About

The origin of the “Friendly Sons” can be traced to the founding of The Society of The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick for the Relief of Emigrants from Ireland founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day), 1771 and operating today as The Friendly Sons and Daughters of St. Patrick.

Among the founders of the original Society were General Stephen Moylan, aide to George Washington and cavalry commander in the Revolutionary War, and Thomas Fitzsimons, representative of Pennsylvania to 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.

Originally founded as a charitable organization with the intent of aiding migrants from Ireland, the organization has since developed a focus on encouraging “greater interest in ties of friendship between America and Ireland,” in addition to sponsoring scholarships, cultural events, charity activities, and educational endowments.

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 influential patriots of the country, including John Dickinson, Robert Morris, Thomas Fitzsimons, Generals Wayne, Irvine, Butler, Thompson, Hand, Cadwalader, Moylan, Knox, and Stewart, Commodore Barry and numerous others, distinguished in the Army, Navy, Cabinet, and Congress.

Throughout the first 100 years of the Friendly Sons existence, 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 the 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 Society’s members worked with members of the Society of Friends and numerous other groups to relieve the suffering resulting from starvation. As late as 1879, the Society’s minutes show continuing concern for the conditions in Ireland.

The birth of an independent Irish state was attended with widespread warfare, and in 1920, the Society provided $5,000 for relief of those who suffered due to 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.

Branches of The Friendly Sons as separately incorporated entities are active in the following communities of Pennsylvania: Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Lackawanna County, Greater Pittston, Wilkes Barre. Branches exist throughout other major cities throughout the United States.