Cato Gray

Bio

In Massachusetts Soldiers & Sailors of the Revolutionary War (Vol. 6, pp. 764 & 765) Cato Gray is described as “reported a negro” with black hair and a black complexion. He stood 5 feet, 2 inches tall, and in 1779 he was 20 years old. He was a laborer who lived in Pelham, Massachusetts.

Gray fought as a private in the Revolutionary War from 1777 to 1780. He served in Captain Hugh Maxwell's 2nd Massachusetts Battalion commanded by Colonel Bailey. At one point he was camped near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, and he was also stationed at Fishkill, New York. Records from 1777, 1778, and 1780 list the clothing Cato and the other soldiers were issued. This included coats, waistcoats (vests), shirts, breeches, overalls (long pants that covered the tops of shoes), stockings (socks), shoes, a hat, and a blanket. Records also list what the soldiers were paid. For instance, in 1778 Cato Gray received $100.

Military Service

• May 28, 1777; private in Capt. Hugh Maxwell’s 1st  Co., Col. John Bailey’s Regiment; joined for 3 years
• May 15, 1777- Dec. 31, 1779; paid for service
• Jan. 24, 1778; Capt. Hugh Maxwell’s 1st  Co., Col. John Bailey’s Regiment; at a camp near Valley Forge, PA
• Jan. 1-May 15, 1780; paid for service