Memorial To Chester Minuteman Unveiled At American Legion

CHESTER, NJ — A local Eagle Scout has established a memorial to a Revolutionary War patriot from Chester at the American Legion, Post 342.

Chester resident Declan Mulligan created the memorial for Lieutenant Colonel Nathan Luse, who organized the Morris County Militia in his neighborhood and lead the 2nd Regiment of the Militia's Western Battalion.

Mulligan is a member of Scout Troop 9 in Chester, and completed the project as part of his Eagle Scout project.

The memorial consists of an engraved stone honoring Luse, a plaque describing his life and service, and a bench for visitors to sit and reflect. It is set in a permanent location at the Bernays Apgar-Larry Maysey American Legion Post 342.

Post 342 said that Luse's descendant, William Baran of Arizona, first contacted the New Jersey Sons of the American Revolution about a memorial to his great-great-great-great grandfather.

Luse (also spelled Luce) was born in Chester in January of 1747 to Judge David Luse and Mary Brown, who had migrated from Long Island to settle in Roxbury Township. The memorial states that he was called to more than 15 battles including those of Long Island, Short Hills, Monmouth, Connecticut Farms, Elizabethtown, and Newark.

After the war, Luse settled back on his father's land (associated with the Justice Luse Iron Works) and had 14 children with his wife Damaris Brown. He died in 1813.

On Sunday, Chester Police, the Chester Fire Company, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Motors and Patrol Units escorted members of Chester Post 342 from the Maysey Memorial on Main Street to their hall, at 333 Route 24.

There was also a flag-retiring ceremony at the Legion, pictured below.