Polly Cooper Chapter, NSDAR Participates in Patriot Marker Dedication Honoring Revolutionary War Patriot John

CROTON-ON-HUDSON, NY — September 21, 2026 — The Polly Cooper Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), participated in a Patriot Marker dedication at Bethel Cemetery honoring Revolutionary War Patriot John Patterson, also known as John "Rifle Jack" Peterson.

The dedication, hosted by the Fox-Eklof American Legion, recognizes Patterson, an African American Patriot who served during the American Revolution, including with the 2nd New York Regiment and later the Westchester County Militia. His service included enduring the harsh winter at Valley Forge and participating in the defense of Teller's Point in September 1780, where Patriots successfully thwarted a British landing.

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The dedication is the result of nearly three years of extensive research by Ed Riely, historian of the Fox-Eklof American Legion. Riely examined Revolutionary War pension records, the MacDonald interview papers, Westchester Heraldarticles dating to the 1800s, and numerous other historical sources to document and verify Patterson's Revolutionary War service.

The connection between Patterson and the Polly Cooper Chapter is particularly meaningful because both Patriots endured the difficult winter at Valley Forge. Polly Cooper, an Oneida woman, traveled with the Continental Army and assisted the soldiers during the winter encampment, while Patterson served with the Continental Army during that same challenging period.

"John Patterson's story has a particularly meaningful connection to our chapter because he and Polly Cooper shared the experience of Valley Forge during one of the most difficult periods of the Revolutionary War," said Rosemarie Schmidt, Honorary Regent of the Polly Cooper Chapter, NSDAR. "Polly Cooper's story reminds us of the contributions of Native American women to the Patriot cause, while John Patterson's story helps us recognize the service and sacrifice of an African American Patriot. Their stories are different, but both demonstrate the many people who supported the struggle for American independence."

Adding special significance to the ceremony, Judith Moshier Taylor, a direct descendant of John Jacob Patterson, was in attendance and participated in the unveiling of the Patriot Marker. She was assisted by Bill Tuttle, Commander of American Legion Post #505, and Edmund Riely.

The ceremony also featured re-enactors portraying members of the 2nd New York Regiment, bringing the history of Patterson's military service to life. A wreath was laid at Patterson's headstone in his honor. Following the ceremony, members of the Croton Scouts conducted a ceremonial folding of the American flag, which was then presented to the Taylor family.

The Polly Cooper Chapter is proud to participate in efforts that preserve and expand the historical record of the American Revolution and recognize Patriots whose contributions may have been overlooked or underrepresented in traditional accounts.

"Preserving these stories is an important part of our responsibility as Daughters of the American Revolution," Schmidt added. "By honoring John Patterson today, we help ensure that his service, sacrifice, and place in our shared American history are remembered by future generations."

The Polly Cooper Chapter, NSDAR, is dedicated to historic preservation, education, patriotism, and honoring the people and events that shaped the founding of the United States.

To learn more about DAR activities or inquire about membership, email info@pollycooperdar.org.

As the United States celebrates its Semiquincentennial—the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding in 2026—the DAR encourages Americans to discover whether they have a Revolutionary War patriot in their family and to help preserve the places, artifacts, and stories that tell our nation's history.