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.
On July 20, 2024, members of the Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR participated in the marker cleaning event held by the Morristown Chapter, DAR at Fort Nonsense, part of the Morristown National Historical Park. The main stone marker and numerous information markers were cleaned, using preservation approved cleaners and brushes, to revitalize the area in preparation for America 250 ceremonies in 2025. This is just one of many events around the Morristown area sponsored by the Morristown Chapter, DAR. Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR members have participated in others, also.
Main marker at Fort Nonsense, before cleaning, showing years of accumulated grime and organic material on the stone.
DAR hosts and SAR compatriot Ellis Bailey scrubbing the main marker.
DAR hosts and SAR President Jeff La Marca, admiring the drying marker after cleaning.
One of the many, nicely cleaned information markers after the event.
The Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR is proud to announce that our first workshop for 2024-2025 will be a joint venture with the Morristown Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Over the past few months, we have developed an exceptionally good relationship with our counterparts and will be co-sponsoring our first event of the year with them! A flyer with the full details is shown below.
This should be an exciting event! Please note that this workshop will be held at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum, in Morristown. This event is not only FREE but (as with all of our events) is also open to the public.
If you are planning on attending, please RSVP President Jeff La Marca and, if so inclined, donations to help defer the costs for food will be greatly appreciated. Due to the nature of this event, we are prohibited from collecting money at the facility, so any donations may be sent to our treasurer at:
Glenn Maguire, Treasurer Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR 1 Glenside Drive Budd Lake, NJ 07828
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!
The Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR had a busy weekend with two events to choose from! The first activity was a hands-on presentation on using cell-phones to take interesting photographs. This workshop was sponsored by the Morristown Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution and was held a the historic Morristown Presbyterian Church. The congregation for this church first assembled in 1733!
The presenter for this workshop was Xiomáro (Xio) a photographer whose work has been exhibited internationally and who has been hired by the National Park Service to be exhibit at historic locations including our very own Jockey Hollow Visitors Center at the Morristown National Historical Park.
Our Chapter was recently privileged to have Xio provide our organization a workshop on some of our region’s historic locations.
Our chapter President, Jeff La Marca (on the left), presents Xio with a Certificate of Appreciation that is given to all of our guest speakers. (Photo credit: Compatriot Ellis Bailey) Note: this certificate was for a presentation that Xio had presented earlier but President La Marca forgot it at home (duh!), so it was presented now.
Following the workshop, members of DAR, as well as members of the church, introduced some of us to their historic cemetery. In addition to the 120 to 140 or more Revolutionary War patriots (!!) interred there, we were also shown some of the beautiful gravestones. Compatriot Ellis Bailey and his wife, Bobbi Bailey, explained how they helped clean the stones using skills they had developed through workshops they had attended by an expert on restoring historic monuments. (Might be a fascinating topic for a Chapter meeting/luncheon!)
This stone, while the effects of time are very visible, has been cleaned and much of the epitaph is still visible; making it a favorite among visitors due to its beautiful message.
In Memory of Rebeckah Wife of Gideon Riggs who died May Ye 16th 1785. In ye 69th Year of her age
All you that reads this tomb And studies it a wright Shall flourish like a plant That’s waterd day & night
The second activity that our chapter participated in (and co-sponsored with) the Morristown Chapter, DAR, was a rededication of an old damaged marker honoring a Revolutionary War patriot. This will be discussed in our next post.
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.
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 President (and also Washingtonburg 1st VP) gave a presentation on the importance of documenting sources for proving your ancestry in order to join lineage societies, such as SAR and DAR. His presentation gave an overview of his new book, Simple Citations for Genealogical Sources, and as noted below, was well received.
Jockey Hollow President, Jeff La Marca, presenting for the Perry Historians. Note that he is wearing our Chapter’s new (and obviously very stylish) cap!Screen capture from the Perry Historians web site containing their kind review of the presentation, as well as their announcement for Saturday’s event.
As noted above, the Perry Historians gave a great review of the event; specifically, they stated:
S.A.R. and D.A.R. Research Workshop
The Perry Historians had a fantastic turn-out for the S.A.R. and D.A.R. Research Workshop which The Perry Historians hosted on Saturday, May 25, 2024.
We are so glad and so fortunate that the Washingtonburg Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution President, Dale Leppard asked us if we could open our library/facility for this event.
Thank You, Dale Leppard for your great intro and wonderful info on researching your Rev. War Ancestors.
Thank You also goes out to the Perry County Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution Registrar, Harriet Lindsay-Arndt for sharing her insight on what is required proof for entry into both the DAR and also the SAR.
We were also so thankful for the presentation by Dr. Jeffry La Marca, First Vice-President of the Washingtonburg Chapter of the S.A.R. Great presentation!
Those who were present definitely went away with more knowledge on the documentations required for membership and suggestions on how to document your sources.
As an aside to the presentation, President Jeff La Marca, never misses an opportunity to discuss the history of the encampment of Jockey Hollow, which remains one of (if not the most) brutal of winters ever recorded. In comparison, the encampment of Valley Forge is considered to be a “Caribbean holiday.” It’s time for our chapter to take the lead in publicizing the importance of the events that Jockey Hollow and the countless other historical sites within our Chapter’s boundaries played during the American Revolution!
Many thanks to all of the organizations involved for making the event possible!
