Speaking of this observance, the _Independent Journal_, March 18, and the New York _Packet_, March 20, 1786, inform their readers that “The anniversary of St. Patrick, patron of the Irish nation, was on Friday celebrated with great festivity by our worthy friends of that kingdom: A very elegant entertainment was provided at Mr. Bradford’s Coffee-House, at which were present His Excellency the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Chancellor, Chief Justice, Judge Hobart, the Mayor, Recorder, and many other persons of distinction.—The day and evening passed with that convivial spirit which ever distinguished the true Milesian.” In 1788, the Friendly Sons, it is stated, dined at the Merchants’ Coffee House, at the southeast corner of Wall and Water streets. The New York _Journal & Patriotic Register_, March 18, that year notes two celebrations, the first of which is believed to refer to the Friendly Sons. The _Register’s_ mention thus reads: ST. PATRICK. Yesterday, being the anniversary of the Tutelar Saint of Ireland, a number of gentlemen of that nation, assembled at the Merchants’ Coffee House, in this city, where they partook of an elegant entertainment, drank a number of toasts, and “liberally good cheer did bestow.” A company also met at Corre’s. The New York _Packet_ speaking of the observance in 1788, states that a large company assembled “at the Coffee house” but does not mention “Merchants’.” The reference appears in the _Packet_ of March 18, that year, and states that “Yesterday being the anniversary of St. Patrick, the Tutelar Saint of Ireland, a large company of gentlemen, natives of that country, assembled at the Coffee-House; where a genteel entertainment was provided, and which was well conducted. True festive mirth and hilarity were displayed at this convivial board.” WILLIAM PRENDERGAST, A PIONEER OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N. Y. BY MISS HELEN PRENDERGAST.[9] About one mile back of the west shore of Lake Chautauqua, N. Y., and almost directly behind the present Chautauqua Assembly ground, lies a farm now occupied by Chauncey Moses. This farm was formerly the home of William Prendergast, one of the pioneers of Chautauqua County. To the rear of the house, and on a hill, is an old family graveyard where are buried the pioneer, his wife and many of their children and other descendants. The pioneer’s tombstone bears an inscription stating that he was born in Kilkenny County, Ireland, Feb. 2, 1727, that he was a son of Thomas and Mary Prendergast, and that he died Feb. 14, 1811. His wife, Mehitable (Wing) Prendergast, is buried beside him. The inscription on her tombstone states that she was the daughter of Jedediah and Elizabeth Wing of Beeker, Dutchess County, N. Y., that she was born March 20, 1737, and died Sept. 14, 1811.