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Prince Rogers Cemetery 1700’s Foothill, Bridgewater, New Jersey

1999-*PRINCE RODGERS (born September 20, 1815-died January 26, 1889) GRAVE-SITE, BRIDGEWATER, NEW JERSEY (c. LAWRENCE E. WALKER FOUNDATION)This African American Burial Ground is located on a knoll about 500ft. from the North end of North Bridge Street Somerville, New Jersey.  Tombstones probably those of colored people.  The following is a copy of inscriptions published in the Messenger-Gazaette at Somerville, January 5th 1940, by Herbert E. Durham, of Somerville. 

Phebe Lake, born November 15, 1826; died August 20, 1873, Prince Rodgers, born September 20, 1815; died January 26, 1889. Dina, the Wife of Prince Rodgers” born April 20, _____ died May 16, 1882. The Father and Mother (Both printed on one stone). (G.A.R. post 75) iron flag standard. (Lies flat on ground in northwest corner, Apparently one that had been moved when Foothill Road was widened).

Thomas Vanderveer, (no stone 1940), Dinah, wife of Thomas, died Dec. 28, 1857, (in 50th year). Deny, daughter of Thomas & Dinah, died November 8, 1857, (31st year). Simon, died April 12, 1867 (in 65th year), Sara Van Zandt – widow of William Stryker-born April 25, 1771, Died July 31, 1861, aged 90 year, 3 months 6 days.  United with the 2nd Reformed Dutch Church in the 82nd year of her life. 

The land on which this burial-ground is located is said to have been given by __________ Cain for burial of colored persons. Prince Rodgers, was born on September 20, 1813 in Bridgewater.  He was a slave of Cornelius Van Horn until he was twenty-five years of age and then he was freed by his owner.  He lived in Bridgewater all his life.  He worked on farms and other jobs. 

On May 29, 1851 he married Dina Hoagland at the North Branch Reformed Church by Rev. Campbell.  Prince Rodgers died on January 16, 1889.  Dina, his wife died on May 16, 1882 and both are buried at the now SLAVE CEMETERY on Foothill Road, east of the Green Knoll Firehouse.  Juda Vanderveer, wife of Prince Rodgers admitted on June 6, 1858 by certificate to membership, died May 16, 1882. Manual from Second Reformed Church 1900.

Source by: William Buzz Hundley & Lawrence E. Walke, 2004

 

Unknown Marker, Prince Rodgers (1700’s) Ccemetery Bridewater, New Jersey  (c. Lawrence E. Walker Foundation Collection).

Unknown Marker, Prince Rodgers (1700’s) Ccemetery Bridewater, New Jersey  (c. Lawrence E. Walker Foundation Collection).

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