Where History Lives Part 8: JOHN PATTERSON AKA: JOHN PETERSON OR "RIFLE JACK" PETERSON AFRICAN AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR HERO 1746-1850 (AGE 103) 

Buried in Bethel Cemetery (Croton-on-Hudson, Westchester County) lies an African American patriot who risked everything for his country’s Independence. He served three years as a Continental soldier in Colonel Philip Van Cortlandt’s 2nd New York Regiment and fought with them at the battles of Saratoga, Monmouth, and Newtown, and he also survived the terrible winter encampments at Valley Forge and Morristown. He subsequently served as a Nine Month Levee under Colonel Albert Pawling, and as a militiaman under Cols. Drake and Hamman in the 1st Westchester Militia. He distinguished himself locally in vicious skirmishes at Purchase and Croton Point. 
Sometime during his militia service he was captured, imprisoned in New York, and somehow managed to escape. After the war he labored and raised a large family on a piece of property in the Town of Cortlandt. He lived to be 103 years old. Military records and historical documents also refer to him under the name Peterson. His descendants continue to reside in the area.

Learn More:
In 1845, Judge John MacDonald interviewed John Patterson. You can read his handwritten notes of the interview here: (See PDF) 

Note: history and additional information provided by: Edmund Riely and Rosemarie Schmidt.