Jockey Hollow Chapter Holds Quarterly Meeting

The Jockey Hollow Chapter held its quarterly meeting on May 31, 2025 at The Exchange Restaurant in Rockaway, NJ. The lunch meeting began at 11:30 A.M. with special guest Chris Sands, President of NJSSAR.

Officer reports were delivered. President La Marca indicated volunteer help is needed for the following activities:

Grave Markings
Web Site Assistance (Newsroom)
Pomeroy Foundation Markers
Color Guard
Speakers Bureau
Education Committee
Liberty Tree

If you can help with any of these, please contact President La Marca.

The vote to ratify the newly prepared bylaws was conducted by ballot. The bylaws were ratified by the membership.

An update of the Wreaths Across America program was given, indicating that the chapters transferring its support to the First Presbyterian Church/ United Methodist Church Cemetery in Succasunna so that we can work with the Ferro Monte DAR Chapter that runs the program. Volunteers will be needed, with more information to come.

Initiation of the new Vice President, Michael Smilek, was done by President La Marca. President La Marca also initiated new members George Kirby and Jake Hays.

Compatriots were recognized with awards and medals for service to the chapter and community. Members were presented the awards by President La Marca or President Sands, followed by a hearty, “Huzzah, huzzah, huzzah!”

The fascinating featured presentation, “Cudjo ‘Jack’ Banquante: Newark’s Revolutionary War Soldier and First Black Businessman,” was delivered by special guest speaker Kofi Ayim. His enlightening speech recounted the remarkable life and indomitable spirit of Cudjo Banquante—who was born into Ghanaian royalty, sold into slavery, and later substituted for his master in the Revolutionary War. He fought gallantly in many major battles and, upon earning his freedom, was granted an acre of land. With this, he became Newark’s first documented Black businessman—at the age of seventy. Mr. Ayim spends his time in Newark and in Ghana and has authored three books.

Michael Smilek received the Outstanding Young Member Medal (Joseph Plumb Martin Medal).

James Naisby received the Roger Sherman Bronze Medal and the NSSAR Color Guard Challenge Coin.

David Paretti received the Henry Knox Achievement Bronze Medal.

Jeff La Marca received the NSSAR Color Guard Challenge Coin.

2025 Jockey Hollow Chapter Special Promotion

For Our May 31, 2025 Luncheon

Due to popular demand, the Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR is proud to announce a special promotion designed to:

Promote our Chapter within the community,
Show off our “Jockey Hollow Pride” (Yes, we’re the greatest chapter of all time!),
Increase awareness of our Chapter’s activities,
Encourage attendance at our luncheons/meetings, and
Build some espirit du corps!

So, what exactly does this entail? Specifically, Jockey Hollow now has an Official Chapter Baseball Cap! This cap is made by the same company that produces those for the National Society, Sons of the American Revolution and is shown below.

The Official Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR Baseball Cap!

The cost for this cap is the same that National SAR charges for theirs – $25. However, we realize that this is such an incredible bargain that our members will want two – one to wear to our meetings and one for everyday wear in the community! So, if you would like to purchase a second cap, you’ll not only be able to purchase the second one for $20, but you’ll also receive another bonus at no additional cost! Specifically, members purchasing the second cap will also receive (if they are eligible), the appropriate SAR Service Label Pin that demonstrates how many years (in five-year increments) they have belonged to SAR. While members may purchase these pins on their own directly from National (at a cost of $20 each), those purchasing a second cap from us will receive their appropriate pin at no additional cost.

What about Chapter members who have belonged to SAR for less than five years? Instead of receiving a service pin honoring their years of service to SAR, they will receive a “challenge coin” (or similar item).

How many years of service do I have?

The SAR service pin is awarded in five-year increments (e.g., 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 years etc.). Based on our latest statistics, please use the following table. In the event that you are a chapter member, and your name does not appear below, please contact us:

IMPORTANT!

In order to participate in the promotion, members must RSVP and register no later than Thursday, May 15, 2025, so that we may order everything in time for you to receive your items at our luncheon on May 31, 2025 (all caps, pins, etc. will be distributed at the meeting so that you will need to attend).

Don’t Want to Participate in our Special Promotion?

No problem! Merely register for our luncheon as usual.

Register Today!

Use the Attached RSVP Form & Select Your Option. Hope to see you on May 31, 2025!

Recognition and Celebration of Patriot Cudjo Banquante

Numerous organizations and leaders have teamed together to recognize, celebrate and honor a local Revolutionary War hero – Cudjo Banquante.

Cudjo Banquante was born sometime in the 1720s in the Gold Coast (now Ghana), West Africa into a family of royal heritage. As a youth he was taken by European slave traders across the Atlantic, eventually being purchased by the wealthy Coe family of Newark, New Jersey.

