After 200 Years, Three Slaves Get a Final Resting Place
The 200-year-old remains of three black slaves from Sussex County were reburied Thursday afternoon in a small graveside ceremony in Newton after being stored at Space Farms Zoo and Museum, New Jersey, USA, for 30 years.The three men, named Tom, Dan and John, were discovered in the 1970s when the land, once owned by Henry Simson Sr., was being developed.
The ceremony was held in a small African-American cemetery nestled between St. Joseph's Cemetery and the Old Newton Cemetery. About 20 people gathered in drizzling rain to honor the dead, including members of the Sussex County Historical Society.
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I lived in Hillsborough, Somerset County, NJ, for 20 years, and behind the townhouse complex I lived in, was an old farm, and a slave cemetary. It is surprising to me that most northerners do not know, or deny, that their ancestors owned slaves.
during the agrarian period of our country, both north and south, all
took advantage of cheap lavor.
I mourn the 3 men that were found, and am thankful that their remains have been honored, recognized, and interred with respect.
Thank you for this article.
Barb Hootman
Aiken,SC, USA
Written by : Barbara Hootman | 4 June 2009 at 21:26