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It is confidently believed that all the Deckers, now resident in America, have had a common ancestor in Abraham DECKER, who settled in New York in the early days of colonization. From this point they have spread until they are represented in almost every State of the Union. A well known representative in the business world is to be found in the person of William DECKER, of Boonton, Morris county, New Jersey, who has inherited many of the characteristic traits of his sturdy Dutch ancestors. His father, Jacob DECKER, was born in Morris county, New Jersey, 1810. where this branch of the Decker family had been settled for some generations, and died near Boonton when he was over seventy years of age. He was a prosperous farmer and blacksmith, and was the owner of four farms, He married Ann VANDERHOOF, a descendant of another old Dutch family, and they had a large family of whom those now living are;
William DECKER was born near Boonton in Pequannock township, Morris county, New Jersey, in 1834, and has lived in Boonton since the Civil War. He owes his educational advantages to the public schools of his native township, and after leaving school his entire time was devoted to farming. July 18, 1861, he enlisted, being assigned to the First New York Mounted Rifles, under General Kilpatrick, and was in active service three years. He was an active participant in numerous battles, and was honorably discharged at City Point as veteran sergeant. Upon returning to his home, he followed various occupations for a time. then purchased his present farm, and also a tract of timber land. During a period of eighteen years he operated a saw mill, and was also engaged in teaming. Another industry which claimed a share of his time and attention was a threshing machine, which he operated with much success. He is now living retired from these active industries, but by no means leading an idle life. He is Republican in political opinion, and a member of John Rail Post, Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. Decker married (first) Elvina YOUNG, who died prior to the Civil War, he married (second) Martha A. YOUNG, a sister of his first wife. Children by first marriage;
Children by second marriage:
This biography was transcribed by Ida King. |
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