Stephen Moylan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Stephen Moylan
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From Volume 3 of 1962's Quartermaster Support of the Army: A History of the Corps, 1775-1939
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| Born | 1737 Cork, Ireland |
| Died | April 11, 1811 (aged 73–74) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service | Continental Army |
| Years of service | 1775–1783 |
| Rank | Brigadier General (Brevet) |
| Commands held | Muster Master General of the Continental Army 4th Continental Light Dragoons Quartermaster General of the Continental Army Continental Army Cavalry |
| Wars | American Revolution |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Ricketts Van Horne |
Stephen Moylan (born 1737 – died 1811) was an important leader during the American Revolutionary War. Born in Ireland, he became an American patriot. He held several key jobs in the Continental Army, which was America's army during the war.
Moylan was a Muster-Master General, helping to check soldiers. He was also a secretary and helper to General George Washington. Later, he became the Quartermaster General, in charge of supplies. He also led the Fourth Continental Light Dragoons and the entire Continental Army Cavalry. In January 1776, Stephen Moylan wrote a letter using the words "United States of America." This is the earliest known time that phrase was used!
Contents
Early Life and Family
Stephen Moylan was born in 1737 in Cork, Ireland. His family was Catholic and his father, John Moylan, was a successful merchant. Stephen's older brother, Francis, later became a Bishop in Cork.
Stephen went to school in Paris, France. After that, he worked for his family's shipping business in Lisbon, Portugal, for three years. In 1768, he moved to Philadelphia to start his own business. He also helped create the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, a group for Irish-Americans, and was its first president.
Serving in the American Revolution
Moylan joined the American Continental Army in 1775. He was quickly made Muster-Master General, which meant he helped organize and check the soldiers. His brother, John, also helped the war effort by managing clothing supplies for the army.
Because Stephen Moylan had experience in shipping, he was very good at helping to prepare the first ships for the Continental Navy. In March 1776, he became a secretary to General George Washington. He was then put in charge of all army supplies as the Quartermaster General in June 1776. He left this job a few months later but continued to help General Washington as a volunteer.
Leading Moylan's Horse
In January 1777, Stephen Moylan formed his own group of soldiers called the 4th Continental Light Dragoons. They were also known as Moylan's Horse. This group was famous for wearing captured British red coats!
Moylan's Horse fought in several important battles:
- The Battle of Brandywine in September 1777.
- The Battle of Germantown in October 1777.
- They helped defend the army's camp at Valley Forge in late 1777.
In March 1778, Colonel Moylan took over as the leader of all the cavalry (soldiers on horseback). His Dragoons also fought in the Battle of Monmouth in June 1778.
Later Campaigns
In 1779, Moylan and his Dragoons were stationed in Pound Ridge, New York. They saw action when the British attacked Norwalk, Connecticut. They also fought in the Battle of Springfield in New Jersey in June 1780.
Colonel Moylan led his Dragoons at the Siege of Yorktown in October 1781. This was a very important battle that helped end the war. After Yorktown, Moylan's health was not good. He returned to Philadelphia and worked hard to make sure the army's cavalry regiments had enough soldiers and supplies. For his great service, he was promoted to brigadier general in November 1783.
Personal Life
Stephen Moylan married Mary Ricketts Van Horne in September 1778. They had two daughters, Elizabeth Catherine and Maria. Sadly, their two sons died when they were children. Stephen Moylan passed away on April 11, 1811, in Philadelphia. He is buried there at St. Mary's Churchyard.
See also
- Van Horne House, Moylan's father-in-law
