John Hinchliffe (1854–1915) was one of Paterson, New Jersey’s most influential civic and business leaders at the turn of the twentieth century. A successful brewer, New Jersey State Senator, and three-term Mayor of Paterson from 1897 to 1903, he guided the city through a period of remarkable industrial growth while leading it through two of its greatest challenges—the devastating Great Fire and the catastrophic flood of 1902. His calm and determined leadership earned him widespread respect and left a lasting mark on the city’s history.
Born in Paterson on January 4, 1854, Hinchliffe was the son of English immigrant brewer John Hinchliffe, founder of the Eagle Brewery. Following his father’s death, John and his brothers inherited and expanded the family business, organizing the Hinchliffe Brewing and Malting Company in 1890. Under their leadership, the brewery became one of the largest and most modern brewing operations in New Jersey, helping establish Paterson as an important brewing center in the late nineteenth century.
Before becoming mayor, Hinchliffe served on the Paterson Board of Education, was Commissioner of Taxes, and represented Passaic County in the New Jersey State Senate from 1891 to 1893. In 1897 he was elected Mayor of Paterson as a Democrat and was subsequently reelected, serving until 1903. During his administration, the city continued to expand its public infrastructure, industries, and municipal services while facing the extraordinary disasters of 1902. When neighboring communities offered assistance after the Great Fire and flood, Hinchliffe famously declared that Paterson would “take care of its own,” a statement that became synonymous with the city’s resilience and independent spirit.
Hinchliffe remained active in business and civic affairs until his death in 1915. His contributions were later commemorated when Paterson’s landmark stadium, Hinchliffe Stadium, was named in honor of both John Hinchliffe and his nephew, Mayor John V. Hinchliffe, recognizing the family’s lasting impact on the city. Today, John Hinchliffe is remembered as one of Paterson’s most distinguished mayors—a leader whose vision, public service, and commitment to his community helped shape the city’s identity during one of its defining eras.