William Orr (United Irishman)

William Orr (1766 – October 14, 1797) was a Presbyterian farmer and United Irishman, notable for his controversial conviction and execution for administering an unlawful oath to a soldier, a crime under the Insurrection Act. His death became a significant rallying cry for the United Irishmen and contributed to the escalating tensions leading to the 1798 Rebellion.

Orr was born in Ferranshane, County Antrim. He joined the United Irishmen movement, a society initially advocating for parliamentary reform and Catholic emancipation but which later embraced republicanism and independence from British rule. In 1797, Orr was arrested based on the testimony of two soldiers, John Wheatley and Hugh Warwick, who claimed he had administered an oath binding them to the United Irishmen.

The trial was highly controversial. The prosecution relied heavily on the testimony of Wheatley and Warwick, whose credibility was later questioned. Several jurors initially voted for acquittal, but after considerable pressure and alleged intimidation, they ultimately returned a guilty verdict.

Orr was hanged in Carrickfergus on October 14, 1797. Before his execution, he declared his innocence and forgave those who had wronged him. His last words, "I die a United Irishman," became a powerful slogan for the movement.

The circumstances surrounding Orr's trial and execution fueled widespread anger and resentment towards the British authorities and contributed significantly to the growing support for the United Irishmen. Many believed Orr was a martyr, unjustly condemned for his political beliefs. His case highlighted the perceived injustices of the legal system under British rule in Ireland and played a key role in galvanizing support for the 1798 Rebellion. His memory continues to be commemorated in Irish republican circles.