For many years he was an active member of the Morrell st. (later the Water st., and since the Elizabeth ave.) Methodist Episcopal church, and served in the offices of trustee, steward, &c, and frequently was placed on important committees. He was foremost in the erection of a new church edifice. About 1831 he was a member of the Volunteer Fire Department, then numbering the most prominent citizens. See ” Firemen of the ancient time ” in Central N. J. Herald, May 28, 1881. He was a member of the Board of Aldermen, and during his last years was a director of the National Fire and Marine Insurance co. of Elizabeth. He retired from active business Apr. 1, 1866, bought and removed into the brick dwelling 311 (now 343) Washington st., Newark, N. J.

            He returned to Elizabeth, Mar. 25, 1873, and occupied the handsome residence, just completed by him, 450 Jefferson ave. (next the dwelling of his son, Edmund Janes  Cleveland, built by the latter from the same plans), fronting Jefferson Park. On Jan. 11, 1873, he accidentally slipped on the ice at Newark, breaking his right arm. From the effects of this injury he never fully recovered, and soon after removing to his new home it began to trouble him. He grew worse, a consultation of doctors was held, and it was found necessary to amputate the arm July 21. He d. at 3:11 p.m. the next day. Obituaries appeared in the Elizabeth Journal, Herald, Newark Daily Advertiser, &c. From ElizabethMonitor, July 25, 1873 [Editorial].

            In common with many old residents of Elizabeth it was our good fortune a long time since to make the acquaintance of Joseph Cleveland. He was noted for his amiability and excellent habits. Nearly a third of a century ago he was engaged in a prosperous business and gave it strict attention. He believed emphatically that what was worth doing should be well done. Such a man was bound to succeed for he deserved to prosper and wisely adapted his means to achieve success.

            From the earliest years of our acquaintance he feared God and was not ashamed or afraid to speak of the religion which filled his soul with gladness. In those days our most active business men who called themselves Christians found time to speak to each other of their temptations, trials, joys, and sorrows. The holy dead delighted to honor a his Master in word and deed. He let his light shine before men in such a manner that none could mistake his character. He so conducted his business that all were convinced that he was governed by the golden rule. His word was as much regarded as his bond, for in all his dealings he was actuated by noble principles. It is gratifying to know that he persevered in good works until the Master bade him come up higher. Ibid.

            The funeral took place July 25, at- 3 o’clock p. m.,from 450 Jefferson ave. A large concourse of people assembled (many of them our oldest citizens, and a number from Newark), completely filling all the available space in the roomy house and on the grounds in front. The body was encased in a casket covered with black cloth and with silver mountings.                            Above the deceased was suspended the appropriate words : ” Thy will be done,” while a large number of flowers wrought into beautiful designs filled the house with fragrance. Rev. James N. Fitzgerald of St. Paul’s M. E. church discoursed from the text : “

For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Rev. Nicholas Vansant offered a most feeling prayer. The deceased was viewed by the hundreds present, and all could not but admire the fine physique of the dead, who appeared to be only sleeping. The funeral procession, consisting of a long retinue of vehicles, wended its way to his lot in Evergreen cemetery, the last resting-place of the noble dead. 30 A very handsome marble monument has been erected to his memory.