John DeHart - Revolutionary War History Note

John DeHART


Excerpt from HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA, written about 1910

RE: John DeHART, b. 1764, d. 1868 in Exeter Twp, Berks Co. PA

He reported that the centenarian delighted in relating his Revolutionary War experience and his acquaintance with the great George Washington. When John was 14, he entered the army. He learned of his father, a soldier of the Revolution, known as "Captain DeHart" being at Valley Forge and came to see him there. His father asked the boy about Philadelphia and the lad unknowingly gave information, which proved, of great value to Washington. On being taken before Washington, the latter patted him upon the back, and said he should get more information. The youth made several trips between Philadelphia and Valley Forge. On one of these trips he was captured and imprisoned with five others. They were all to be shot on the day General Howe in haste left Philadelphia, overlooking them. Howe's hasty leave from the city saved their lives. The boy followed Washington into new Jersey and was lost in the woods for two weeks.


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Last updated: Tuesday, 02-Sep-2003 12:30:34 MDT