Thursday evening, January 9, 2024 was an exciting time for Chapter President Jeff La Marca and Compatriot Ellis Bailey who attended the premier of the NJ PBS documentary about Jockey Hollow: Morristown National Historical Park, held at the Morristown Museum.
The 27 minute documentary depicts the significant history and impact of Jockey Hollow to the American Revolution. NJ PBS produced the video in partnership with The Friends of Jockey Hollow and other generous contributors, most in attendance at the premier. The night started with a reception where guests were able to mingle and socialize with the producers, subject-matter experts in the video, and other notable leaders in the Morristown history community. During the reception, Jeff and Ellis raised the profile of the chapter and built valuable new relationships. The reception was followed by the premier screening of the film and a panel discussion. The entire event offered great insights into the historic park, the creation of the video, and discoveries along the way.
The video aired to the public for the first time on January 15, 2025 on NJ PBS, with multiple showings over the next few weeks. It can also be viewed on-line any time at:
The documentary is one in the wonderful series from NJ PBS called “Treasures of New Jersey”, that delves into other “treasures” of the state. The series can be found at https://www.njpbs.org/programs/treasures-of-new-jersey/ and on most regional TV providers’ PBS channels.
Thanks to Bobbi Bailey, Registrar of the Morristown Chapter DAR and DAR State Chair of Historic Preservation, who facilitated the chapter members’ invitations and also attended.
Please make the time to watch this wonderful video and please share it with others so they can enjoy it and better understand our Jockey Hollow namesake.
Members of the Jockey Hollow Chapter Sons of the American Revolution participated in the 2024 Wreaths Across America Ceremony on Saturday, December 14 at the Somerset Hills Memorial Park, 95 Mt Airy Rd., Basking Ridge, NJ. In addition to the Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR, numerous other organizations were in attendance at the event to honor the 1650 veterans buried at the cemetery.
The chapter’s sponsor website helped obtain 30 wreaths from generous members and friends for the event.
Members in attendance at the chilly and solemn event, to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom, were Jeff La Marca, President, George Link, Sergeant at Arms, and his wife Madeline and Ellis Bailey and his wife Bobbi, a member of the Morristown Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution. The event aligned well with the mission of the SAR to promote patriotism, preserve American history, promote education to inspire future generations about the founding principles, and serve our communities. For 2024, more than 4200 locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad were scheduled to participate in Wreaths Across America, along with more than 5000 sponsor organizations. The event was a vivid reminder of the cost of freedom.
The colors were presented with musical accompaniment.
Ellis, Jeff and George placed wreaths at veterans’ graves and spoke their name in remembrance. Madeline (picture not available) and Bobbi, likewise, place wreaths and spoke the veterans’ names. George was surprised to find the grave site of a veteran cousin, Albert Batten, and honored Albert by placing a wreath on his grave, and speaking his name.
The New Jersey Central Field Office of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services – U.S. Department of Homeland Security held their September Naturalization Ceremony at the Morristown National Historic Park / Washington’s Headquarters Museum on September 26, 2024. As in the past, the Morristown Chapter DAR supported this event wonderfully. In addition, the Jockey Hollow Chapter SAR attended to help “ring in liberty” for the 23 new citizens.
The Naturalization Ceremony was held at the beautiful Washington’s Headquarters Museum, which gave opportunity to instill the great heritage the Revolutionary War holds for Americans. The new citizens came from countries across the globe.
Participating were the U.S. Army Junior ROTC, Irvington High School for the presentation of the colors, numerous local and regional dignitaries with messages of inspiration and history, and President Biden with a video message of welcome and encouragement. And the Morristown Chapter, DAR handed out flags and bells to all attendees, lead the singing of “America the Beautiful”, distributed welcome gift bags to all the new citizens, and “rang in liberty” for the new citizens. Jockey Hollow Compatriot Ellis Bailey joined the DAR to “ring in liberty” in honor of Constitution Week, for the new citizens. The entire ceremony was heart warming and inspirational.
Morristown Chapter DAR members did an excellent job of supporting the ceremony – some even in Revolutionary War period attire.
The Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR held a grave-marking ceremony for Revolutionary War soldier Silus Watters (1751-1820) on Sunday, September 22, 2024 at The Pleasant Grove (formerly Presbyterian) Cemetery in Washington Township atop Schooley’s Mountain in Northern New Jersey. The original gravestone is still there, but the inscription has degraded over the years.
Silus Watters was given his famous dog-head sword by Princeton Militia Captain James Moore (a hero of the Revolutionary War Battle of Princeton). This sword is now on display at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia.
