Sands, John, 1737-1811

John Sands (1737-1811) was a farmer living on the Cow Neck Peninsula of Long Island at the outbreak of the American Revolution, in which he took an active role. Sands was appointed a Colonel in George Washington's army and was charged with enlisting recruits to guard the north and south shores of Long Island and watch for the approach of British naval vessels. In August 1776, Colonel Sands lead his company to the American camp in Brooklyn where they took part in the Battle of Long Island and the subsequent American retreat.