Welcome to the Col. Richard Somers Chapter of the NJ Society, Sons of the American Revolution.
We regret to announce the passing of our long time compatriot, Maj. William Schmitz. Bill served as treasurer and eagle scout coordinator for many tears. Visitation and service this Sunday, October 4, at Boakes Funeral Home in Mays Landing, followed by burial with military honors at the Atlantic County Veterans Cemetery.
Our next dinner meeting will be Wednesday, October 7th at Fred & Ethel’s in Smithville. 6:30PM. Our speaker for the evening will be Catherine McLearen- Public Historian, Cedar Bridge Tavern Ocean County Historic Site- “Hero’s Revenge: John Bacon & Revolution in the Pine Barrens”.
RSVP to secretary@colrichardsomers.com .
Chestnut Neck, October 3, 2026
Between the rain showers we gathered with the NJSSAR Color Guard and the General Lafayette Chapter, NSDAR to remember the 248th anniversary of the Battle of Chestnut Neck and to dedicate our Liberty Tree. Dignitaries included Port Republic Mayor Niki Giberson and Atlantic County Commissioner. Past Chapter and State President Norman Goos, recounted the efforts of several local Patriots. ,Click above to go to the event gallery.
At our September 10th meeting we inducted 2 new Compatriots, Robert Driscoll – Patriot Michael Wygant and Frank Morrelli – Patriot John Binge.
Local history geek, Jim Segrave-Daly, gave an interesting presentation on the revolutionary actions of Gen. Daniel Morgan
At our July meeting Compatriot Horace Somes, retired Division B Forest Fire warden, NJ Forest Fire Service and Farmer gave a presentation on “Salty Hay from the Tidal Meadows”.
The Col. Richard Somers Chapter and the NJSSAR Color Guard were well represented at Port Republic’s Port Day Celebration
At our June meeting we inducteed three new Compatriots to our ranks:
Robert Friedlander – Patriot James Giberson
Frederick O’Toole, Jr. – Patriot Joshua O’Dell
James Risley – Patriot Joshua Risley
Charlie Morgan, Robert Friedlander, Frederick O’Toole, Jr., James Risley, Mike Mangum
Also at our June meeting, Atlantic County Librarian, Compatriot Norman Goos, presented the Atlantic County Historical Society’s Collection of 41 South Jersey Revolutionary War Pension Applications. This work of almost 400 pages provides invaluable insight into what some of our Patriots faced during the Revolution.
Presentation Video
It was cold and wet for the Gen. Lafayette Chapter, NSDAR, annual Memorial Day Service at Chestnut Neck, on the bright side there were no gnats! Brief addresses were given by Regent Shea Pease, Port Republic Mayor Niki Giberson, and Chapter VP Charlie Morgan.
On Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 the Atlantic County Historical Society presented an America 250 celebration in Estelle Manor Park. The Chapter was well represented by President Michael Mangum, VP Charlie Morgan and Chaplain Don Higbee as a contingent of the NJSSAR Color Guard. Featured Speakers included Atlantic County Commissioner John Risley, Ocean County Historian Tim Hart and Charlie Morgan.
