir''''','' was an Irish [[Irish Republican Brotherhood|Fenian]] and British soldier. In 1867, he was [[penal transportation|transported]] as a [[Convict era of Western Australia|convict]] to [[Western Australia]] and later escaped during the [[Catalpa rescue]].


==Biography ==
==Biography ==
Born '''James McNally''' in [[Newry]], [[County Down]], [[Ireland]] on 6 February 1836.{{cn|date=April 2026}} He joined the [[British Army]] at the age of 17 (enlisting under a false name) to avoid arrest for the battery of a police officer.
Born '''James McNally''' in [[Newry]], [[County Down]], Ireland on 6 February 1832.{{cite web |title=James 'McNally' Wilson (1832 - 1921) |url=https://feniangraves.net/Wilson,%20James/Wilson%20Bio.htm |website=Fenian Graves |access-date=18 April 2026}} He joined the [[British Army]] at the age of 17 (enlisting under a false name) to avoid arrest for the battery of a police officer.


[[File:James Wilson.jpg |thumb|Wilson at Mountjoy prison, 1866. ]]
[[File:James Wilson.jpg |thumb|Wilson at Mountjoy prison, 1866. ]]


He served in [[India]] before returning to Ireland, where he became a [[Fenian]], being sworn into the [[Irish Republican Brotherhood]] in 1864. The following year, he deserted, along with [[Martin Hogan]], from the British Army in anticipation of an expected Fenian uprising.
He served in India before returning to Ireland, where he became a [[Fenian]], being sworn into the [[Irish Republican Brotherhood]] in 1864. The following year, he deserted, along with [[Martin Hogan]], from the British Army in anticipation of an expected Fenian uprising.


On 10 February 1866, he was arrested by the police who discovered him hiding in a safe house in [[Dublin]]. They had been betrayed by an informant, Patrick Curran.
On 10 February 1866, he was arrested by the police who discovered him hiding in a safe house in [[Dublin]]. They had been betrayed by an informant, Patrick Curran.
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In 1876, the ''Catalpa'' sailed to Western Australia and rescued Wilson and five other Fenian prisoners. Initially two British ships sought to stop the progress of the ''Catalpa'' and recapture the men, but after receiving a [[warning shot]], Anthony raised the American flag. After this, the two ships did not fire upon them again and the ship sailed unimpeded to [[New York City|New York]], the journey taking some four months.
In 1876, the ''Catalpa'' sailed to Western Australia and rescued Wilson and five other Fenian prisoners. Initially two British ships sought to stop the progress of the ''Catalpa'' and recapture the men, but after receiving a [[warning shot]], Anthony raised the American flag. After this, the two ships did not fire upon them again and the ship sailed unimpeded to [[New York City|New York]], the journey taking some four months.


Wilson settled in Rhode Island, where he married and lived out the rest of his life. In 1920, Wilson met [[Éamon de Valera]] who was touring the [[United States]], trying to gain support for his [[Irish Republic]]. Wilson died on 6 November 1921;{{Cite web|url=https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/19912884|title=James Wilson (1836-1921) - Find A Grave Memorial|website=www.findagrave.com|access-date=2018-05-20|archive-date=5 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705234224/https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/19912884|url-status=live}} his remains are buried in the cemetery on the grounds of [[St. Mary's Church of the Immaculate Conception Complex (Pawtucket, Rhode Island)|St. Mary's Church]] in [[Pawtucket, Rhode Island]].
Wilson settled in [[Rhode Island]], where he married and lived out the rest of his life. In 1920, Wilson met [[Éamon de Valera]] who was touring the United States, trying to gain support for his [[Irish Republic]]. Wilson died on 6 November 1921;{{Cite web|url=https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/19912884|title=James Wilson (1836-1921) - Find A Grave Memorial|website=www.findagrave.com|access-date=2018-05-20|archive-date=5 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705234224/https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/19912884|url-status=live}} his remains are buried in the cemetery on the grounds of [[St. Mary's Church of the Immaculate Conception Complex (Pawtucket, Rhode Island)|St. Mary's Church]] in [[Pawtucket, Rhode Island]].


==See also==
==See also==
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