Elsinboro Township, New Jersey

Elsinboro Township is a township in Salem County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 1,001,<ref name=LWD2020/> a decrease of 35 (−3.4%) from the 2010 census count of 1,036,<ref name=Census2010/><ref name=LWD2010/> which in turn reflected a decline of 56 (−5.1%) from the 1,092 counted in the 2000 census.<ref>Table 7. Population for the Counties and Municipalities in New Jersey: 1990, 2000 and 2010, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, February 2011. Accessed May 1, 2023.</ref>

Elsinboro's first mention dates back to May 12, 1701, though it was also mentioned in records on November 28, 1676. The details and date of its original incorporation are unknown. The township was incorporated by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on February 21, 1798, as one of New Jersey's original group of 104 townships.<ref name=Story>Snyder, John P. The Story of New Jersey's Civil Boundaries: 1606–1968, Bureau of Geology and Topography; Trenton, New Jersey; 1969. p. 215. Accessed October 25, 2012.</ref> The township was named for Fort Nya Elfsborg.<ref>Hutchinson, Viola L. The Origin of New Jersey Place Names, New Jersey Public Library Commission, May 1945. Accessed August 30, 2015.</ref>

History

At the time of European colonization in the 17th century the Delaware River was known as the South River and the Salem River was known as Varkens Kill, or Hogg Creek.<ref>Placenames of Salem County, NJ, West Jersey History Project / Salem County Historical Society . Accessed July 27, 2014.</ref> In 1641, without having a patent, a group of 60 settlers (20 families) from the New Haven Colony (in today's Connecticut) purchased land along the kill from indigenous Lenape.<ref>Chandler, Alfred N. Land Title Origins: A Tale of Force and Fraud', p. 242. Template:ISBN Accessed February 17, 2015.</ref><ref>Sheridan, Janet L. "Their Houses are Some Built of Timber": The Colonial Timber Frame Houses of Fenwick's Colony, New Jersey, p. 48. University of Delaware. School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy, 2007. Template:ISBN. Accessed February 17, 2015.</ref><ref>Template:Citation</ref>

Shortly after Johan Björnsson Printz, governor of New Sweden, arrived in the colony in 1643, he instructed that Fort Nya Elfsborg be built.<ref name="discoversalemcounty">Template:Cite web</ref> Named after the Old Älvsborg Fortress off shore from Gothenburg, Sweden, it was located on the Delaware River between Salem River and Alloway Creek. In 1655 Peter Stuyvesant, on behalf of the Dutch West India Company, re-asserted control over the region, which was later captured by the British in 1664.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township had a total area of 13.34 square miles (34.56 km²), including 11.93 square miles (30.90 km²) of land and 1.41 square miles (3.66 km²) of water (10.58%).<ref name=CensusArea/><ref name=GR1 />

The Salem River flows along a portion of the township's northern boundary, and Alloway Creek flows along its southern boundary.<ref>DeLorme (2005). New Jersey Atlas & Gazetteer. Yarmouth, Maine: DeLorme. Template:ISBN.</ref> Elsinboro Township contains the site of former Fort Elfsborg. Money Island is located in the southwestern corner of the township.

Elsinboro Township borders Lower Alloways Creek Township, Pennsville Township and Salem. Elsinboro also borders the Delaware Bay.<ref>New Jersey Municipal Boundaries, New Jersey Department of Transportation. Accessed November 15, 2019.</ref>

Unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the township include Elsinboro Neck, Elsinboro Point, Hagerville, Mill Creek Cove, Moores Corner, Oakwood Beach and Sinnickson Landing.Template:Citation needed<ref>Locality Search, State of New Jersey. Accessed May 21, 2015.</ref>

Demographics

2010 census

The 2010 United States census counted 1,036 people, 455 households, and 293 families in the township. The population density was Template:Convert. There were 524 housing units at an average density of Template:Convert. The racial makeup was 93.05% (964) White, 3.47% (36) Black or African American, 0.10% (1) Native American, 0.39% (4) Asian, 0.10% (1) Pacific Islander, 1.06% (11) from other races, and 1.83% (19) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.22% (23) of the population.<ref name=Census2010/>