During the American Revolution, Benjamin Coe sent the enslaved Cudjo to fight as a substitute for himself in the war against the British. Cudjo served in the Essex County and Morris County militias. He took part in the Battles of Monmouth and Germantown. He was with George Washington at Valley Forge in the winter of 1777 and later served with General Sullivan at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781.

After the war Cudjo was emancipated for his military service. The Coe family gave him land in Newark on which he established a nursery selling ornamental plants. Cudjo was the first African American businessperson in Newark. He died in 1823 at around 100 years of age. He was buried in the cemetery of Newark’s Trinity Church, located where the New Jersey Performing Arts Center now stands. (Thanks to the organizing team for this wonderful biography.)

For more information about Cudjo Banquante’s life, go to the website of the New
Jersey Historical Society: www.jerseyhistory.org/cudjo/

Events in Newark, in late April and early May, include exhibits, unveiling of a commissioned painting, reenactors, specifically composed music performances, a genealogy workshop, film screenings, an academic symposium, bus tours, an historic marker unveiling, and more, supported by the Newark Museum of Art, the Greater Newark Conservancy, the New Jersey Historical Society, the Newark Public Library, the Amistad Commission, the Newark History Society, Rutgers University, the NJ Institute for Social Justice, the NJ Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), the DAR and others. Join dignitaries, politicians, civic leaders, composers, authors, performers, and many others in the celebrations.

The detailed schedule, more information and sign ups, can be found at: https://www.newarkhistorysociety.org/honoring-cudjo-banquante/

Renew Your Membership

All compatriots should have received their renewal forms for 2025 from our state organization. It is very important that you renew your membership now. The form is attached here, just in case you didn’t receive yours in the mail or have misplaced it. Don’t forget and renew today!

Help Us Participate in the 2024 Wreaths Across America.

The Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR is participating in its first Wreaths across America program in 2024. The program’s mission is to:

remember the fallen,
honor those who serve, and
teach the next generation the value of freedom.

For 2024, the Chapter is supporting the

Somerset Hills Memorial Park

95 Mt. Airy Rd.

Basking Ridge, NJ 07920

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.

THANK YOU for any support you can give!

Jockey Hollow Represented at NSSAR 2024 Congress

If you’re attending this year’s Congress in Lancaster, be sure to stop by my (Jeff La Marca’s) table where you may obtain the OFFICIAL Jockey Hollow Chaper, SAR ball cap (like the one I’m wearing) – it’s a fundraiser for us. Of course, if you are interested in genealogy, you can also view (and purchase) a copy of my new book, “Simple Citations for Genealogical Sources!” — at Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square.

Jockey Hollow Chapter – On the Move!

Our June 1, 2024 Luncheon Offered Much to Our Community!

Our Chapter is expanding its community presence. Our June 1st luncheon underscored our commitment to highlighting the significant influence our region exerted during the American Revolution.

As part of our effort to promote our Chapter and build some esprit de corps, we now have an official chapter cap! This photo shows some of our compatriots proudly displaying our new accoutrement. Pictured (L to R) are Compatriots Chris Sands, Past-President Roger Loomis, President Jeff La Marca, Ellis Baily, and George Link.

Compatriot Chris Sands being congratulated by President Jeff La Marca for his contribution to our Chapter. As part of a promotion, which was launched this spring upon arrival of our new Chapter cap, any compatriot who purchased two caps (one for formal wear, the other for going to the beach) also received the appropriate SAR Service Pin, which is available in five-year increments (e.g., 5, 10, 15, etc.). Thank you, Compatriot Sands!

Compatriot George Link was presented with the beautiful SAR America 250th Anniversary Continental Congress Challenge coin. We didn’t forget our compatriots, who have not yet been members long enough for the 5-year service pin – they received an official SAR challenge coin to show our appreciation for their support! Thank you, Compatriot Link!

Compatriot Ellis Bailey is one of our newest members but during the few months since his application was approved for membership, which means he has proven his direct lineage to a patriot ancestor (one who served or supported the cause against the British). The following is a list of some of his contributions since joining us in February:

He has contributed greatly to our Chapter’s participation in the Wreaths Across America program (he also gave a fine presentation on this topic during the luncheon). His presentation will soon be available on this site.
Compatriot Baily with PR, created a flyer, and participated in an event sponsored by the Morristown Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and the Friends of Lafayette.
A special ceremony was held on May 5, 2024 as part of an Equal Scout project. Compatriot Bailey stepped up to represent Jockey Hollow and our state organization, the NJSSAR. SAR Vice President General William Baran, of the Rockey Mountain District, was present and was extremely complimentary of Ellis’ work.
Compatriot Ellis has done great work promoting Chapter goodwill with DAR, including their upcoming hands-on photography workshop with Xiomáro.
On June 23, 2024, Ellis has been & will be playing an integral role in the rededication of the grave marker for William Connet.
Grave Marking Program – Compatriot Bailey has already done great work in helping to lay the foundation for our Chapter’s new grave marking program – he has already helped open communications with a church (that is believed to have approximate 50 graves of patriots buried in the cemetery that have not yet been recognized by SAR), is coordinating with DAR, has help make connections with the cemetery’s sexton, etc.

