Mayor of Elizabeth, New Jersey facts for kids

A mayor is like the main leader of a city or town. They help make important decisions and manage how the city runs. The city of Elizabeth, New Jersey, has had many mayors throughout its long history. This article tells you about the people who have served as mayor of Elizabeth, from the earliest days to the present.

Leaders of Elizabeth, New Jersey

A mayor is the chief executive of a city. They work to improve the city, manage its services, and represent its people. The mayors of Elizabeth have played a big part in shaping the city over hundreds of years.

Early Mayors: The 18th Century

The role of mayor in Elizabeth began long ago. These early leaders helped guide the community as it grew.

• Joseph Bonnell (mayor) served from 1739 until March 14, 1748. He passed away while still in office.
• Samuel Woodruff was mayor from 1748 to 1762.
• John De Hart served two terms, first from 1762 to 1772.
• Stephen Crane was mayor from 1772 to 1774.
• William Peartree Smith served from 1774 to 1776.
• From 1776 to 1788, during the American Revolutionary War and its aftermath, there was no official mayor.
• Samuel Crane (mayor) served from 1788 to 1789.
• John De Hart returned as mayor from 1789 until June 1, 1795. He also passed away while in office.
• Elias Dayton was mayor from 1795 to 1805.

Mayors in the 19th Century

The 1800s saw many changes in Elizabeth, and a number of mayors led the city through these times.

• Caleb Halsted, Jr. served for a long period, from 1805 to 1822.
• Jeremiah Ballard was mayor from 1822 until September 4, 1823, when he passed away in office.
• There was an unknown mayor from 1823 to 1825.
• Caleb Halsted, Jr. served again from 1825 to 1830.
• Isaac Halstead Williamson was mayor from 1830 to 1833. He also passed away while serving.
• Stephan P. Brittan served from 1833 to 1838.
• Smith Scudder was mayor from 1838 to 1839.
• William Chetwood served from 1839 to 1842.
• David Naar was mayor from 1842 to 1845.
• Elias Winans served from 1845 to 1846.
• Francis Barber Chetwood served two non-consecutive terms, first from 1846 to 1847.
• Edward Sanderson was mayor from 1847 to 1851.
• Francis Barber Chetwood served again from 1851 to 1853.
• Elias Darby was the last mayor of Elizabethtown, serving from 1853 to May 1, 1855. He then became the first mayor of the newly incorporated city of Elizabeth, New Jersey, serving until May 1, 1860.
• James Jenkins (mayor) was mayor from May 1, 1860, to May 1, 1861.
• James B. Burnet served from May 1, 1861, to May 1, 1862.
• Philip H. Grier was mayor from May 1, 1862, to January 1, 1871.
• Francis Barber Chetwood II served from January 1, 1871, to January 1, 1873.
• William A. Coursen was mayor from January 1, 1873, to January 1, 1875.
• Robert W. Townley served two non-consecutive terms, first from January 1, 1875, to January 1, 1878.
• James S. Green (mayor) was mayor from January 1, 1878, to January 1, 1879.
• Robert W. Townley served again from January 1, 1879, to January 1, 1880.
• Peter Bennett (mayor) was mayor from January 1, 1880, to January 1, 1882.
• Seth B. Ryder served from January 1, 1882, to January 1, 1883.
• Joseph H. Grier was mayor from January 1, 1883, to 1890.
• John C. Rankin, Jr. served from 1890 to 1898.
• William A.M. Mack was mayor from 1898 until January 14, 1901. He passed away while in office.

20th Century Mayors

The 1900s brought new challenges and growth to Elizabeth, guided by these mayors.

• Patrick J. Ryan (mayor) served two non-consecutive terms, first from 1901 to 1905.
• Samuel J. Berry was mayor from 1905 to 1907.
• Patrick J. Ryan (mayor) served again from 1907 to 1909.
• Victor Mravlag served two non-consecutive terms, first from 1909 to 1911.
• Alfred A. Stein was mayor from 1911 to 1913.
• Victor Mravlag served again from 1913 to 1923.
• John F. Kenah was mayor from 1922 to 1932.
• Thomas Williams (mayor) served from 1933 to 1935.
• Joseph A. Brophy was mayor from 1935 to 1939.
• James T. Kirk (mayor) served from 1939 to 1952.
• Nicholas Saint LaCorte was mayor from 1953 to 1955.
• Steven J. Bercik served from 1956 to 1964.
• Thomas Gerard Dunn was mayor from 1964 to 1992. He was known for being the longest-serving mayor of a city with more than 100,000 people in the nation at that time.

Modern Mayors

The city of Elizabeth continues to be led by dedicated individuals.

• J. Christian Bollwage has been mayor since 1992 and continues to serve today.