The following information was assembled from numerous sources and cannot be used directly as proof of Qualifying Service or Lineage.
It is considered a research aid and is intended to assist in locating sources that can be used as proof.
Record showed cemetery as "Valley Forge National Historic Park"
Directions to Cemetery / Gravesite:
Cemetery 40.10062000,-75.42060900
Author: Peter Baron
Significance: Sergeant, 5th Virginia Continental Line, Died at Valley Forge
John Cralle was born 8 September 1724 to Thomas Cralle and Hannah Kenner. John’s family had lived in the Northern Neck of Virginia for almost 100 years. His father had served as Justice of the Peace in Northumberland County, Overseer of highways in Cherry Point Neck, and Collector of Tithables in Upper St. Stephens Parish. His mother’s family had 3 State Burgesses in the previous 2 generations. He was landed and prosperous. John had served as High Sheriff of Northumberland County and had been a Justice. He was a Captain in the Northumberland County Militia. In 1775, the Virginia General Assembly voted to increase the size of the Army. The Fifth Virginia Regiment of Foot was authorized 28 December 1775. On 27 February 1776 the Fifth Virginia was assigned to the Southern Department. And finally, on 28 February 1776 the Fifth was organized from volunteers at Richmond County Courthouse. John volunteered to serve Virginia at the age of 51. He knew it meant leaving all he had. He knew it meant treason. John was made Sergeant of Captain Thomas Gaskins’ 4th Company, under Lieutenant Colonel Josiah Parker and General William Peachy. He received $8 a month pay. The Fifth’s movements from 3 March to 10 July 1776 are documented in Captain George Stubblefield’s Orderly Book. The Fifth was charged with protection of the Rappahannock and Potomac rivers. The Orderly Book speaks of drill, parades, and discipline. Headquarters shifts across the Neck from Williamsburg to Richmond County Courthouse to Sabine Hall to Suffolk to Kemp’s Landing and finally to Norfolk. This period is known as the Chesapeake Campaign and ends 31 August 1776. On 3 September 1776 the Fifth is reassigned to Stephen’s Brigade, Washington’s Main Army and moves north. It is in New Jersey in time to participate in the Northern New Jersey Campaign 20 November 1776 to 26 June 1777. This includes Washington’s crossing of the Delaware and the 26 December 1776 attack on Trenton. The Fifth’s responsibility was advance guard and control of the shoreline during the crossing at McConkey’s Ferry. The Fifth then continued into Trenton and was involved in the street fighting with the Hessians. The Fifth was present at the battle of Princeton on 3 January 1777. On 22 May 1777, the Fifth was assigned to the 1st Virginia Brigade under General John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg's 1st Virginia Brigade, Lord Stirling’s 5th Division. Muhlenberg’s Orderly Book documents the 1st Virginia Brigade’s activities from 26 March 1777 to 20 December of 1777. The Defense of Philadelphia was the main concern of the Army from 25 August to 19 December 1777. During this period the Army maneuvered as the British sought to cut off the American Capitol. The Fifth fought at Brandywine on 11 September 1777 and at Germantown on 4 October 1777. At Germantown Muhlenberg’s Brigade was involved in a bayonet charge that penetrated the British lines and pushed them back 1000 yards. The Fifth went into Winter Camp having ended the 1777 Campaign with the loss of Philadelphia. Valley Forge presented a harsh reality so far from home. John’s death is recorded 1 February 1778. It is unknown where he died. The sick were removed from camp to protect the healthy. John’s resting place is in the Pennsylvania countryside, at the home of a Patriot willing to take in a sick soldier.
Lineage: John is Hilda's 4th Great Grandfather Hilda Dameron-Louise Bryant-Laura Alice Sisson-Eliza Jane Cralle-Darius Cralle-Samuel Cralle-John Cralle
Societies and Proof: Proven to the Sons of the American Revolution, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Sons of the Revolution, & the Descendants of Washington's Army at Valley Forge. Service Records and Company Muster & Pay rolls at National Archives Estate Administered in Northumberland County OB 1773-1783 pg. 338 Bulletin of the Northumberland County Historical Society Vol. 2 (1965) Captain George Stubblefield's Orderly Book, 5th Virginia Regiment General Muhlenberg's 1st Virginia Brigade Orderly Book
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