If my ancestor was truely shot by a british sold. in philly in 1777

Question

my g.-6x grandfather,Francis Deal (Diehl) was born in philly in 1711 ,about 1745 he purchased land from Wm. Shippen and built his home on it.This was located on corner of township line rd.and wissahicon or hunting park ave, it was later called the Abbey hotel(Inn?) Our family legends says poor old francis was shot and killed by,a Redcoat,just before the battle of germantown. Can anyone help cofirm this? Or debunk this story. Where would i go for info.? I don't have a lot of money so I' really can't afford to join ancestry.com and other sites. This story has always intriqued me ,i would love to know more. Francis was married to Katrina Butz thier children were, John,Peter,Daniel,Samuel,Francis and Margaretta.Katrina died in 1791 and her will is registered in will book x whatever that means.Son John took the oath of allegiance and fidelity so did Peter and Francis(jr.) all three fought in Rev. served in Capt.Henry Young's Co, Also Capt. Isaac Merrill's Co. and in the 3rd. Battalion under Colonel Benj. M' Veagh . I would to find some mention of Francis murder somewhere to corroborate the family legend can anyone help,I will wish you good things all your life if you can. Maybe I have a long lost cousin out there has more to add it would be wonderful to hear from other decendants no matter how distantly related!

Answer 1

In looking on Ancestry.com, I found the family tree of J. D. Scott, Jr.

He shows that Francis Deal was born in Philadelphia in 1711 and died Oct. 17, 1777.  The Battle of Germantown was on Oct. 4, 1777.  Of course, this doesn't mean that he didn't linger for a couple of weeks before he died of his wounds.  

Answer 2

If you have that much data, and can confirm it in family records, contact the Daughters of the American Revolution. They should be able to help you in your research.