In the diary, Hopper wrote that at the insistence of the St. Andrew’s Society, Governor Steward remitted half of Alexander Walker’s sentence. The St. Andrew’s Society of the State of New York was founded in 1756 with the mission to provide for the “relief of Natives of Scotland and their descendants who might be in want or distress, and to promote social intercourse among its members.”[1]

The St. Andrew’s society became a national entity with offices in major cities including Philadelphia, Charleston, and Quebec, and continued to provide individuals with funds in times of desperation – including illness, disability, poverty, and family crises. For example, in 1754, Jane Morison wrote a letter (depicted on the right) requesting funds from the Charleston, South Carolina branch of the society in order to assist with finances upon the death of her husband. Morison wrote that while she was able to provide for her children through employment, she required supplemental funds to continue providing for her family.[2] Morison’s circumstances reflect many of the requests that the St. Andrew’s Society received for support. Through programs such as the Almoner’s program and the Scholarship organization, the society provided, and continues to provide, assistance for Scottish descendants like Jane Morison.

The founding members – Phillip Livingston, Lewis Morris, and Rev. John Witherspoon – were all prominent members of their community and were involved in politics, law, medicine, and business.[3] Most notable was the first President, Phillip Livingston. Born in Albany in 1716, Livingston gained considerable wealth and fame for his importing business during the French and Indian War. His wealth and power prompted his involvement in politics, and after a series of lower positions, including the Alderman of the East Ward of New York City, he became the delegate to the First Continental Congress in 1774. Despite his involvement in politics, Livingston remained an active philanthropist committed to benevolence and aiding those in need.[4]

[1] “St. Andrew’s Society of the State of New York.” St. Andrew’s Society of the State of New York. Accessed February 20, 2019 from https://standrewsny.org/

[2] Morison, Jane. Jane Morison’s Petition for the St. Andrew’s Society. 1754. College of Charlston Libraries, St. Andrew’s Socity of Charlston Records, 1729-2001. Accessed February 20, 2019 from http://lcdl.library.cofc.edu/lcdl/catalog/lcdl:114173

[3]  “St. Andrew’s Society …”

[4] MacBean, William Munro. Biographical Register of St. Andrew’s Society of the State of New York.