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Anselm B. DECKER, of Hopatcong, Morris county, New Jersey, is the bearer of a name frequently met with in the United States. It is a genuine German surname, frequently spelled DECHER, which represents the number ten, and was applied to the tenth child. Some assume, however, that the name was derived from the occupation of a decker, one who builds or lays the decks of vessels. The name is common in Germany, and the family is also found in Holland, whither it is believed they fled to escape religious persecution. It is found in the early records of Staten Island, where Johannes de DECKER arrived in April, 1665. He was a prominent man in his day, filling a number of public offices and then retired to his farm on Staten Island. Morris DECKER, grandfather of Anselm B. DECKER, was an old resident of Morris county. His son, Morris C. DECKER, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Newfoundland, Morris county, and settled at Raccoons Island, more than seventy years ago, and died there in 1899. He was one of the first settlers in his section, and was a noted fisherman. As a small boy he had visited Lake Hopatcong with his parents, and his admiration of the place never abated. He married _____, who died in 1906, and had children: James, a fisherman, died unmarried in 1901; George, died in 1900, also a fisherman, married Mahlon SMITH, and his widow and children now reside at Mount Washington; Mahlon S., whose sketch appears in this work; Euphemia, married Joseph TRIPP, and lives in Illinois; Anselm B., whose name heads this sketch. Anselm B. DECKER was born on Raccoon Island, Jefferson township, Morris county, New Jersey, August 17, 1863. Having acquired a practical education in the public schools of Hurdtown, he engaged in fishing at the early age of fifteen years, and has continued this as his life work. He is also a successful manufacturer of artificial bait, and his customers have come from all parts of the United States. He was engaged in this manufacture for a number of years, then abandoned it for a period of three years. Recently he has again engaged in this line of enterprise, and has installed the most improved machinery for this purpose. He is familiar with every nook and corner of Lake Hopatcong, and has sounded almost every foot of it. He is conceded to be the best guide and fisherman in this section of the country, and has acted in the latter capacity to many noted personages, among then being Ex-Governor GRIGGS, of New Jersey; Vice President HOBART; General HEPPENHEIMER; and Rex BEACH, the popular author. Mr. DECKER is a Democrat politically. He is the owner of a fine home on Raccoon Island, and of a considerable amount of real estate there. He married, in 1890, Delia BAIN, of Brooklyn, New York; children: Vincent, James, Charles, Robert, Sarah, Emily and Edith. Mr. DECKER is deservedly popular in a large circle, as he is always ready to lend a helping hand to further any worthy effort. Transcribed by John Cresseveur |
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