From the library of Canada's website:
Born in Ireland in 1825, Thomas D’Arcy McGee was a poet, journalist, author, Irish patriot, Canadian politician and Father of Confederation. Forced to flee the country of his birth, he immigrated to the United States in 1848, then settled in MontrĂ©al in 1857. He was originally a strong advocate for Irish rebellion against the British, but his stance changed over the years to pushing for peaceful reforms. McGee was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada in 1857, where he became a vocal supporter of Confederation. He was assassinated on April 7, 1868, in Ottawa, and was given Canada’s first state funeral.
One of our greatest Canadians, Thomas D'Arcy McGee, was born on this day, 13 April 1825, in Carlingford, Ireland.