Stephen G. Moylan
Brigadier General, Continental Army

Stephen G. Moylan was born in 1734, of wealthy parents, in Cork, Ireland. He was sent to school in Paris, where he received a good education.

He engaged in the shipping business, first in Lisbon and then in Philadelphia, where he moved in 1768. He gained considerable wealth and social prestige before the outbreak of the war.

Although he had only lived in the American colonies for seven years, he became a vocal advocate of independence and established a reputation for loyalty to the American cause. John Dickinson recommended him to George Washington as a patriot. Moylan joined the Army at Cambridge and General Washington appointed him Muster-Master General in August 1775.

In March 1776, he was named Secretary to General Washington. Three months later, on 7 June, Congress appointed him Quartermaster General to succeed Thomas Mifflin. Later that year, upon orders from Washington, he organized and took command of a regiment of dragoons, which became a part of the American cavalry commanded by General Pulaski. Moylan fell out with Pulaski resulting in a court martial where he was acquitted.

When Pulaski resigned his command of the cavalry, Moylan succeeded him and retained the post for three and a half years. His military career ended after the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, when ill health forced him to return to his home in Philadelphia. After the war, President Washington appointed him Commissioner of Loans in Philadelphia; a position he occupied until his death at the age of 74.

Death and Burial

Brigadier General Stephen G. Moylan died on 11 April 1811 in Philadelphia, PA. He is buried at Saint Mary's Catholic Churchyard in Philadelphia, PA