and proper here to add, that though not rich, he had always been industrious and frugal, -- living by his labor upon his paternal home as an agriculturist, and departed this life at an advanced age, lamented, loved and honored of all who ever knew him.
Dossing says in his Field Book of the Revolution :
While strolling among the ancient graves in Sleepy Hollow churchyard I was joined by an elderly gentleman, the son of John Dean of the Revolution. He pointed out a brown freestone at the head of his father's grave, on which is the following inscription :
"In memory of John Dean, born September 15th, A. D., 1755, and died April 4, A. D., 1817, aged 61 years, 6 months and 20 days."
"A tender father, a friend sincere,
A tender husband slumbers here ;
Then let us hope his soul is given A blest and sure reward in heaven."
He died in the Dean house on the corner of Broadway and Main Street, Tarrytown, which he had purchased from Capt. Geo. Combs.
His traits of character appear to have been sharply marked. Throughout his life, he was an earnest and ardent whig ; but a man of too few words ever to have won a place in early politics. His war reminiscences, it is curious to note, were rarely related except to his immediate family circle.
STATEMENT BY LIEUT. SAMUEL YOUNGS.
The following statement made by Samuel Youngs, Esq., endorsing the application of Mary Dean, widow of Sergt. John Dean, for a Pension, is herewith given entire, as covering in nearly full detail the various periods of general enlistment and mustering into service of the Militia of the Manor, as well as giving a vivid description of some scenes in which he was an active participant :