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.
photo used with permission of David Harrity, 225275, George Washington Chapter, VASSAR
Directions to Cemetery / Gravesite:
Photo: 1 of 1
Author: Harold F Miller II
John Harris (1753-1838) P-175884 Captain, Pennsylvania Colonel, Pennsylvania
John Harris was born April 01, 1753 to Thomas Harris and Elizabeth Bailey. The family property at Willistown, Pennsylvania became his to manage when he turned 18 and his father bought another farm in East Whiteland. He would live on the Willistown farm his whole life. Sometime around 1776 John met and wed Mary Bowen. She was born November 23, 1756 to Thomas Bowen and Esther Jones.
During the Revolutionary War, John enlisted to support the patriot cause. Records show that by 1777 he was a Lieutenant and by 1780 a Captain. His duties during the war included collecting fines for neglect of military duty and possibly acting as an army paymaster. During Washington's encampment at Valley Forge, the Harris farm is said to have provided “much provision from his farm”. John is also said to have accompanied General Washington at the Battle of Germantown.
After the war's end, John Harris returned to his farm and his family. There he became prosperous and respected; serving as an Elder of the Great Valley Presbyterian Church along with his brother William and nephews William and Stephen. John had also maintained his involvement with the military by serving as a Lieutenant Colonel in command of the regiment of Chester County militia. In 1794, his regiment was called into service by President Washington to help quell the “Whiskey Rebellion”. On September 19, 1794 the regiment assembled and moved quickly to the troubled area of western Pennsylvania. The appearance of well-disciplined and well led troops combined with the reputation of General Washington led to a peaceful conclusion before winter was fully upon them. On December 23, 1794 Brigadier-General Thomas Proctor wrote to Lieutenant-Colonel Harris directing him to compliment his troops on their good conduct.
Again John Harris returned home to his farm. Though he qualified for a pension, John refused it. It was the custom of persons who could care for themselves to refuse help and John said “that he did not need it”. His wife Mary died on September 18, 1822 and was buried in the cemetery at the Great Valley Presbyterian Church. John died on his farm on December 25, 1838 and was laid to rest beside his wife. Their headstones remain today and are inscribed with poetic epitaphs describing their lives.
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