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Commodore John Barry born in County Wexford, Ireland
We've indicated his date of birth at January 1. But we really don't know the day. He was born in Ballysampson on Our Lady's Island, a part of Tacumshin Parish in County Wexford. -
The Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick is formed in Philadelphia
Many of the leading lights of the Revolution belonged, 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." -
John Barry's first wife, Mary Cleary, dies.
They were wed at Old St. Joseph's in October, 1767. -
Commodore John Barry dies
A longtime asthmatic condition claimed his life at the age of 58. It had been a great life ... but hard. "Saucy Jack," was buried with full military honors in Old St. Mary's Cemetery. -
Kensington Protestant meeting results in riots and the burning of two Catholic churches
St. Augustine's at 4th and Vine and St. Michael's at 2nd and Jefferson were destroyed following the meeting of Philadelphia Nativisits. Catholic homes were wrecked and 16 people died. -
The 69th Pennsylvania Infantry is formed
The unit was recruited from Philadelphia Irish militia companies of the 2nd Regiment, Pennsylvania Militia. It went by several names, starting with the 2nd California, finally ending up as the 69th Pennsylvania. It fought with great distinctions, notably the Battle of Gettysburg. It was the only Pennsylvania regiment to carry the green Irish flag into battle. The photo shows re-enactors at a ceremony in 2008 at the gravesite of irish nationalist Joseph McGarrity. -
Joseph McGarrity, prominent Irish nationalist, is born
Born in Carrickmore, County Tyrone, McGarrity leaves Ireland for the United States, settling in Philadelphia, at age 16. In 1893, he joined Clan-na-Gael. He was naturalized in 1897. -
John Brendan Kelly, Sr., is born
John B. Kelly would go on to become a triple gold medal-winning Olympic rower, prominent Philly politico and a self-made millionaire. -
Padraig Pearse meets with Philadelphia Irish nationalist Joseph McGarrity
Padraig Pearse travels to the United States. He meets with Joseph McGarrity and receives a pledge of support for the Irish Volunteers. McGarrity also keeps Pearse's St. Enda's School open with a $100 contribution. Back home in Ireland, Pearse later writes to McGarrity: "I shall always think of you as the personification of generosity and of Philadelphia as its home." -
Roger Casement appeals to a meeting of the Clan na Gael to support the liberation of Ireland
The Irish firebrand spoke at a meeting of the Forrest Theater. -
"The Friends of Irish Freedom" sponsor "Irish Race Convention"
The Philadelphia convention demanded Irish independence from Britain and established an Irish Victory Fund. -
Philadelphia Irish nationalist Joe McGarrity purchases Tommy guns for the cause
IRA organizer Michael Collins requests 500 Thompson submachine guns. McGarrity receives the memo and arranges to purchase 500 of the guns, along with ammunition. Most of the guns are confiscated by U.S. agents in Hoboken. A few years later, the government returned the guns to Clan na Gael after payment of a fine. (McGarrity arranges to have the guns shipped to the IRA in the 1930s.) -
John Brenden Kelly, Jr., is born
He was the son of triple Olympic gold medal-winner and self-made millionaire John B. Kelly Sr. He would go on to compete in the Olympics himself, winning a bronze in 1956. He became a leading figure in the Olympic movement, an ardent advocate for athletes, and a member of Philadelphia City Council. Kelly Drive is named after him. -
Grace Kelly is born
To John Brendan Kelly, Sr., and Margaret Katherine Majer Kelly. She would go on to become one of Hollywood's most glamorous actresses and princess of Monaco. -
William J. Green III is born
He is the son of Congressman William J. Green Jr. He will go on to succeed his father in Congress and become mayor of Philadelphia. -
Irish nationalist Joseph McGarrity is indicted
McGarrity is indicted by a federal grand jury in New York on a charge that he illegally used U.S. mails "in furtherance of the Irish Hospital Sweepstakes," according to an FBI report. He was never brought to trial, the report notes, as the postal inspector was unable to identify him. -
Irish nationalist Joseph McGarrity dies
McGarrity dies at his home, 4909 Wynnefield Ave. in Philadelphia. He is buried in Holy Cross Cemetery in Yeadon. (The photo shows his daughters and other relatives and friends.) -
Philadelphia's St. Patrick's Day Observance Association founded
This is regarded as the beginning of the modern-day St. Patrick's Day parade in Philadelphia. -
John B. Kelly, Sr., dies
A triple gold medal-winning oarsman, self-made millionaire, powerful politician and father of Jack and Grace Kelly ... a wonderful life. He is buried in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. -
william J. Green inaugurated as mayor of Philadelphia
He served to January 2, 1984. -
Grace Kelly, princess of Monaco, dies
She died following a traffic accident on a mountain road while en route from her country home to Monaco from their country home. Princess Grace reportedly suffered a stroke. She died the next day. -
John Brenden Kelly, Jr., dies
The Olympic medalist, member of City Council and leader of the Olympic movement died while jogging to The Athletic Club. -
John Barry marries Sarah Keen Austin
"Sally" Austin was Barry's second wife. They were married at Old Christ Church, an Episcopal church. In time, Sally converted to Barry's native Roman Catholicism.
