Gravesite Project - New Jersey Veterans of the War of 1812
The New Jersey Society has initiated a concerted effort to find as many 1812 Veterans gravesites located in the State as possible. In the first 18 months we have identified 700 gravesites.
The initial source of information was a survey of “cemetery books” located in the State Library in Trenton.
The next step has been locating and examining “Grave Registration Record” cards that are supposed to be kept in each of the 21 counties. The 4X6 cards, using a standard form, were developed as a WPA work project during the Depression in the 1930’s. The cards are usually arranged alphabetically by last name. Veterans of all wars can be listed. The cards can provide personal information, military information and burial location.
Once all available cards have been examined the project will proceed to the next phase. All N.J. Historical and genealogical Societies as well as all cemeteries founded before 1910 will be mailed a questionnaire.
One might ask, “How many gravesites could there be?” Our research indicates “...two months before war was declared New Jersey had begun to place herself in a condition to defend her seacoasts and harbors. The Congress of the United States passed an Act (on April 10, 1812) to authorize a detachment from the militia of the United States.” “That the President (Madison)…is authorized to take effectual measure to organize, arm, and equip …..one hundred thousand militia.”
“On the 25th of April, 1812 (NJ) Governor Joseph Bloomfield issued an order to mobilize five thousand of the militia of the State for immediate service.”
So, we are looking for a minimum of 5000 gravesites. We realize some New Jersey military personnel may be buried in locations outside of the State. We also recognize, since the terms of service were 3, 6 and 13 month enlistments, the turnover must have been great. Therefore, the number of “Veterans” could significantly exceed Governor Bloomfield’s initial order.
It is our wish to place a marker at some graves. Appropriate bronze markers are expensive. We are searching for grant money and donations.
If you, the reader, would like to assist with this project in any manner, please contact Robert Fenner, Chair of the Gravesite Project, at the email address which follows: rjfenner@comcast.net
