Invaded! The Fenian Raids and the Canadian Response | Kathryn Lake Hogan
Between 1866 and 1871, Irish-American veterans invaded Canada, attempting to pressure Britain to withdraw from Ireland. Gain an understanding of the historical context, significant battles, and the lasting impact on Canadian military and national identity. Determine your ancestor’s role in these events and where to find the records.
Audience Level: All
Outline
• Origins of the Fenian Brotherhood
• Motivating factors including the Great Famine, British oppression and the desire for Irish independence.
• How military strategies learned during the American Civil War influenced key players such a T.W. Sweeny, John O’Mahony, and JohnO’Neill.
• The 1866 Raids
- Campobello, New Brunswick raid
- Invasion at Fort Erie and the Battle of Ridgeway
• The 1870 and 1871 Raids
- Eccles Hill, Pigeon Hill and Battle of Trout River
• Impact on Canadian military development, including the establishment of the Canadian militia.
• How the raids influenced the Confederation movement and the creation of Canada as a nation.
• Tips for genealogists on tracing ancestors who may have been involved using militia lists, diaries, photographs and newspapers.
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Kathryn Lake Hogan
A native of Southwestern Ontario, Canada, Kathryn Lake Hogan, UE, PLCGS, is a professional genealogist and educator with deep roots in Canada through her four Loyalist ancestors. Since founding Looking4Ancestors in 2007, Kathryn has helped family history researchers discover their Canadian ancestry, blending her expertise with an approachable and insightful teaching style.
Kathryn graduated from ProGen 4 and the International Institute for Genealogical Studies, earning professional learning certificates in English and Canadian genealogy. She is currently pursuing accreditation with ICAPGen.
Kathryn has written articles featuring Canadian genealogy for CrossRoads, Family Tree Magazine, The In-Depth Genealogist, and the APG Quarterly. Having served in leadership roles for notable organizations such as Ontario Ancestors, the Association of Professional Genealogists, and the United Empire Loyalists Association of Canada, she continues to champion greater accessibility, inclusivity, and diversity in family history.
Kathryn is a sought-after speaker who captivatingly engages audiences at genealogy society meetings and regional and national conferences. As a course coordinator and instructor of the Ontario and Quebec course at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG), she helps researchers sharpen their skills and dive deeper into their Canadian family history.
