America 250: Revolutionary War Veterans Blog

Many soldiers of the Revolution left their hometowns after the war for new areas to lay down roots. Some of these soldiers eventually found their way to Ohio, often bringing their families with them to settle in the (at the time) new state. This year, we’ll take a look at the soldiers who settled in Seneca County and learn more about them. 

This August, let’s learn about William Harris. He was likely born October 10, 1762 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to Samuel Harris and Elizabeth “Betsey” Bonner. William’s home city was actually founded by his uncle, John Jr., and later became the state’s capital in 1812. At some point after his birth, the Harris family moved to the town of Sunbury, in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. Samuel notably served in the French and Indian War, and when war broke out once more in 1776, he was made a captain of the cavalry in Pennsylvania. A young William ended up following his father into the military.

Many soldiers of the Revolution left their hometowns after the war for new areas to lay down roots. Some of these soldiers eventually found their way to Ohio, often bringing their families with them to settle in the (at the time) new state. This year, we’ll take a look at the soldiers who settled in Seneca County and learn more about them. 

This July, we’re looking at Daniel Groscoat/Groscost/Groscoast. Born in November of 1758, we don’t know much about Daniel’s early life. He grew up in York County, Pennsylvania, and sadly we don’t know who his parents were. From his pension though, we can learn he had a brother named Alexander, and a potential family member named John Groscost.

At the age of 20 in 1778, Daniel was drafted into the military whilst still living in York County. He was called in to serve for two months in Captain Jennewein’s company of the local militia as a Private. He helped guard the County from British plundering, as at that time the British army was posted in Philadelphia.

Many soldiers of the Revolution left their hometowns after the war for new areas to lay down roots. Some of these soldiers eventually found their way to Ohio, often bringing their families with them to settle in the (at the time) new state. This year, we’ll take a look at the soldiers who settled in Seneca County and learn more about them.

For June, let’s learn about Robert Carson. Born on May 7, 1762 in Sherman’s Valley, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. The area is now a part of Perry County, named after Commodore Perry in 1820. His father was David Carson, and his mother’s name is unknown. Years before Robert’s birth, Sherman’s Valley saw violence from altercations with Indigenous peoples in 1755 and 1756. Attacks again happened in the summer of 1763, causing many settlers to flee the valley. One can only imagine what it may have been like for young Robert to grow up surrounded by such uncertainty.

Many soldiers of the Revolution left their hometowns after the war for new areas to lay down roots. Some of these soldiers eventually found their way to Ohio, often bringing their families with them to settle in the (at the time) new state. This year, we’ll take a look at the soldiers who settled in Seneca County and learn more about them.

This May, we’ll be learning about Francis Ditto/Franz Dido. His surname can also be spelled several more ways, including ‘Dittoe’ in records. Many of the records for Francis’ early life have sadly been lost to time and cirucmstance, so we have pulled family lore, histories, and sibling records to try and piece together some of this veteran’s history.

Born 1758 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (some time in September according to popular belief), Francis was orphaned at a young age. It is believed that his father was Joseph DeToe, a man who immigrated to Pennsylvania from Strassbourg, located in the Alsace region of what is now France. Francis’ mother, Barbara, appears to have died 1772, leaving him and his 7 siblings to be raised by guardians.

Many soldiers of the Revolution left their hometowns after the war for new areas to lay down roots. Some of these soldiers eventually found their way to Ohio, often bringing their families with them to settle in the (at the time) new state. This year, we’ll take a look at the soldiers who settled in Seneca County and learn more about them.

For April, we’re focusing on Frederick Shawhan/Shawn. Let’s see how Frederick went from being a shoeless soldier, to the father of Tiffin’s first millionaire.

Many soldiers of the Revolution left their hometowns after the war for new areas to lay down roots. Some of these soldiers eventually found their way to Ohio, often bringing their families with them to settle in the (at the time) new state. This year, we’ll take a look at the soldiers who settled in Seneca County and learn more about them.

PVT. GEORGE VALENTINE/VALLENTINE

This February, let’s look at George Valentine/Vallentine. Most likely born on January 2, 1758 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, George was the son of Heinrich (Henry) and Anna Maria Valentine. Heinrich was an immigrant from what is now Germany, and came to this country on September 23, 1752 aboard the Ann Galley.

George grew up in the community of Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania, one of seven or eight children in his family. He attended church at the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran in New Holland, and was according to records confirmed on April 17, 1774 at the age of 16.

When war broke out, and colonists were called to arms, George was drafted into service. He ended up re-enlisting multiple times after his first service was over, all of which are listed below:

It’s 2026, and that means we’re only months away from the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding this July! To celebrate, you’re sure to see many programs and events around the community, including some of our own here at the library. As we get ready for all Seneca County has to offer for this special anniversary, let’s take a look into some of our county’s connections to the American Revolution.