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[[File:tfm older.jpg|thumbnail|left|300px|Thomas Francis Meagher, circa 1866.]]

The life of Thomas Francis Meagher was one of honor and service. His death; however, has been shrouded with mystery and shame for the past one hundred-fifty years. On July 1, 1867, Meagher (pronounced Mar) fell from a steamship docked in Fort Benton, Montana into the Missouri river and was never seen again. Theories have been argued as to whether Meagher committed suicide, had a tragic accident, or was murdered. Authors such as Timothy Egan advocate the murder theory while Paul R. Wylie concludes it was an accident due to Meagher’s drunken state.<ref>Timothy Egan, ''The Immortal Irishman'' (New York: Mariner Books, 2016). Paul R. Wylie, ''The Irish General: Thomas Francis Meagher'' (Norman, OK: The University of Oklahoma Press, 2007).</ref>Both theories have merit and substantial arguments as to their validity. Egan, like many before him, posits that Meagher was assassinated by political rivals. Given the circumstances in the region at the time and the men involved, this is not an unreasonable argument. Likewise, Wylie’s position that Meagher was intoxicated and fell into the unforgiving river is also cogent based on his history and penchant for alcohol. The possibility of this strong, Catholic man with a history of perseverance committing suicide is less likely but is not without merit as Meagher’s life was in a rapid state of decline.