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Note: 13 children Before the Revolutionary War, John and Susanna were living at Croton Bay, on the Hudson River, in what was then known as Philpsburg. When it appeared that hostilities might commence, a militia regiment was formed in that area to protect the inhabitants from aggression by the Patriots. In 1775, John was serving as Second Lieutenant, Upper Company, South Battalion of Philipsburg. In 1776, this unit was routed when General George Washington's army came into the area and they were so out-numbered that the men had to flee. John then made his way to New York City, where he joined the British forces. He served first on the British frigate Tartar, a sailing ship with one deck. He was sent ashore on assignment, was captured by the rebels and confined for six weeks before he escaped. He then made his way to Valentine's Hill, where he joined Col. Edmund Fanning, commander of the King's American Regiment, in which he served for three years. In 1779, he re-enlisted under Col. Beverly Robinson, whose wife was Susanna, daughter of Frederick Philpse, who was in command of the Loyal American Regiment, with whom he served until the Regiment was evacuated to Saint John, N.B., in September, 1783. Later, he served with the Loyal Artillery in Saint John, N.B. All of his property in Westchester Co., N.Y., was confiscated by the rebels. John had some experience in ship building at Croton, N.Y., and since ships and boats of all kinds were in great demand in New Brunswick at a time when everything was transported by water, it was natural that he would establish himself and his sons in that industry. His family was much more inclined to the maritime way of life than to farming, which his brothers followed. His descendants included master mariners, boat builders, merchant traders, lumber merchants, commercial fishermen, and the like. About 1801, John and Susanna retired to Woodman's point, in the Parish of Westfield. Their residence was near where his friend, Col. James Brittain, lived. The two families had become closely related when two of John and Susanna's sons married two of Col. Brittain's daughters, and one of the Belyea daughters married one of the Brittain sons
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