Edmund O'Flaherty (1821– New York, 27 December 1886), also known as William Stuart, was an Irish MP who hurriedly emigrated to the United States in 1854.
O'Flaherty's ability was recognised by the Duke, who employed him as an emissary to Ireland and gave him a Commissionership of Income Tax in Galway.
To earn a living he began by writing for the papers, made some money, and formed a partnership with the actor Dion Boucicault, another expatriate Irishman.
[3] He was still heavily involved in recruiting American help for a free Ireland, as a letter dated October 5, 1861 from New York to John O'Mahony, later founder of the Fenian Brotherhood makes clear: Edwin Booth joined Stuart as co-lessee in the management of the Winter Garden On 21 February 1863.
Stuart at the time of the discovery was in his sleeping apartment in the theatre, only partially dressed, and was compelled to leave his watch and pocket-book on the table when he made his hurried exit.
[13] Edwin Booth, who had been with Stuart at the Winter Garden, was fairly scathing about the whole enterprise: Love's Penance closed on May 6, 1874, and shortly after Fechter withdrew from the management and retired.
Englishmen of great position, on their return from America, told how they had been entertained by the pleasantest and wittiest of Irishmen, Captain Stuart.