Fierce American Patriotism. Irish-American Pride.
Since its inception in Philadelphia in 1771, the Society of The Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick has been an active, vibrant organization within the Irish community.
Original members were some of the most active and influential patriots in the country. Among the founders were General Stephen Moylan, aide to George Washington and cavalry commander in the Revolutionary War, and Thomas Fitzsimons, representative of Pennsylvania in the Continental Congress and signatory of the U.S. Constitution, both of whom were born in Ireland. George Washington became an honorary member in 1782.
Others included John Dickinson, Robert Morris, Generals Wayne, Irvine, Butler, Thompson, Hand, Cadwalader, Knox, and Stewart, Commodore Barry “The Father of the American Navy”, and numerous others distinguished in the Army, Navy, Cabinet, and Congress.
“I accept with singular pleasure the Ensign of so worthy a fraternity as that of the Sons of St. Patrick in this city – a society distinguished for the firm adherence of its members to the glorious cause in which we are embarked. Give me leave to assure you, sir, that I shall never cast my eyes upon the badge with which I am honored but with a grateful remembrance of the polite and affectionate manner in which it was presented.”
General George Washington – Adopted Member 1782
More Than 250 Years of Giving & Support
Throughout the first 100 years, the Friendly Sons inspired its members to aid the victims of starvation, eviction and exile from Ireland. This was especially true in the 1840’s when the calamity of the Great Hunger, the starvation due to failure of the potato crop and the evils of an oppressive government afflicted the Irish people. During this period when Ireland’s population was decreased by five million, the Friendly Sons worked with members of the Society of Friends and numerous other groups to relieve the starvation and suffering. As late as 1879, the Friendly Sons’ minutes show continuing concern for starvation conditions in Ireland.
Toward the end of the nineteenth century, the Friendly Sons extended aid to victims of floods and natural disasters. The Johnstown flood of 1889, the San Francisco earthquake, the Russian Jewish Relief Fund and victims of the Spanish-American War all received assistance. And the allegiance to Ireland remained. In 1893, for instance, 308 immigrants from 21 arriving ships received help.
The birth of an independent Irish state was gained through widespread warfare from 1919 to 1921. The Friendly Sons provided $5,000 in 1920 for relief to those suffering due to the hostilities.
As conditions under a free and independent Irish government improved life on the island, emigration decreased. The Friendly Sons encouraged, and still support, greater interest in ties of friendship between America and Ireland.
Such projects as the erection of a statue of Commodore John Barry in front of Independence Hall and the Thomas Fitzsimons monument in Logan Circle in Philadelphia symbolize the contributions of Irish people to the United States.
Spanning four centuries, the Friendly Sons continue a proud tradition as the second oldest incorporated continuously meeting Irish organization in the United States.