Joseph W. Emmons

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Joseph W. Emmons

Biographical and Genealogical History of Morris County New Jersey. Illustrated. Vol. II., Lewis Publishing Company, New York and Chicago, 1899.

He to whom this memoir is dedicated was a representative of one of the first families that made a permanent location in Morris county. His father was Jacob EMMONS, his grandfather Nicholas EMMONS, and the latter was a man of large means, owning an extensive tract of land in what is now the Emmons and Wortman neighborhood, south of Chester. Joseph W. EMMONS was born on that farm, March 1, 1832, and in the usual manner of farmer lads of that period acquired his education. After arriving at years of maturity he married Miss Esther LEEK, a daughter of Daniel and Jane (CHIPS) LEEK, the wedding being celebrated on the 2d of July, 1854. He then located upon the farm upon which his widow now resides and by his well directed business efforts accumulated a handsome competence, which enabled him to leave his family in comfortable circumstances. He was industrious and energetic and his well tilled fields and carefully repaired fences and buildings indicated the oversight of a thrifty and painstaking manager.

Mr. EMMONS was very popular as a citizen and such were the many excellencies of his character that the circle of his friends was limited only by the circle of his acquaintances. He believed firmly in the principles of Democracy and at the polls supported the men and measures of his party, but never held or desired political office, preferring that others should attend to the administering of public affairs. He died May 11, 1878, and throughout the community he was mourned as a loyal citizen, a faithful friend, an upright man and a devoted husband and father.

His surviving children are

Elias W., to whom individual references made in the next sketch,
Joseph Austin and
Theodore S.

The second son was born March 11, 1858, was educated in the district school near his home and has spent his entire life with his mother on the old farmstead. Theodore, the youngest son, was born December 11, 1865, and has spent his entire life in the home neighborhood. Like his brothers, he was educated in the country schools and, like them, is one of the progressive and substantial farmers of the township. He was married in September, 1887, to Miss Ella ROWE, who died April 19, 1896.

This biography was scanned and contributed by Catherine Smith DeMayo.