The Osborn Family Graveyard
Not so many years ago a ride up or down Holly Hill Drive in Brielle would have revealed a small forested and overgrown area at the curve in the road. A sign now proclaims this site to be the location of the historic Osborn Family Graveyard, but back then this graveyard was barely noticeable from the road. The members of the Union Landing Historical Society of Brielle, as well as many community residents, and others in Monmouth County, had become increasingly distressed over the continuing deterioration of this ancient burial ground with 21 known burials between 1822 and 1868. One of the graves contains the remains of Revolutionary War soldier Lieutenant Abraham Osborn upon whose farm this burial ground had been established. It was feared that this bit of our heritage and history would disappear forever if remedial actions were not taken.
A field trip to the graveyard by members of the Union Landing Historical Society removed all doubts regarding the gravity of the existing conditions. At least one other small private family burial ground in Brielle had already been lost to “progress”, namely a subdivision, as indeed had many throughout the county and state. It would have been shameful to not save, protect, and secure Brielle’s last one.
Upon reconvening at the Curtis House, a draft copy of a Restoration Proposal, which set out methodology for handling the proposed restoration project, was distributed to Society Members. All were instructed to review promptly and to suggest any refinements needed. Following this feedback, a finished proposal was promulgated, given to each Historical Society member, plus a copy to Brielle Mayor Tucker Nicol and copy to Borough Administrator Tom Nolan. This proposal constituted a blueprint for forward movement including methodology for keeping all Brielle Borough Council members and other interested persons informed of future restoration progress. Thus, the Historical Society members had committed themselves to this formidable task.
The Restoration Proposal proclaimed the Historical Society’s goal to restore and preserve a site of local historic consequence and importance, and to use that proposed experience to stimulate public interest in, and help further an understanding and appreciation of, local heritage. In addition, the project served to re-establish respect and a sense of quiet dignity for this too long neglected final resting place of departed members of a previously prominent local family, and highlighted the significance of ancient graveyards. Upon the Historical Society’s request, the Borough of Brielle promptly and graciously offered to assist in the restoration. The Union Landing Historical Society took it from there, and has since completed the restoration project and has been overseeing the maintenance of the Graveyard ever since!
- Union Landing Historical Society of Brielle