CASSADAGA — SAR Chautauqua County Chapter President Steve Boothe recently gave a talk at the Cassadaga Country Club about General Marquis de Lafayette, native of France, called America’s first great foreign friend.

Lafayette was born in France to wealthy parents on Sept. 6, 1757. His family had a strong background in the military. One of his ancestors fought alongside Joan of Arc. His father was killed at the Battle of Minden in August 1759, after which Lafayette was raised mainly by his grandmother. As a member of the aristocracy, he was essentially raised to be a musketeer. In April 1770, both his mother and grandmother passed away. He married in 1774, to his fiance of just 14 years of age, while he was about 17.

Lafayette, anxious to help America without sanction from French leaders, stole away on his own ship, landing in the Carolinas in 1777. From there, he traveled on to Philadelphia. He had support from Founding Father Benjamin Franklin in his endeavors to connect with the Continental  Army.

Soon, Lafayette developed a father-son-like relationship with General George Washington. At the Battle of Brandywine in September 1777, Lafayette was wounded in the leg. He recovered while at the military encampment at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, where he met Peter Francisco, the “Hercules of the Revolution.” Lafayette was also at the battles at Monmouth, New Jersey and Newport, Rhode Island, as well as actions in Virginia.

In 1779, he returned to France, and was placed under house arrest for eight days, for having served with the American army without French authorization. Nevertheless, he became friends with the French king, and secured more aid for the American cause.

In 1780, he returned to America, resuming his staff position with General Washington. In October 1781, Lafayette served at the Battle of Yorktown, Virginia, at which British General Cornwallis surrendered his British army, the last major battle of the war. In 1783, he assisted with the peace negotiations. In 1824, Lafayette returned to America for a visit to all the states, which included visiting Fredonia, New York: a plaque commemorating his visit is on the Russo Building. Lafayette passed away in 1834, age 76.

In other business, Secretary Doug Arters briefly reported about possible reenactments for next year, as well as the upcoming presentation at Heritage Village Nursing Home and Kresge Hall, to honor veterans at the home on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

Boothe reported that the Jamestown DAR chapter sponsors a book club, which typically meets on the last Thursday of each month at the First Lutheran Church. The DAR was also sponsoring a Vietnam 50th Commemoration at the DAR House, 70 Prospect St., on Nov. 5.

Annual SAR membership dues are to be paid no later than Dec. 19, to be sent to Harry Lent, the chapter’s treasurer and registrar.

Members of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) trace their family roots back to a Revolutionary soldier, militiaman, minuteman, congressman or other person who served the cause of liberty 1775-1783.

The Chautauqua County Chapter covers Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties, and the upper portion of Warren County, Pennsylvania.

The next SAR luncheon meeting is set for 11 a.m. on Dec. 3 at the Cassadaga Country Club, Frisbee Road. Guests and wives are welcome to attend. For more information, call Boothe at 574-7995.

Corrections for the last report: Steve Boothe is the president of our Chautauqua County Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution. There is no connection nor affiliation with the legion.