Female Heroes of the American Revolution: Jane McCrea

Jane McCrea's life story starts out somewhere around the year 1752 in New Jersey. Her father was the Reverend James McCrea, and her mother was Katherine Rosbrugh. Jane was one of ten children, and they lived with their parents in Somerset County, New Jersey. Reverend McCrea was an Ulster Scot who was born in what is now Northern Ireland. Mrs. McCrea was the daughter of a reverend also. Her father, Robert Rosebrugh, was also an Ulster Scot.

Jane's family of brothers were divided between the American Army and the British Army during the Revolutionary War. Her brother John was a Colonel in the American Army. Her brother Samuel was a soldier in the same army, and brother Stephen was a surgeon on the American side.

However, Creighton McCrea, another brother, served as a Captain in the 75th Highlanders, Queens Rangers. And her brother Robert, pledge allegiance to the British. He was a Captain in the Queens Rangers, and a Major in the 5th Royal Vet. Battalion.

Since her family's allegiance to the war was split, it was no wonder that Jane would later fall in love with a British officer.

As time progressed, Jane blossomed into a tall, captivating young woman who wore a main of long, blonde hair. At the age of 26, Jane was engaged to be married to her sweetheart. His name was Lt. David Jones, and he was a loyalist in General Burgoyne's army. Jane was living with her brother John on his farm at Fort Edward in New York. By living with her older brother, she could stay in closer contact with Jones.

In mid 1777, there came distressing news that General John Burgoyne's troops were barreling down on Fort Edward, as well as on Fort Ticonderoga. Being that her fiancee was fighting for the British, Jane felt fairly safe, so she didn't leave her home. Most of the colonists left their homes quickly, seeking safety in the south. But not Jane. She stayed in Fort Edward to wait on her fiancee, Lt. Jones. There is a historical account that she had received a letter from Jones saying he wanted to see her when he arrived. Another account has it that the two sweethearts were to be joined in wedlock on that same day.