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/

Jockey Hollow Chapter Compatriot Attends The Washington Association’s Annual Meeting

Jockey Hollow Chapter compatriot Ellis Bailey attended the 151st Annual Meeting and Celebration of Washington’s Birthday held by the Washington Association of New Jersey on February 17, 2025, held at The Madison Hotel in Morristown.

In attendance were political representatives, including NJ Assemblywoman Aura Dunn and Morristown Mayor Timothy Dougherty, and other members of area social and lineage organizations. After the Association’s business meeting was completed, Chuck Schwam, Executive Director of the American Friends of Lafayette, presented “Lafayette – The Legacy of Liberty” to discuss the 200th anniversary, 13 month, 24 state historical re-enactment tour of Lafayette. Then, Wendy York, co-chair of the committee planning the reenactment of Lafayette’s visit to Morristown, presented an overview of the activities to be held in town on July 13 and 14. “General Lafayette” was also in attendance.

More information about the Morristown Lafayette visit events can be found at: https://morristowngreen.com/2025/01/21/general-lafayette-americas-guest-will-take-another-morristown-victory-lap-this-summer/

General Lafayette re-enactor.

Jockey Hollow Chapter Members Attend Premier of NJ PBS Documentary of Namesake

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:

https://www.pbs.org/video/treasures-of-new-jersey-jockey-hollow-morristown-national-historical-park-gsloor

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.

Grave Marking Ceremony for Revolutionary War Soldier, Silus Watters (1751-1820)

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.

John Lawrence Brasher, Ph.D., a direct ancestor of Silus Watters, will be in attendance and has written a book “Bright Liberty’s Forgotten Sword and the Battle of Princeton“

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.

Pleasant Grove Cemetery

132 Califon Rd

Long Valley, NJ 07853

Jockey Hollow, Chapter Participated in Flag Raising at Mount Vernon!

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.

Jockey Hollow and Washingtonburg Chapters Arrive in Virginia

Jockey Hollow & Washingtonburg Chapters arrived in Virginia this afternoon for tomorrow’s Flag Raising Ceremony at Mount Vernon. Earlier today, we visited George Washington’s Grist Mill and Distillery. It was a fascinating place!

Following that, we had dinner nearby at a restaurant in Alexandria, Virginia.

Dinner at the River Bend Bistro
(L-R) Jack Guinan, Jeff La Marca, Dale Leppard, Chuck Brackbill, Meryl O’Brien, Greg O’Brien, Alex Mowery, Ray Mowery IV, Kristin Mowery, Bill Etsweiler, Lisa Etsweiler, Susan Leppard, Dawn Guinan

Earn the America 250 Medals!

All Chapter compatriots are eligible to earn the America 250 Medals for participating in SAR activities. Each time you attend an event that features information about the 250th Anniversary of America, you will accumulate points to earn these medals: 25 points are required to earn the Bronze medal, 60 points will allow you to earn the Silver medal, and those with 150 points will earn the Gold medal. Download the application form here:

250th-Anniversary-Form Download

and start keeping track today! FYI, all SAR members who attended our last Chapter meeting, on June 1, 2024 have already earned at least 3 points.

Our Chapter President is believed to have been the first compatriot in New Jersey to earn the Bronze medal. He recently received the Silver Medal (pictured below).

All Chapter members are encouraged to keep track of their points as earning the Bronze Medal is within the reach of everyone.

Reinstallation of Patriot Marker for Pvt. William Connet

By Jockey Hollow Chapter SAR and Morristown Chapter DAR

On Sunday, June 23, you are invited to join the Jockey Hollow Chapter SAR and Morristown Chapter DAR for the reinstallation of the Patriot marker for Pvt. William Connet, a revolutionary war soldier buried at the historic Hilltop Cemetery behind the Hilltop First Presbyterian Church in Mendham Borough, NJ. Private William Connet served in the NJ Militia during the Revolutionary War. His marker was installed many years ago, but was found broken and in bad shape. It has been repaired and restored and will be reinstalled at his grave site.

The beautiful Hilltop First Presbyterian Church and cemetery is near the Jockey Hollow encampment site and is the final resting place of many Revolutionary War veterans.

Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Hilltop First Presbyterian Church Cemetery
20 Hilltop Rd., Mendham Borough, NJ 07945

All are welcome. Meet in the cemetery.

Jockey Hollow Represented at Grave Marking Ceremony

Yesterday, the Jockey Hollow Chapter (NJ), SAR was represented at a grave marking ceremony at the Big Spring Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Newville, Pennsylvania. Jockey Hollow President Jeff La Marca assisted in placing a wreath to commemorate Revolutionary War Patriots.

Washingtonburg Chapter, PASSAR Representative Ray Mowery IV and Jockey Hollow President Jeff La Marca.

Placing wreath at monument recognizing Revolutionary War Patriots.

Jockey Hollow presents at Perry Historians

The Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR in conjunction with the Washingtonburg Chapter, PASSAR and the Perry County Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, gave a presentation for the Perry Historians (a historical society and library located in Perry County, Pennsylvania) on Saturday, May 25, 2024 on how to apply for membership in our organizations.

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.

THANK YOU to All who participated!!!!
https://www.theperryhistorians.org/

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!