Slocums of New Jersey plan 2007 reunion The Slocums of New Jersey have planned their annual family reunion for Sunday, Oct. 7, at the OceanPlace Resort, Long Branch, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All interested parties are welcome to attend. Bring your records and meet other family members with whom you can share valuable information. The Slocums were early settlers of Long Branch in 1668. Two Slocum brothers, John and Nathaniel, born in the Rhode Island Colony, were among the five men claiming property rights in 1668. Landing at a place near the foot of what is now Broadway, the Native Americans offered a challenge: a wrestling match, and if the settlers beat their champion, they could have "all the property they could walk around from sunrise to sunset." John Slocum was selected to wrestle and won the match, and the results were that the settlers could claim their ground. John Slocum married a widow from Rhode Island Colony, but had no children. His younger brother Nathaniel married another Rhode Island bride and sired the Slocum family line that still remains in Monmouth County today. Much of the land that Long Branch is located on was a part of the original Slocum homestead, including the area of the town hall. The Slocums married into many of the early families. Perhaps one of the attendees can provide that vital link that connects families. A Dutch lunch will be available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Buffet ends at 1p.m., but lunch will be available until 4 p.m. Feel free to attend and meet Slocum family members from around the country. Reservations are not required. If interested, contact Jo Ann Slocum Mazzucca at jslocum10@comcast.net (732) 530- 3936 or Frank Slocum fslocum@accelplus.net and provide your e-mail address to receive further information.