John J. Ely

Who was John J. Ely?

John J. Ely, Esq. was an American politician who served as a freeholder, as sheriff of Monmouth County, New Jersey, and as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly.

Elected sheriff in 1817, during the Era of Good Feelings, as a Democratic Republican, Ely served three, one-year terms, the constitutional term limit at the time.

In the March 1822 township elections, he was elected to represent Freehold Township on the Board of Chosen Freeholders. At the May 8, 1822 annual reorganization, he was chosen as Director, and served as Director until May 13, 1835, when he left the board.

In October 1822, Ely was elected to a one-year term representing Monmouth County in the New Jersey General Assembly

As the Era of Good Feelings closed, Ely affiliated with the National Republican Party, and returned to the shrievalty in 1825. He served three years. In 1832 and 1833, he was the National Republican Candidate for the Monmouth County seat in the New Jersey Legislative Council, losing both times to Daniel Holmes.

In 1829, John J. Ely moved to Holmdel Township, where he died on January 11, 1852. He is buried in the Holmdel Baptist Churchyard.