One of the most colorful leaders in the early development of Nebraska was General John O’Neill, founder of O’Neill. After leading several ill-fated raids against British military posts in Canada, 1866-1871, O’Neill lost his leading position in the Fenians--an American organization promoting Irish independence. Born in Ireland in 1834, he was a U. S. Army Officer from 1857 to 1864, when he became active in the Fenians. In 1871, though in disfavor with the leading Irish-American society, O’Neill did not give up the cause.