Rensselaer Journal, Volume 10, Number 43, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 April 1901 — Death of a Noted Fenian. [ARTICLE]

Death of a Noted Fenian.

James Stephens, the well-known Fenian leader of the 1866 movement, died at his home at Sutton, Ireland, Friday, in the pretty cottage which was presented to him by his countrymen in May, 1892, a few months after his return to Ireland from his twentyfive years of exile. However soberly written the'history of James Stephens would surpass in interest most romances. He organized what was described as “the greatest and most widespread secret society of modern days,” and he risked his life and lost his liberty in the effort to free Ireland by force of arms and establish an Irish republic. While organizing the Fenians in Ireland he covered on foot in the year 1859 no fewer than 3,500 miles and met thousands of people, in not one of whom he made a mistake. Mr. Stephens was 72 years old, but until within a few months he was possessed of unimpaired physical and mental powers.