Received this information back from Ted re my query regarding Thomas J. CLARKE. Thomas James Clarke On March 11, 1857, Irish revolutionary Thomas James Clarke was born of Irish parents on the Isle of Wight. He spent part of his early life in South Africa and the United States, as well as Ireland. At 21, living in the U.S., he joined the Clan na Gael and was sent to England as part of the Clan's bombing campaign. He was arrested and spent 15 torturous years in prison there before being released. He lived in the U.S. for a time, then returned to Ireland and helped reorganize the IRB. He was one of the leaders of the Easter Rising and the first signer of the Proclamation of the Republic. He was executed at Kilmainham Jail on May 3, 1916. 'This is the beginning, our fight has saved Ireland. The soldiers of tomorrow will finish the task.' -- Thomas Clarke, May 1916