The province of Alsace (that bone of contention between Germany and France), was, at the birth of Joseph Conrad, as it is now, a part of Germany and under German government. He emigrated to the United States, and settled in Amsterdam, New York, in 1854, where he worked at his trade of shoemaker. He was four times married, reared a large family, and died at the age of eighty-two.
(II) John, son of Joseph Conrad, was born in Keshterholtz, near Schlettstatt, Alsace, Germany, August 24, 1827, died in Amsterdam, New York, March 10, 1892. He grew to manhood in his native province; learned the trade of dyer, and married. In 1854, with his wife and one child John, he emigrated to the United States. After a short time spent in New York city, they came to Amsterdam, New York, where, not being able to obtain employment at his trade, he entered a broom factory, where he was employed until his death. The story of his coming to the United States and early days at Amsterdam is one of great trial and tribulation. The town was small, Germans were few, hospitality was not extended to the emigrant of any nationality, especially a German, and it was difficult, and at first impossible, to even obtain shelter. Their gentle ways, honest, industrious habits, soon won them friends and prosperity, and comfort followed, as it always follows the German settler. The Conrads became skilled workmen in their lines of work, and from a very humble beginning in the new world became solid, substantial citizens, honored and respected. John Conrad married (first) in Alsace, Lena Brehm, born there about 1830, died in Amsterdam, 1873, daughter of Jacob Brehm, who died in Amsterdam, 1878, aged eighty-two. He married (second) Mrs. Margaret (Coglee) Kingler, born in Byron, Bavaria, in 1834, who married (first) William Kingler, born in Westphalia, Germany; came to the United States in 1847; became a broom manufacturer of Amsterdam; died 1872. Mrs. John Conrad survives her husband and resides in Amsterdam. Children, all by first marriage; four surviving, seven died in infancy:
- John (2), born 1852; learned the broom manufacturing business; removed to Everett, Massachusetts, where he is owner and manager of the Conrad Broom Company; married Mary, daughter of Miles Burke, and has Kittie, Grace, Walter and Earl Conrad; a son William died in infancy.
- Jacob William, October 9, 1866; a successful shoe dealer of Amsterdam; married Elizabeth Mattern, born in Oldham, Baden Baden, Germany, August 23, 1860, and has
- Frank, born August 24, 1898, and
- Theresa, born August 10, 1899.
- George H., October 9, 1866; learned the trade of plasterer; in the employ of his brother, Frederick J.; married Mary Kennedy, and has Rosetta, Edward, Magdalena, Gabriel, and George (2).
- Frederick Joseph; see forward.
(III) Frederick Joseph, son of John and Lena (Brehm) Conrad, was born in Amsterdam, New York, March 19, 1869. At the age of sixteen his school days ended and he was apprenticed to a contractor and builder, with whom he served his full time, thoroughly mastering the builder's trade. At the age of twenty he began contracting, and has successfully continued that line up to the present time. He has contracted and built over one hundred houses in Amsterdam and acquired considerable real estate of his own. Besides his contracting and building he is largely interested in the Guy Park Cement Company of Amsterdam, which he organized for the manufacture of building cement. The company has erected several buildings of their own material, and are thoroughly established in favor. He is a member of the New York State Builders Association. The family are members of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church. Frederick J. Conrad married, in Troy, New York, Jennie Burns, born at Fish House, Fulton county, New York, of Irish parentage; she was reared and educated in Amsterdam. Children:
- Margaret J., born July 27, 1897.
- F. Ward, August 9, 1898.
- Charles B., December 14, 1900.