Patrick J. Whelan

This article is about the tailor accused of assassination. For the Irish Volunteer, see Patrick Whelan.
Patrick James Whelan
Born
Patrick James Whelan

c. 1840
Galway, Ireland
Died11 February 1869 (aged 28–29)
Carleton County Gaol, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Cause of deathHanging
NationalityIrish
Other namesSullivan,[1]
Smith (alleged)[1]
OccupationTailor
Children
Military Service
AllegianceCanada
Service / branchCanadian Militia
Years of service1866
RankSergeant
UnitQuebec Volunteer Cavalry
Battles / warsFenian Raids
MotiveFenian sympathy
Criminal chargeMurder

Patrick James Whelan (c. 1840 – 11 February 1869) was an Irish-born tailor and suspected Fenian supporter who was executed after the assassination of Irish journalist and politician Thomas D'Arcy McGee in 1868. He maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. Questions about his guilt continue to be voiced, as his trial was "marred" by political interference, dubious legal procedures, allegations of bribing witnesses and easily discredited testimony.[2][3]

  1. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference repo was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online, Whelan, Patrick James
  3. ^ CBC Radio, Radio documentary examining Whelan's guilt for the McGee murder Archived 30 August 2013 at the Wayback Machine