Of the 455 households, 20.0% had children under the age of 18; 53.8% were married couples living together; 6.2% had a female householder with no husband present and 35.6% were non-families. Of all households, 27.5% were made up of individuals and 13.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.76.<ref name=Census2010/>

18.0% of the population were under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 22.0% from 25 to 44, 34.1% from 45 to 64, and 20.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48.6 years. For every 100 females, the population had 98.1 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 99.1 males.<ref name=Census2010/>

The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $64,107 (with a margin of error of +/− $9,891) and the median family income was $73,333 (+/− $14,834). Males had a median income of $59,904 (+/− $5,192) versus $42,188 (+/− $14,368) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $31,008 (+/− $2,997). About 1.5% of families and 2.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.9% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.<ref>DP03: Selected Economic Characteristics from the 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates for Elsinboro township, Salem County, New Jersey Template:Webarchive, United States Census Bureau. Accessed January 17, 2013.</ref>

2000 census

As of the 2000 United States census<ref name="GR2" /> there were 1,092 people, 468 households, and 324 families residing in the township. The population density was Template:Convert. There were 530 housing units at an average density of Template:Convert. The racial makeup of the township was 95.05% White, 3.57% African American, 0.18% Native American, 0.27% from other races, and 0.92% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.64% of the population.<ref name=Census2000>Census 2000 Profiles of Demographic / Social / Economic / Housing Characteristics for Elsinboro township, Salem County, New Jersey Template:Webarchive, United States Census Bureau. Accessed January 17, 2013.</ref><ref name=Census2000SF1>DP-1: Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2000 - Census 2000 Summary File 1 (SF 1) 100-Percent Data for Elsinboro township, Salem County, New Jersey Template:Webarchive, United States Census Bureau. Accessed January 17, 2013.</ref>

There were 468 households, out of which 24.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.7% were married couples living together, 8.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.6% were non-families. 26.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.80.<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/>

In the township the population was spread out, with 21.2% under the age of 18, 5.0% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 28.2% from 45 to 64, and 19.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.8 males.<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/>

The median income for a household in the township was $50,972, and the median income for a family was $59,688. Males had a median income of $42,232 versus $30,357 for females. The per capita income for the township was $25,415. About 2.1% of families and 1.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.9% of those under age 18 and 2.3% of those age 65 or over.<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/>

Government

Local government

Elsinboro Township is governed under the Township form of New Jersey municipal government, one of 141 municipalities (of the 564) statewide that use this form, the second-most commonly used form of government in the state.<ref>Inventory of Municipal Forms of Government in New Jersey, Rutgers University Center for Government Studies, July 1, 2011. Accessed June 1, 2023.</ref> The governing body is comprised of the Township Committee, whose three members are elected directly by the voters at-large in partisan elections to serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with one seat coming up for election each year as part of the November general election in a three-year cycle.<ref name=DataBook>2012 New Jersey Legislative District Data Book, Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, April 2006, p. 19.</ref><ref>"Forms of Municipal Government in New Jersey", p. 7. Rutgers University Center for Government Studies. Accessed June 1, 2023.</ref> At an annual reorganization meeting, the Township Committee selects one of its members to serve as Mayor.

Template:As of, members of the Elsinboro Township Committee are Mayor Sean M. Elwell (R, term on committee ends December 31, 2024; term as mayor ends December 31, 2022), Deputy Mayor Joseph McAllister (R, term on committee ends 2023 and term as deputy mayor ends 2022) and Douglas L. Hogate (D, 2022).<ref name=TownshipCommittee>Mayor and Township Committee, Elsinboro Township. Accessed May 23, 2022.</ref><ref>2022 Municipal Data Sheet, Elsinboro Township. Accessed May 23, 2022.</ref><ref name=Salem2021>Election Summary Report General Election Salem County November 2, 2021 Official Results Report, Salem County, New Jersey, updated November 15, 2021. Accessed January 1, 2022.</ref><ref name=Salem2020>Election Summary Report Salem County NJ General Election November 3, 2020 Official Report, Salem County, New Jersey, updated November 25, 2020. Accessed January 1, 2021.</ref><ref name=Salem2019>November 5, 2019 Summary Report Salem County, NJ Official Results, Salem County, New Jersey Clerk, updated November 18, 2019. Accessed January 1, 2020.</ref>

