Irvington HS JROTC Cadets Performed Color Guard During Gravesite Ceremony

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Story by: SFC (R) Harvey L. Craig
Photos by: MAJ (R) Crosby Munro

On June 26, 2023, the New Jersey Society of the Daughters of the American, the Sons of the Revolution in the State of New Jersey, and the New Jersey Society of the Sons of the American Revolution dedicated a historical interpretive marker near the gravesite of Mary and Jacob Francis at the Flemington New Jersey Baptist Church in front of a crowd of almost ninety guests and dignitaries. The Combined Color Guards of the SR-NJ and the SAR were joined by the Irvington New Jersey High School “Crusaders” Junior ROTC Color Guard.

Jacob Francis was a free Black man born in Amwell Township and died in Flemington, New Jersey. During his long life, he was involved in both the American Revolution and the struggle for equal rights. Bound out as an indentured servant from childhood until age 21, he lived in New Jersey, New York, St. John in the West Indies, and Salem, Massachusetts. After completing his indenture time, he enlisted in the Continental Army in October 1775 at a time when General Washington was trying to prevent Black men from enlisting. He served through the siege of Boston, the New York Campaign, and the Battle of Trenton before his enlistment expired on January 1, 1777. After his Continental service, he served in the Third Hunterdon County Regiment of the New Jersey militia for the remainder of the war. He had survived great hardships and dangers while performing in a complimentary fashion.

To see more pictures and read more about Jacob Francis visit New Jersey Society Sons of Revolution