James Decker

     James was born in 1787 in Sussex County, New Jersey. The 1810 U.S. Federal Census enumerates at New Windsor, Orange County, New York, the family of James Decker [101:001]. On the same page 9 listings down is Adam Decker, [02011:10101].² James married Sarah Norman on 24 October 1810 in Sussex County, New Jersey. James married 2nd Mary Durham in 1823 in Sparta Township. The 1830 U.S. Federal Census enumerates at Hardyston Township, Sussex County, New Jersey, the family of James Decker [1010101:20112]. Listed directly below him are: William Decker [0010101:0001001] & Halsey Decker [00001:00001].³ The 1840 U.S. Federal Census enumerates at Hardyston Township, Sussex County, New Jersey, the family of James Decker [11110001:001101].⁴ 18 October 1850, James and his wife, Mary, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Sparta Township, Sussex County, New Jersey. Enumerated in this household were James Decker [63 New Jersey], Mary [49 New Jersey], John [21 New Jersey], Amya [13 New Jersey], Sarah [22 New Jersey] & a laborer: James Foley [35 Ireland].⁵ James made his will on 16 August 1855.

I James Decker of the township of Sparta in Sussex County and the State if New Jersey term of her natural life to be paid by my six children to whom I have herein deviseddeclare this writing to be my last will and testatment.
I order and direct all my past debts and expenses to be paid and satisfied as soon as conveniently can be after my decease.
I give and bequeath to my wife Mary Decker the sum of one hundred and twenty five dollars ro be paid to her annually during the term of her natural life to be paid by my six children to whom I have herein devised my lands a d real estate equally between them and I make the payment of the said sum of one hundred and twenty five dollars yearly a lein upson all the lands and real estate herein after divided when paid sum is in lien of the right of Dower of my osaid wife in all my real estate.
All the rest and residue of my estate real and personal I devise and bequeath to my six children viz Harriet – wife of Sering B. Munson Caroline wife of James L. Munson James L. Decker Cornelia wife of GabrielB. Post John Decker and Amzi Decker equally to be divided between them share and share alike subject to a deduction from their respective shares of the ____ already made by me to four of these which are herein after named. I have already advanced to Harriet the wife of Sering B. Munson the sum of thirteen hundred dollars, to Caroline the wife o James L. Munson the sum of eight hundred dollars, James L Decker the sum of five hundred dollars, to Cornelia the wife of Gabriel B. Post the sum of two hundred dollars which said advancements with the interest which shall accrue thereon respectively shall be deducted from their respective shares in order to make them all equal.
It is my will that the share of my estate herein devidec to my son John Decker sall be held by him for and during the term of his natural life and after his decease I give the ssame to his children who shall survive himequally to be divided between them share and share alike.
I have already advanced to my daughter Mary the wife of Ezekiel Dennis what I consider her equal share of all my estate, and have not therefore left her anything in this my will.
I appoint my sons James L. Decker and John Decker and my son in law James L. Munson to be the executors of this my last will and testament.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this sixteenth day of August in the year eighteen hundred and fifty five. James Decker.⁶

4 August 1860, James and his wife, Mary, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Sparta Township, Sussex County, New Jersey. Enumerated in this household were James Decker [73 New Jersey], Mary [60 New Jersey] and a domestic: Anna Darling [20 New Jersey]. He is a farmer with real estate valued at $13,000 and personal estate valued at $3,000. Listed above him is his son, James, and directly below him is a John Decker, possibly a brother.⁷ James departed this life on Thursday, 5 February 1863 in Sparta Township at age 76 years.⁸ He was buried at Sparta Township, Sussex County, New Jersey, in Sparta Cemetery.