Federal, state and county representation

Elsinboro Township is located in the 2nd Congressional District<ref name=PCR2012>Plan Components Report, New Jersey Redistricting Commission, December 23, 2011. Accessed February 1, 2020.</ref> and is part of New Jersey's 3rd state legislative district.<ref name=Districts2011>Municipalities Sorted by 2011-2020 Legislative District, New Jersey Department of State. Accessed February 1, 2020.</ref><ref name=LWV2019>2019 New Jersey Citizen's Guide to Government, New Jersey League of Women Voters. Accessed October 30, 2019.</ref><ref>Districts by Number for 2011-2020, New Jersey Legislature. Accessed January 6, 2013.</ref>

Politics

As of March 2011, there were a total of 849 registered voters in Elsinboro Township, of which 234 (27.6% vs. 30.6% countywide) were registered as Democrats, 221 (26.0% vs. 21.0%) were registered as Republicans and 392 (46.2% vs. 48.4%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were 2 voters registered as Libertarians.<ref name=VoterRegistration>Voter Registration Summary - Salem, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 23, 2011. Accessed January 17, 2013.</ref> Among the township's 2010 Census population, 81.9% (vs. 64.6% in Salem County) were registered to vote, including 99.9% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 84.4% countywide).<ref name=VoterRegistration/><ref>GCT-P7: Selected Age Groups: 2010 - State -- County Subdivision; 2010 Census Summary File 1 for New Jersey Template:Webarchive, United States Census Bureau. Accessed January 17, 2013.</ref>

In the 2012 presidential election, Republican Mitt Romney received 59.2% of the vote (374 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 38.3% (242 votes), and other candidates with 2.5% (16 votes), among the 636 ballots cast by the township's 872 registered voters (4 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 72.9%.<ref name=2012Elections>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=2012VoterReg>Template:Cite web</ref> In the 2008 presidential election, Republican John McCain received 386 votes (58.3% vs. 46.6% countywide), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 248 votes (37.5% vs. 50.4%) and other candidates with 16 votes (2.4% vs. 1.6%), among the 662 ballots cast by the township's 870 registered voters, for a turnout of 76.1% (vs. 71.8% in Salem County).<ref>2008 Presidential General Election Results: Salem County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 23, 2008. Accessed January 17, 2013.</ref> In the 2004 presidential election, Republican George W. Bush received 421 votes (61.2% vs. 52.5% countywide), ahead of Democrat John Kerry with 262 votes (38.1% vs. 45.9%) and other candidates with 4 votes (0.6% vs. 1.0%), among the 688 ballots cast by the township's 875 registered voters, for a turnout of 78.6% (vs. 71.0% in the whole county).<ref>2004 Presidential Election: Salem County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 13, 2004. Accessed January 17, 2013.</ref>

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In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 71.1% of the vote (356 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 26.9% (135 votes), and other candidates with 2.0% (10 votes), among the 504 ballots cast by the township's 861 registered voters (3 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 58.5%.<ref name=2013Elections>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=2013VoterReg>Template:Cite web</ref> In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 266 votes (50.9% vs. 46.1% countywide), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 178 votes (34.0% vs. 39.9%), Independent Chris Daggett with 69 votes (13.2% vs. 9.7%) and other candidates with 7 votes (1.3% vs. 2.0%), among the 523 ballots cast by the township's 877 registered voters, yielding a 59.6% turnout (vs. 47.3% in the county).<ref>2009 Governor: Salem County Template:Webarchive, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 31, 2009. Accessed January 17, 2013.</ref>

