Mayor of Elizabeth, New Jersey facts for kids

A mayor is the leader of a city or town. They are in charge of making sure the city runs smoothly. This includes things like public safety, city services, and local laws. The mayor works with a city council to make important decisions for everyone living in the city.

Mayors of Elizabeth, New Jersey

Elizabeth, New Jersey, has had many mayors throughout its history. These leaders have helped shape the city over hundreds of years. From its early days as Elizabethtown to the modern city it is today, mayors have played a key role.

What Does a Mayor Do?

A mayor is like the chief executive of a city. They oversee city departments and services. This includes things like police, fire, parks, and public works. Mayors also represent the city at events and work to attract new businesses. They are elected by the people of the city.

Recent Mayors of Elizabeth

Elizabeth has a long history of dedicated leaders. Here are some of the people who have served as mayor, starting with the most recent.

J. Christian Bollwage (1992-Present)

J. Christian Bollwage has been the mayor of Elizabeth since 1992. He is the current mayor, serving the city for over three decades. His long term shows his dedication to the community.

Thomas Gerard Dunn (1964-1992)

Thomas Gerard Dunn served as mayor for 28 years. He was mayor from 1964 until 1992. At one point, he was the longest-serving mayor of a large city in the United States. He passed away in 1998.

Steven J. Bercik (1956-1964)

Steven J. Bercik was mayor before Thomas Dunn. He served for eight years, from 1956 to 1964. He passed away in 2003.

Nicholas Saint LaCorte (1953-1955)

Nicholas Saint LaCorte had a shorter term as mayor. He served from 1953 to 1955. He passed away in 1966.

James T. Kirk (1939-1952)

James T. Kirk was mayor for 13 years. His term lasted from 1939 to 1952. He passed away in 1974.

Mayors Through the Years

Many other individuals have served as mayor of Elizabeth. Each one contributed to the city's development.

• Joseph A. Brophy (1935-1939)
• Thomas Williams (1933-1935)
• John F. Kenah (1922-1932)
• Victor Mravlag (1913-1923 and 1909-1911)
• Alfred A. Stein (1911-1913)
• Patrick J. Ryan (1907-1909 and 1901-1905)
• Samuel J. Berry (1905-1907)
• William A.M. Mack (1898-1901). He passed away while still in office.
• John C. Rankin, Jr. (1890-1898)
• Joseph H. Grier (1883-1890)
• Seth B. Ryder (1882-1883)
• Peter Bennett (1880-1882)
• Robert W. Townley (1879-1880 and 1875-1878)
• James S. Green (1878-1879)
• William A. Coursen (1873-1875)
• Francis Barber Chetwood II (1871-1873)
• Philip H. Grier (1862-1871)
• James B. Burnet (1861-1862)
• James Jenkins (1860-1861)

The First Mayors of Elizabeth

Elias Darby served as mayor from 1855 to 1860. He was the very first mayor of the newly incorporated City of Elizabeth, New Jersey. He had also been the last mayor of Elizabethtown from 1853 to 1855.

• Francis Barber Chetwood (1851-1853 and 1846-1847)
• Edward Sanderson (1847-1851)
• Elias Winans (1845-1846)
• David Naar (1842-1845)
• William Chetwood (1839-1842)
• Smith Scudder (1838-1839)
• Stephan P. Brittan (1833-1838)
• Isaac Halstead Williamson (1830-1833). He passed away while in office.
• Caleb Halsted, Jr. (1825-1830 and 1805-1822)
• There was an unknown mayor from 1823 to 1825.
• Jeremiah Ballard (1822-1823). He passed away while in office.
• Elias Dayton (1795-1805)
• John De Hart (1789-1795). He passed away while in office.
• Samuel Crane (1788-1789)
• From 1776 to 1788, there was no official representative in this role.
• William Peartree Smith (1774-1776)
• Stephen Crane (1772-1774)
• John De Hart (1762-1772)
• Samuel Woodruff (1748-1762)
• Joseph Bonnell (1739-1748). He passed away while in office.