Welcome to the Col. Richard Somers Chapter of the NJ Society, Sons of the American Revolution.
We regret to announce the passing of compatriot James Gale on March 23, 2024.
On Monday, May 6th, past state/chapter president compatriot Norman Goos, will give a presentation to the Absecon Historical Society on The Colonial Era Mills, Dams and Ponds of Absecon Creek .
Time 5:30 PM at Italian Gourmet Restaurant.
Our April speaker was Tim Hart, Ocean County Historian. Tim gave a presentation on “There She Blows – The Great LBI Whale Explosion of 1963”.
Our March speaker was Compatriot Steve McBrearty. Steve gave a presentation on his Patriot ancestors John Hart, signer of the Declaration of Independence and Major John Polhemus. Steve also shared with us numerous artifacts of his ancestor’s and early currency signed by Hart and has donated signed specimens to the SAR Museum.
Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour
Our February speaker was Tim Hart, Ocean County Historian. Tim gave a presentation on “International Incident – The Hanging of Joshua Huddy”.
The video may be viewed here.
Our January speaker was Russ Dutcher who gave a presentation on Col. John Taylor – Scholar, Soldier and Washington’s Spy Master. The video of this presentation may be viewed below.
At this meeting we also inducted four new compatriots into our chapter.
On December 17, 2023 members of the Col. Richard Somers Chapter, NJSSAR and the General Lafayette Chapter, NSDAR joined together at Old Zion Methodist Graveyard to place wreaths on graves of 11 patriots in observance of Wreaths Across America.
We also participated in Wreaths Across America at Miller Cemetery in New Gretna. Chapter President, Mike Mangum’s, son and daughter placed the wreath on Rev War Patriot Aaron Howell’s grave.
At our November meeting, Prof. Steve Nagiewcz of Stockton University gave a presentation on his work finding and documenting revolutionary era shipwrecks in the Mullica River in the vicinity of Chestnut Neck The video may be viewed here.
On Wednesday November 8th, 2023, the NJSSAR & Col. Richard Somers Chapter of the SAR participated in the dedication of the unveiling of a Pomeroy Foundation sign at the Old Methodist Church Cemetery in Toms River.
This event coincided with Ocean County’s Countdown to Independence Ceremony kicking off the County’s recognition of the upcoming Semiquincentenial.
The Event Gallery may be viewed here.
The rain held off long enough for us to commemorate the 245th anniversary of the Battle at Chestnut Neck. The ceremony was kicked of by the NJSSAR Color Guard presenting the Colors. Chapter President, Mike Mangum and Tim Hart filled in for Norm who was unable to give his traditional historical lecture. The wreath was placed by Gen. Lafayette Regent Shea Pease and Port Republic Mayor Nikki Giberson. The event Photo Gallery may be accessed here.
NJSSAR Color Guard
Days until the Semiquincentenial
Silas Crane and Samuel Bennet Grave Markings
June 3,2023
We gathered in Stafford Township to honor the memories of two Revolutionary Patriots. First the descendants of Private Silas Crane marked his gravesite in the old Manahawkin Baptist Church Graveyard. Second, a few blocks away, we honored Private Samuel Bennet. At both locations Pomeroy Foundation Plaques where unveiled to inform the public of the sacrifices made by these brave men.
For Ceremony Videos and Photo Gallery click here.
Ensign Henry Young, 3rd NJ Militia
Grave Marking Ceremony
May 6, 2023
While the rest of the world gathered around their various screen to watch the coronation of King Charles III, Compatriots of the Col. Richard Somers Chapter, NJSSAR, the Gen. Lafayette Chapter, NSDAR and members of the Aaron Wittkamp Colwell Post 239 of the American Legion joined together at the Young Family Burial Ground, 144 Tyler Road, Petersburg, Township of Upper, NJ to commemorate the service of Ensign Henry Young.
In attendance were Congressman Jefferson Van Drew (R) 2nd District, the NJSSAR Color Guard and the governing body of the Township of Upper.
Event Page and Photo Gallery
Graves of Millicent and Henry Young
Ceremony Video