Union Cemetery

Union Cemetery dates back to 1859 and is the burial place of Matilda Smith, also known as Tillie Smith. Smith worked and lived at Centenary College as a kitchen maid. On April 9, 1886, when Smith was only 18-years-old, she was found raped, beaten, and strangled to death – left on the open field outside the Taylor Library on the college campus, according to Lehigh Valley Live.

Smith’s horrific and tragic death has become part of local lore with many reportedly having seen her ghostly apparition around the college campus. People have also reportedly seen a girl in white walk along the road, sometimes getting in the car with you if you ask her if she needs a ride. She then disappears shortly after. Other ghostly events have also occurred at her tombstone at Union Cemetery.

Some believe Smith was murdered by James Titus who was responsible for maintenance at the college. The evidence against him was “circumstantial” and he was convicted and sentenced to hang for the crime, according to Historic Hackettstown. Titus went on to appeal and request for a new trial, but it was denied. Titus eventually ended up serving 19 years in prison, escaping the hang by signing a ‘confession’ of guilt. In December 1904, Titus was paroled and released from prison. Ironically, when he died in June 1952, Titus was also buried at Union Cemetery.

Today, at Union Cemetery, a monument stands in memory of Tillie Smith. It was constructed from generous donations and unveiled on November 24, 1887. It is inscribed with the message “She died in defense of her honor” for her valiant struggle to protect her virtue, according to reporting from Ashbury Park Press.