The first four mayors are considered "colonial" in that their power stemmed from royal charters granted by the British monarchy.
Beginning in 1784, the leader of the city served pursuant to a charter granted by the State of New Jersey.
In the early years of the city, its leaders were selected by the British monarchy, and then later by the State Legislature of New Jersey.
From 1915 to 1970, every four years, the city would elect five commissioners, who would then select from among themselves who would be given the title of mayor.
Though not always the case, the title would often go to the candidate who performed best in the preceding election.