Chester County has its fair share of legends and stories but one of the most intriguing over the years has always been that of "Sandy Flash" who terrorized the countryside during the Revolutionary period until he was finally captured and hanged in 1778. Though the various stories about Sandy Flash vary greatly, there are some features that remain consistent from one story to the next.
His real name was James Fitzpatrick, commonly known as either Fitz or Fitch and he was the son of an Irishman of quite modest means and was indentured as an blacksmithing apprentice to John Passmore of Doe Run. He served the full term of his apprenticeship and became known locally as a good judge of horses. He served in several local establishments as a journeyman until the outbreak of the War, at which time he enlisted in the military service and was attached to the Flying Camp.