Numerous friends of the family were in attendance. Four members of chapters of the SAR performed the ceremony along with Dr. Brasher – Jeff La Marca, President of The Jockey Hollow Chapter and the Washingtonburg Chapter, and master of ceremonies; Chris Sands, President of the Abraham Clark Chapter and Vice-President of the West Fields Chapter; and compatriots George Link and Ellis Bailey of the Jockey Hollow Chapter – commemorating Silus Watters’ battlefield contributions as we approach the 250th Anniversary of the Revolution.
A well worn Revolutionary War soldier’s gravestone was marked with the SAR medallion.
Presidents Jeff La Marca (MC) and Chris Sands led the ceremony for the SAR, dressed to honor Patriot Silus Watters.
The ceremony was nicely attended on a beautiful fall day to honor the Revolutionary War Patriot.
Taps was played to honor the fallen.
Dr. Brasher and his wife were thankful for the work that SAR contributed to honor his ancestor.
Compatriots George Link and Ellis Bailey (not pictured) participated in the ceremony.
President La Marca presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Dr. Brasher for authoring his book to bring Silus Watters’ story alive and instigating this ceremony to honor him. Certificates of Appreciation were also given to Michael Del Vecchio who played taps for the ceremony, and to Lyn Smith for helping to arrange the ceremony with the cemetery.
The Jockey Hollow Chapter was honored to participate in this solemn, two-day event by volunteering to read the names of American patriots who have been Prisoners of War or are Missing in Action. Three members from the chapter – President Jeff La Marca, Past President Roger Loomis, and Compatriot Ellis Bailey – participated on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
President Jeff La Marca and Compatriot Ellis Bailey reading the names of POW/MIA soldiers.
The POW/MIA park has numerous areas dedicated to the memory of the missing and those that served valiantly.
President Jeff La Marca presented a Certificate of Appreciation from the SAR to Charlie Uhrmann, the driving force behind the creation and maintenance of All Veterans Memorial Park, built from private donations and time contributions, and facilitator of the 24 hour POW/MIA Vigil at the park.
Your help in sponsoring wreaths for this wonderful event is greatly appreciated, and can be easily done at http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/NJ0293 . Just click the red “SPONSOR WREATHS” button and follow the simple instructions.
The Jockey Hollow Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution is holding a grave-marking ceremony at the final resting place of Silus Watters on Sunday, September 22, 2024 at 3:00 P.M. (directions are listed below). All Chapter members are encouraged to attend!
Silus Watters was given his famous dog-head sword by Princeton Militia Captain James Moore (a hero of the Revolutionary War Battle of Princeton). This sword is now on display at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia.
This event is being held at the Pleasant Grove (formerly Presbyterian) Cemetery in Washington Township atop Schooley’s Mountain. The original gravestone is still there, but the inscription is gone.
The Jockey Hollow Chapter is honored to participate in this two-day event by volunteering to read the names of American patriots who have been Prisoners of War or are Missing in Action. All interested Jockey Hollow Chapter members who wish to read a few names are encouraged to join us between 2:00 and 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
The Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR was represented at Flag Raising and Wreath Placing Ceremonies at Mount Vernon on Labor Day! This event, organized by the Washingtonburg Chapter, PASSAR, was a terrific honor for both Chapters! (Note, Jockey Hollow President is also the new President for the Washingtonburg Chapter.)
This exciting opportunity began with flag raising ceremonies for both chapters.
Washingtonburg Chapter, SAR and Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR Delegation at Mount Vernon (L-R) Dawn Guinan, Jack Guinan, Ray Mowery IV, Alex Mowery, Kristin Mowery, Theron Winn, Jeremy Winn, Jeff La Marca, Bill Etsweiler, Lisa Etsweiler, Dale Leppard, Greg O’Brien, Susan Leppard, Meryl O’Brien, Chuck Brackbill
Jockey Hollow President, Jeff La Marca, was assisted by Compatriot Jeremy Winn in raising the flag.President La Marca and Past Washingtonburg President Leppard placing the wreath inside the tomb of George and Martha Washington.(L-R) Theron Winn, Jeremy Winn, Raymond Mowery IV, Jeffry La Marca, Gregory O’Brien, Dale Leppard, William Etsweiler in front of the tomb of George Washington.Monument at the Slave Cemetery at Mount Vernon.(L-R) Raymond Mowery IV, Jeremy Winn placing wreath in honor of Washington’s valet, Will Lee, and the slaves of Mount Vernon.President La Marca giving a reading about Will Lee, followed by brief biographies about the lives of Frank Lee, Nancy Carter Quarles, and other slaves of Mount Vernon as read by Past President Leppard, Gregory O’Brien, Charles Brackbill, and Jeremy Winn.Mikey the Haflinger cross pulling a carriage at Mount Vernon.
On June 23, 2024, the Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR was honored to have worked in collaboration with the Morristown Chapter, SAR to place an old marker on the grave of Patriot William Connet (1735 – 1800).
