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CONRAD BICKHARD
Originally published in 1900 |
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CONRAD BICKHARD, only son of Henry and Maria (Stermer) Bickhard,
was born in Hesse, Germany, October 12, 1820. In his youth and early
manhood he received a thorough industrial training, especially in the line
of woodworking, and for several years he made spinning wheels and weavers' looms. He was a natural mechanic, endowed with great artistic skill,
and became an expert in all branches of carpentering and cabinet work.
His tastes inclined toward the finest workmanship, and even to fine carving,
many examples of which are still extant. His grandfather was on a
visit to America at the time the Declaration of Independence was signed.
In 1845 Mr. Bickhard left the Fatherland for America, and in New York
City, where he lived for about six years, engaged in carpentering and cabinetmaking.
In 1853 he became one of the pioneers of what is now West New York, Hudson County, N. J. The story of his settlement there is interesting. He was obliged to cut his way through the woods almost from the ferry to a point about five miles northwest, and on the spot where his widow now resides erected a rude house, which his family occupied until he could build a more comfortable home. His nearest neighbor was more than two miles distant. All around him were forests, yet out of these he carved his home, and lived to see the timber cleared away, houses spring up, and a village grow into activity. Here he followed the trade of carpenter with success, and occasionally gratified his finer instincts by making pieces of household furniture, many of which are still prized for their elegance as well as for their associations. He received a premium for good scholar- ship in architecture. Mr. Bickhard served seven months as a member of a New Jersey regiment in the Civil War, being honorably discharged on account of illness. An ardent Republican, he was for many years a School Trustee and District Clerk, and was one of the first five members and founders of the German Reformed Church of the Town of Union. He was also a member of the Harugari, of the old " Seven Wise Men," and of the original fire department in West New York. Mr. Bickhard always took an active interest in the growth and prosperity of his town, was prominent in every movement designed to advance its welfare, and was highly respected by all who knew him. He died October 15, 1875. He was married in September, 1846, to Catherine, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Mabes) Arnold, of Hesse. Germany, where she was born April 30, 1825. She survives him and resides in the family homestead in West New York which he built. They had nine children, one of whom, Henry Bickhard, enlisted in the United States regular army. Four are living, viz.: Amelia (Mrs. Scommodau), Matilda (Mrs. Lurcott), Charles, and Mary.
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