John Platt (also found in records as John Plott) was a Pennsylvania Revolutionary War soldier who served as a private in the Continental forces from York County, Pennsylvania. He was born on August 30, 1747, in Lancaster County (in an area later associated with York and Adams Counties) and lived to the remarkable age of 102, dying in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, on February 12, 1850.
According to pension and genealogical records, Plott served in multiple terms during the Revolutionary War. Accounts preserved through family histories indicate that he first served in the northern theater and later participated in military operations in southeastern Pennsylvania. During his later service, he took part in the campaigns associated with the Battles of Brandywine (September 11, 1777) and White Horse Tavern, actions that occurred as British forces advanced toward Philadelphia. His service ended after he suffered an injury from a bayonet wound. Below is a copy of his pension record in which he describes his service in his own words.
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) patriot records identify him as Private John Platt, serving under Captains Doudel, Miller, and Gelwicks, and under the command of Colonel Chambers, with residence in York County, Pennsylvania at the time of service. These records were sufficient to establish his status as a verified Revolutionary War patriot.
After the war, Plott settled in the region that became Cambria County, Pennsylvania, where he spent the remainder of his long life. He is buried in Saint Joseph Cemetery (Harts Sleeping Place) in West Carroll Township. Local historical accounts note that he is recognized as a Revolutionary War veteran buried in that cemetery.