Final resting place of Patriot William Conner (1735-1800).
The date the marker had originally been placed on the grave is unknown. However, at some point, it was removed as it was damaged. It was later found in the garage of a gentleman who had planned on repairing it. Unfortunately, he passed away before that could be done.
Restored marker
The inscription on the marker states:
REVOLUTIONARY
SOLDIER
WILLIAM CONNET
1735 1800
PLACED BY
MORRISTOWN CHAPTER DAR
&
JOCKEY HOLLOW CHAPTER SAR
As family members were clearing out the garage, they found the marker and contacted the Morristown Chapter, DAR. They set about getting the marker repaired.
Bobbi Bailey, Registrar, Morristown Chapter and her husband, Jockey Hollow Chapter Compatriot Ellis Bailey, not only cleaned the headstone, but helped research William Connet. They also coordinated efforts with the Hilltop Presbyterian Church and Cemetery (Mendham, NJ) to prepare for a ceremony to replace the marker.
The Hilltop Presbyterian Church, Mendham, NJ.
Members of the local community were also contacted and very supportive of the event. William Maurer, Historian at Mendham Borough, wrote a brief biography of Patriot William Connet.
The date for the ceremony was set for 23 June 2024. The day dawned – sunny, hot (90 + degrees), and humid. The event, however, proceeded flawlessly!
Regent Nina Hoban Morristown Chapter, NSDAR introduced the event.Barbara Genthe, Chaplain, Morristown Chapter, NSDAR led the invocation.Jockey Hollow Chapter President, Jeff La Marca greets the audience and reads the biography written by William Maurer (who was unable to attend due to other commitments).Regent Nina Hoban unveils the restored marker as President La Marca watches.Following the unveiling, Pastor Scot McCachren, Hilltop Church, PC (USA) blesses the marker.To close the ceremony, bugler John Logan, from Bugles Across America, performed Taps.
Following the ceremony, many photos were taken.
Group photo with members of the Morristown Chapter, DAR and the Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR.Jockey Hollow Compatriot Ellis Bailey and President Jeff La Marca.Pastor Scot McCachren, Hilltop Church, PC (USA) receives a Certificate of Appreciation from Jockey Hollow President Jeff La Marca.
It must be mentioned that Pastor McCachren was extremely supportive of the event and is looking forward to working with both DAR and SAR in the near future.
The Hilltop Presbyterian Church Cemetery an extremely historic site but played a major role during the American Revolution but is also the final resting place of 120 to 140 or more patriots! As noted on this monument, the church served as a hospital in 1777 when 27 Americans passed away from smallpox; they were all buried in a common grave.Although the ceremony was flawless, there was one snag. The restored marker is not acceptable to the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution for their grave marking program, so an official marker had to be ordered. However, the United States Post Office lost it (!!!!) and the didn’t find it until after the ceremony. Just the same, here it is now next to the grave.
So, what’s next for the Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR? Over the past few months, our Chapter has developed a great relationship with the Morristown Chapter, DAR and we’re already planning future collaborative efforts.
Equally exciting is that our Chapter is located in one of the most important locations of the Revolutionary War! Everyone has heard of Valley Forge (located in Pennsylvania) but almost no one has heard of Jockey Hollow – the place where George Washington and his army spent two full winters. During 1777, many of his men perished from smallpox but it is the winter of 1779 – 1780 that his army of 10,000 men survived the most brutal winter of the war (indeed, one article noted that compared to Jockey Hollow, Valley Forge was a “Caribbean holiday.” Indeed, the winter of 1779-1780 is still believed to be the worst ever recorded. The area experienced 100 inches of snow, the Hudson River (located about 30 miles to the east) froze over, and Washington’s men were left without adequate food, clothing, or supplies. The conditions were so dire that the army survived by eating their shoes (if they had them; many did not), tree bark, and even their pet dogs. The only thing “worse” at Valley Forge is that approximately 2000 men died (mostly due to smallpox and disease). By the second encampment in Morris County (location of Jockey Hollow), is that Washington learned the lessons from Valley Forge where the lack of sanitary conditions killed his men. At Jockey Hollow, only 100 men perished (which is considered miraculous given the conditions).
It is against this backdrop that the Jockey Hollow Chapter is currently seeking to launch a MAJOR project. Within our boundaries, there are potential thousands of graves of Revolutionary War patriots that have never been marked or recognized by SAR.
So far, a mere four cemeteries have been contacted and they contain 250 or more patriots (a conservative estimate) whose graves have never been marked! Given that each grave marker costs $200, to mark just 250 graves will cost $50,000. Again, it is believed that there are potentially thousands of patriot graves with our Chapter’s boundaries!
It is hoped that we will be able to launch a major fundraising effort to fund our grave marking program!