Thank you, Compatriot Ellis Bailey!

Jockey Hollow Treasurer, Glenn Mcguire, received the Bronze Henry Knox Medal for his efforts and contributions to our Chapter.

Treasurer Mcquire jumped in last year after the passing of our last treasurer, Patrick Reilly, and has done an exemplary job! Some of his achievements include:

Has done great work in keeping our books and monitoring our finances,
Manages and presents Jockey Hollow’s ROTC and Sea Cadet recognition programs,
Identified and initiated contact with the work will have begun our grave marking program. Treasurer Mcquire is also working to make this important project a reality.

Thank you, Treasurer Mcguire – your assistance and support is greatly appreciated!

Jockey Hollow’s newest board member, Genealogist/Registrar Bruce Ryno has stepped in as our Chapter’s Genealogist/Registrar! Genealogist Ryno, however, isn’t just any genealogist – he also happens to be the Genealogist for the New Jersey State Society, SAR. Just how many chapters can say that their genealogist also serves in the role for their state organization?! Thank you, Genealogist Ryno, for joining us!

Group photo of Jockey Hollow’s recipients for the Bronze Henry Knox Medal. Pictured above (L to R) are Compatriot Ellis Bailey, Genealogist Bruce Ryno, President Jeff La Marca, and Treasurer Glenn Mcguire. According to National SAR, “The Chapter Henry Knox Achievement Medal may be awarded by a Chapter to a Compatriot or non-SAR member to recognize a specific outstanding contribution, achievement, accomplishment, deed, performance, or effort that advances the mission, governance, programs, or activities of that Chapter. This award is not limited by a specific time of service requirement and may be presented to recognize a singular act or multiple acts.” All of the above recipients of this medal have already contributed greatly to our organization. Thank you!

As noted above, Jockey Hollow is now establishing and building relationships with the Morristown Chapter, DAR. Not only that, but Ruth Ryno (wife of Chapter Genealogist) is the Co-Chair the DAR/SAR/SR Relations Committee, a member of National Chapter Development and Revitalization Committee, VP of NJ DAR State Officers Club, Registrar of Elizabeth Snyder – Continental Chapter. In addition, she provides tremendous assistance with both Jockey Hollows’s and NJSSAR’s membership applications. Thank you for all of your amazing assistance, Ruth Ryno, recipient of the Bronze Henry Knox Medal!

Jockey Hollow has made great connections with the Morristown Chapter, DAR. On of the first individuals we had contact with is their Regent, Nina Hoban. Regent Hoban was awarded SAR’s Medal of Appreciation. She has a wealth of ideas and a deep commitment to our shared missions. She has already been extremely influential in establishing our organization’s work and we are now looking forward to much additional collaborations with them. Thank you, Regent Hoban, we are looking forward to working with in both the near and distant future!

Not only is DAR honored to have Catherine Paretti, the Historian for the Old Whitehouse – General Frelinghuysen – Colonel Lowrey Chapter, but she has been a regular fixture and our Chapter’s meetings for many years. She has done an amazing job as our chapter’s “unofficial” photographer – indeed, most of the photos on this site, including nearly all of those in this post. For this fine contribution, DAR Historian Catherine Paretti was awarded the SAR Medal of Appreciation. Thank you, Historian Paretti!

Jockey Hollow’s recipients for the SAR Medal of Appreciation. Pictured (L to R) are Regent Nina Hoban, President Jeff La Marca, and DAR Historian Catherine Paretti.

“The SAR Medal of Appreciation may be presented to a member of the DAR in good standing in recognition of and in appreciation for outstanding services rendered to the SAR. The award may recognize assistance in . . . significantly aiding the SAR programs.” Thank you Regent Hoban and Historian Paretti for your support and great work!

Compatriot Chris Sands is the President of the Abraham Clark Chapter, SAR. Not only are we honored to have President Sands present at our meeting, but he also gave a brief presentation on SAR’s America 250th Anniversary Program, and also encouraged our members to join a color guard (our Chapter really needs a color guard)! Thank you, President Sands; it was an honor to have you at our meeting!

Jockey Hollow Past-President gave a touching recollection of those he served with during the Vietnam War and in recognition of Memorial Day. His remarks were both poignant and beautiful. Thank you, Past-President Loomis.

Our amazing Special Guest Speaker, Dr. Benjamin Carp, was presented with a Certificate of Appreciate by President Jeff La Marca. Dr. Carp’s topic was on “The Great New
York Fire of 1776: A Lost Story of the American Revolution.” It was a fascinating and terrific lecture! Thank you, Dr. Carp.

Jockey Hollow Chapter Luncheon – March 4, 2023

President Roger Loomis presided over the meeting and luncheon; Jeffrey E. Finegan was our featured speaker.