Hendrickson Burial Ground Still in Ruins, Lawsuit Moving Forward

Contributions made by Patch Senior Editor Christina Johnson.

The Hendrickson Family Burial Ground in Holmdel is still beat up, but family members remain vigilant.  

Arthur Rittenhouse, Vice President of the Hendrickson Family Association, said a lawsuit is underway between the family and the owners of Beau Ridge Townhomes after gravestones were destroyed in 2010. The lawsuit has not yet reached trial.

The site is the final resting place of the Hendrickson family, founders of Holmdel Township, and seven Revolutionary soldiers, a soldier of the War of 1812 and a Civil War soldier.

The 300-hundred year old cemetery is a private family burial ground on a one-acre plot of land located within the Beau Ridge Townhouse Development at S. Laurel Ave and Beau Ridge Dr. in Holmdel.

In July and August of 2010, the Board of Directors of Beau Ridge Townhouse Development contracted to remove the original grave markers and replace them with flat granite plaques. Approximately 50 tombstones were destroyed and removed. Only ten of the original gravestones remain.

"Then there was an investigation, and the MCPO determined it was a civil action not a criminal action," Rittenhouse said.

Now, the Hendrickson family has created a 501 (c) (3) organization to raise money for the maintenance of the cemetery. A local Boy Scout constructed a fence around the site, which is in the middle of the development property.

Legislation to protect private and family burial grounds in New Jersey is making its way to the Senate, originated by Sen. Joe Kyrillos and Assemblyman John Wisniewski.

In Holmdel alone, there are 26 private and family burial grounds according to Rittenhouse.

"Most people don't realize how many they are."

A re-dedication ceremony in 2011 brought community and family members together at the site, where president of the association Dr. Andrew Hendricks expressed his frustration.

“We have substantial damages here to our family,” said Hendricks, “and even if we restore the gravestones and try to undo the damage, what is it worth? These stones were hundreds of years old, it's not right what was done. What is the value of a restored stone?”

On Saturday, July 6 the family will gather with community members for a brief ceremony to honor the soldiers who served in the Continental Army at 10 a.m.

The Hendricks(on) Family Association is collecting money for maintenance and restoration Donations can be sent to Arthur Rittenhouse, Vice President, 33 Delikat Lane, Sayreville, NJ 08872 or Debra Slaugh, Treasurer, 15 Poplar Drive, Fanwood, NJ 07023.