John Philip de Haas, born in Holland about 1735, belonged to an ancient
family of northern France. In 1750, he removed with his father to the
United States, settling in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He served
as ensign during the French and Indian War, taking part in Bouquet’s
battle with the Indians at Bushy Run near Pittsburg, August 5 and 6,
1763. In 1776, he was appointed colonel of the First Pennsylvania
Regiment, and assisted in the Canada campaign and at Ticonderoga. After
the battle of Long Island, he was promoted to be brigadier-general on
the 21st of February, 1777, and served in that rank to the close of the
war. The remainder of his life was spent in Philadelphia, where he died
on the 3d of June, 1795.