Education

The Elsinboro Township School District public school students in kindergarten through eighth grade at Elsinboro Township School.<ref>School Performance Reports for the Elsinboro Township School District, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed March 6, 2024.</ref> As of the 2022–23 school year, the district, comprised of one school, had an enrollment of 119 students and 15.7 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 7.6:1.<ref name=NCES>District information for Elsinboro Township School District, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed February 1, 2024.</ref> In the 2016–17 school year, Elsinboro was tied as the 18th-smallest enrollment of any school district in the state, with 129 students.<ref>Guion, Payton. "These 43 N.J. school districts have fewer than 200 students", NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, September 2017. Accessed January 30, 2020. "Based on data from the state Department of Education from the last school year and the Census Bureau, NJ Advance Media made a list of the smallest of the small school districts in the state, excluding charter schools and specialty institutions.... 18. Elsinboro Township (tie) - Enrollment: 129; Grades: K-8; County: Salem"</ref>

Public school students in ninth through twelfth grades attend Salem High School in Salem City, together with students from Lower Alloways Creek Township, Mannington Township and Quinton Township, as part of a sending/receiving relationship with the Salem City School District.<ref>Our Sending Districts, Salem City School District. Accessed January 24, 2017. "Salem High School welcomes students from: Elsinboro Township School; Lower Alloways Creek School; Mannington Township School; Quinton Township School"</ref><ref>Shott, Meghan. "Salem High School", SouthJersey.com. Accessed January 24, 2017. "Students from Elsinboro, Lower Alloways Creek Township, Mannington Township and Quinton Township attend the high school as part of a sending/receiving relationship, according to the school's 2010 Report Card from the NJ Department of Education."</ref><ref>Bumpus, Robert L. Salem County Report on Consolidation and Regionalization, Salem County, New Jersey Executive County Superintendent, March 15, 2010. "In this area of Salem County four P-8 districts, Lower Alloway Creek, Quinton, Elsinboro, and Mannington Townships have a send/receive agreement with neighboring Salem City to send their students to Salem High School."</ref> As of the 2022–23 school year, the high school had an enrollment of 420 students and 38.0 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 11.1:1.<ref>School data for Salem High School, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed February 1, 2024.</ref>

Transportation

File:2018-09-10 14 28 29 View east along Salem County Route 624 (Fort Elfsborg Road) just east of Salem County Route 625 (Fort Elfsborg-Salem Road) in Elsinboro Township, Salem County, New Jersey.jpg

County Route 624 in Elsinboro Township

Template:As of, the township had a total of Template:Convert of roadways, of which Template:Convert were maintained by the municipality and Template:Convert by Salem County.<ref>Salem County Mileage by Municipality and Jurisdiction, New Jersey Department of Transportation, May 2010. Accessed July 24, 2014.</ref>

No Interstate, U.S., state or major county highways serve Elsinboro Township. The only numbered roads are minor county routes, such as County Route 624.

Notable people

Template:Category see also People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Elsinboro Township include:

• George Hires (1835–1911), represented New Jersey's 1st congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1885 to 1889<ref>George Hires profile, Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Accessed August 13, 2007.</ref>
• Pauline Waddington Holme (1848–1940), temperance and suffrage activist<ref>Nathanson, Marsha. Biographical Sketch of Pauline Waddington Holme, Alexander Street. Accessed May 23, 2022. "Pauline Waddington Holme was the eldest of seven children born to Joshua and Ann Waddington of Salem County, New Jersey. The Waddingtons were a prominent New Jersey family dating back several generations. Joshua Waddington owned a 140-acre farmstead in the Elsinboro Township of Salem County, and 500 acres along the Rappahannock River in Richmond, Virginia."</ref>
• Esther "Hetty" Saunders (1793–1862), poet of African American descent, born into slavery, who escaped to freedom with her family and lived most of her life in Elsinboro<ref>The Little Wanderer, New Jersey Women's History. Accessed May 23, 2022. "This poem is one of fifteen extant poems by Esther Saunders, a free African American woman living in Salem County in the first half of the 19th century. Known as 'Hetty,' Saunders was the daughter of an escaped slave from Delaware who had sought shelter for his small daughter among Salem County Quakers. Hetty was raised in the Hall family of Elsinboro and worked as a servant in their household and later in other Salem County households."</ref>

External links

• Elsinboro Township Website
• Elsinboro Township School
• Template:NJReportCard
• School Data for the Elsinboro Township School, National Center for Education Statistics
• History of Elsinboro