From the Hudson Dispatch July 28, 1955:
A dispute over a burial fee for an unidentified drowned man washed ashore at Harsimus, now referred to as the "Horseshoe" Section of the city, led to the opening of Jersey City Cemetery 126 years ago.
For nearly two centuries prior to this incident, there existed only two burial grounds in this vicinity, the first of which is located on the south side of Vroom Street, at Tuers Avenue, also the first site of Bergen Church. The second cemetery was opened some 70 years later in 1738 on the southwest corner of Broom Street and Bergen Avenue.
The body of the poor drowning victim was discovered in 1829 by a passerby and dragged from the Hudson shoreline up onto the grass. There several others gathered and, in the discussion that followed, it was decided to give the body a decent burial and to mark the grave with a stone in the event that relatives or friends of the dead man might eventually be located.
After the group had made contributions to the amount that they supposed ample to cover the arrangements, a committee was appointed to attend to the matter and see that the body was interred in the burial ground at Vroom and Tuers Avenue.
The sexton there, however, charged $112.00 to open a grave, which seemed to the people so outrageous a price that they called a public meeting at Hugh McCutcheon's Farmer 's Hotel, 42 York Street, to discuss the matter.
As a result of this gathering, subscriptions were taken up, and a cemetery company was formed. David C. Colden, one of the associates and at that time mayor of the City of New York, became president. J.D. Miller was named secretary and Robert Gilchrist was treasurer.
Five and one half acres were purchased on the hillside south of the Newark pike and Jersey City Cemetery was opened.
Stretching out like a huge octopus with the passing years, the city has all but enveloped that once quiet and secluded section. to the north and the west, city streets entwine the cemetery, and to the south the Pennsylvania Railroad has right of way. Still free on the east, however, it is bordered by Mary Benson Park, a favorite recreation spot for children.