Private Philip Sheaff, Patriot, Farmer

Emigrating from Germany, Philip Sheaff acquired a farm in Chester County. He married Anna Maria Tanger Dengerts at age 21. They raised their family of seven children. In 1775, at age 34, he left his family and his 150-acre farm in New Town, Chester County and enlisted in the 6th Pennsylvania Regiment of the Pennsylvania Militia of the Continental Army.

Private Sheaff’s unit saw action in many battles including the Battle of the Brandywine. His unit suffered through the Valley Forge encampment during the winter of 1777. Under the leadership of General “Mad” Anthony Wayne, his unit of Light Infantry stormed the fortifications at Stony Point, NY in a daring night-time bayonet-only raid on July 16th, 1779. The success of the raid lifted colonial spirits and changed the perception of the Continental Army to the belief that the colonies could win the war.

After the war Phillip returned to his family. The Census of 1810 lists him as a farmer in Haverford Township where he owned a farm of 200 acres. He also served on the Vestry of St. David’s and as a Warden.

Churchyard
Ancient Yard
Lot 19
Grave 5

“His soul, we hope, is with his God Angel’s bliss to find; He bravely bore the human rod, This world with ease resign’d.”

Rifleman of Wayne’s Brigade