“Jasper Alexander Moylan Esq.
Born 1757 Cork, Ireland
Died Feb.11, 1812, Philadelphia, Pa.
Jasper Moylan was among the most prominent attorneys in 18th century America.
He arrived in Philadelphia late in 1777, having been educated in both Spain and Paris, France at St. Sulpice and St. Omer Seminaries where he had for several years studied for the priesthood. After arriving in Philadelphia he joined the Philadelphia First Troop militia unit, founded the Hibernian Society for the Relief of Emigrants in 1790, served as director and co-founder of The Law Library of Philadelphia, housed in Independence Hall and was instrumental in implementing the first Library System in the state of Pennsylvania. His letters exchanged with Thomas Jefferson are often cited as being the impetus behind the founding of the United States Supreme Court. He was also one of the original founders of The Insurance Company of North America in 1792, now known as Cigna Insurance. He was an esteemed member of the Gloucester Fox Hunt Club, The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, The Society of the Cincinnati, and was Captain of the now famous Philadelphia Dance Assemblies.
A philanthropist and a dedicated bibliophile he, at the time of his death, had amassed what was considered the greatest private library in the New World.

Jasper Moylan was held in high estimation for his wit and social qualities. He and his two brothers Stephen and John were known as the “three polite Irishmen”.

Jasper Moylan was twice married, first to Eleanor Barry (sister of Commodore John Barry, father of the United States Navy). Eleanor gave birth to *Jasper Moylan II in 1786. She died in Philadelphia of yellow fever in 1787. In 1788, Jasper her widower, married Isabella Hoops Finney Mease (widow of Clothier General John Mease). In 1790 they had one daughter, Anna Maria Moylan, who later married the famous scholar, journalist and diplomat Robert Walsh.”278