William, as his name was later spelled, grew to manhood in the Clarkstown area. His family moved there from Tappan about 1760. At the time of his marriage the Revolutionary War was taking place. He, and three of his brothers served in the Orange County Militia, 2nd Regiment under Col. Ann Hawk Hay and Lieut. Gilbert Cooper. This is probably what Nannie DeGray was talking about when she thought they were in the French Revolution.
Land Records:
On 23 April 1813 (recorded 5 June 1813, Bergen Co. I2:28) William Degraw and Hannah, his wife, of the Township of Franklin, conveyed to Daniel Degraw of the same place, for $130., 4-72/100 acres being part of lot no. 45 in the Ramapo tract, beginning corner
of John H. Winter and John W. Packer and line of lot 44; Jones Rhoads. Signed William Degraw (his mark), Hannah Degraw (her mark). Witnessed by Daniel Gero Jr., Peter Winter.
On 30 April 1813 (recorded 5 June 1813, Bergen Co. I2:29) William Degraw and Hannah, his wife, of the Township of Franklin, conveyed to John W. Packer of the same place, for $908.22, 33-28/100 acres, part of lot no. 45 in the Ramapo tract; corner John H. Winter and John W. Packer on line of lot 44; Jones Rhoads; Daniel Gero, Jr.
Signed by William Degraw (his mark), Hannah Degraw (her mark), Daniel
Gero. Witnessed by Daniel Gero Jr., Daniel Degray.