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.
State of Service: PA
Qualifying Service: Patriotic Service / Private
Upright stone that appears to be conteporary with the death of the Patriot. Unidentified bronze stake marker
Directions to Cemetery / Gravesite:
Located on the east side of Ligonier St. at Fort Palmer Rd. Visible from the road
Author: Mark Andrew Davis
John Craven was born on 11 September 1760 in Warminster Township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, the son of Peter and Mary Craven.
During the American Revolution, he enlisted in May 1777 for a three-year term as a Private in the Company of Captain Benjamin Bartholomew in the 5th Regiment of the Pennsylvania Militia commanded by Colonel Francis Johnston. During his service, he was engaged in the battles of Brandywine and Germantown. At Germantown, he was captured and held as a prisoner for six months. After being released by the British, he rejoined his Regiment.
He first married Mary/Polly Adams on 6 April 1784 at The Presbyterian Church of The Upper West Conogogheaue in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. Their known children were: Martha, born 8 March 1789 (wife of Isaiah Davis).
He married a second time in 1790 to Mary Vanderford McCoy (it’s believed she died about 1803). Their known children: Shepherd, born in November 1800; Jane, born about 1801 (wife of Samuel Briggs).
His third wife was Jean Irwin, whom he married about 1803. The known children of John and Jean were: Rebecca, born 1808 (wife of Luke Harris); Peter, born 6 June 1810.
There are likely other children. The 1810 census for Westmoreland County lists implied children: two boys under ten years of age, one between sixteen and twenty-five. There were also three girls under ten years, two between sixteen and twenty-five, a total of seven children.
He died on 29 January 1840 at Fairfield Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and was buried at Fort Palmer Cemetery. There is a will on file at Westmoreland County that should be reviewed to see a list of heirs.
Sources:
Revolutionary War Pension #S22701
Find-a-Grave memorial.
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania Will Book 3, page 12, #1339.
Southampton Baptisms, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, page 393.
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