Tone, (Theobald) Wolfe (1763-1798)

Irish nationalist, prominent in the revolutionary society of the United Irishmen. In 1798 he accompanied the French invasion of Ireland and was captured and condemned to death, but slit his own throat in prison.

Tone aimed to overthrow English rule in Ireland. He formed the society of United Irishmen in 1791. Disappointed with the progress of the group through non-radical means, he started asking revolutionary France for help in arming the resistance to English rule. Insurrection broke out in Ireland in 1798, but previous failed attempts at a French invasion of Ireland in 1796 and 1797 had reduced the enthusiasm of the French forces, and only small raids on Ireland were made. Tone was captured in Donegal, and in his trial reaffirmed his hostility to England.