Irish Independent 21 February 1918
WELL-KNOWN FENIAN’S DEATH
Major Wm. F. Roantree, who has died at his residence, Up. Gardiner St., Dublin, aged 89, belonged to a respectable Kildare family, but went to America in his youth, impelled by the love of activity. He fought in the Cuban and Civil wars, receiving a medal for his services to the North in the latter. He took part in the Fenian raid on Canada, and returning to Ireland was put on trial in 1866. Evidence was given against him by Pierce Nagle, and he was defended by Isaac Butt. He was sentenced by Baron Fitzgerald to 10 years’ penal servitude. Asked if he had anything to say before sentence was passed, he said: “Sentence me, but don’t make a speech.”
Released in 1871, Major Roantree took up residence in Dublin, and held a position in the Corporation. His fine old figure and noble presence, which were familiar to Dublin citizens, will be sadly missed.
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