James Shackleford, of Dayton
Since 2003 I have been researching Thomas Titus who died in South Brunswick, in July 1849. Today in the month of his 160th birthday the research is completed. Thomas was a slave in the Kendall Park section of the township who was able to purchase an 11-acre farm which still stands as an open farm today. In 2007 the Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission granted a Historic Roadside marker which was placed on the farm. In 2009 the commission has also granted the restoration of the Thomas Titus headstone which has been placed back out on the farm in it’s original position and completely restored. I cannot thank Anna Aschkenes, Isha Vyas and the entire staff of the commission enough for all the support they have given me on this project.
I have learned that no one person can complete a project such as this alone. The friends and neighbors of Thomas have provided help and support without question. They are my eyes and ears and have a vast interest in protecting the integrity of the Titus farm. Thank you to each of you. After years of requests, questions and storage of the headstone South Brunswick Township can stand proud knowing they saved an important piece of New Jersey history even though they may not have known the significance over the years. The cooperation of Mayor Frank Gambatese and the Township Council as well as my liaison Ronald Schmalz is crucial to the completion of the Titus Headstone project. As well as the day I walked into Tom Morris’ office and he said to me I think there is a headstone at the Public Works building. I thank them for the help and support they have provided me over these years.
Finally I must take a moment to thank the South Brunswick Public Works department. Without the physical work coordinated by Dave and his team, the support of the project by Ray Olsen, the marker would not have been placed on the farm and I would not have found the base of the headstone, therefore the success of this project would not have been realized. Throughout the past six ears the aforementioned people and groups have supported my work and assisted me in the completion of the Titus story. I look forward to working with all of them again on new projects but today I felt the need to say thank you to each one of you.