John Lane was born in Baltimore, in 1756. His family moved to the Huntingdon area when he was 9 years old.

In April 1779, he enlisted in Cluggage’s Rangers and served under Lt. David Lloyd. He served in the Huntingdon area, protecting the region until the harvest. He manned Fort Roberdeau in Sinking Valley acting as a ranger, helping protect the lead mines. After his 9-month enlistment under Cluggage, he reenlisted under Captain William Phillips.

Lane then served 3 months as a “Scout” or “Wood Ranger” in Phillips Rangers. These men would scout for 4 days of every week, watching for signs of any enemy activity. The most common incursions were those of Native Americans who had taken the side of the British. The Rangers were also engaged regularly as escorts between fortified positions. The unit was disbanded because of the deaths of so many rangers in the region that continuing
was not feasible.

In his account, he does not mention the time he was shot, which is mentioned in other’s accounts of the period, including by Jacob Ripley. This does not seem to be uncommon with those wounded while in service.

After the war, he married the daughter of a Quaker family and owned a copper mine in Frederick Md. where he was buried.

According to Soldiers of Blair County by Floyd G. Hoenstine, “Enlisted about first day of April 1779, for nine months in Captain Thomas Cluggage’s Company, Bedford County Rangers’ stationed at Huntington at Fort Roberdeau, Sinking Valley, to protect the lead mines. Enlisted following Spring in Captain William Phillip’s Company, Bedford County Rangers and served six months. Born the 22nd of February 1756 in Baltimore County, Maryland, and resided Broad Top Township, Bedford County, in 1840.”

“Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 2042, for John Lane, Pennsylvania.” Archives.gov, 2025, catalog.archives.gov/id/196148150. Accessed 1 July 2025.