My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM CONRADT. One of the best improved farms in Berrien County is located in Buchanan Township and comprises two hundred and seventy-eight acres, all under splendid cultivation with the exception of fifty-eight acres. The place is embellished with substantial structures, each admirably adapted to the purpose for which it is intended. The improvements noticeable are the result of energy and industry on the part of the owner, Mr. Conradt, who for many years made his home on this farm. In 1893, however, he came to Buchanan and now resides in this village. He still gives his personal attention to the management of the place, and superintends it with the skill and discretion which have always characterized his efforts.

A native of Germany, Mr. Conradt was born near Stuttgart, Wurtemberg, May 26, 1843. His father, Andrew Conradt, was likewise born in Wurtemberg, and was a farmer by occupation. Upon coming to America in 1846, he located in Buchanan Township, Berrien County, Mich., and after operating as a renter for a time, purchased a farm on section 20. There he remained until his death, at the age of fifty-eight years. His wife, whom he had married in Germany, was Fredericka Hagley in her maidenhood, and she died at the age of sixty-four. They were the parents of eleven children, eight of whom are now living, our subject being the eighth in order of birth.

At the age of three years William Conradt was brought by his parents to America, and grew to manhood in Buchanan Township, Berrien County. His father being a poor man, he was obliged to aid in the support of the family, and his educational advantages were very meagre. Their first house was made with poles and covered with bark. He assisted in clearing the home farm and early became familiar with agricultural pursuits. Soon after the outbreak of the war he enlisted as a member of Company K, Twenty-fifth Michigan Infantry and was ordered to the front in 1862. He participated in many of the hard-fought battles of the war and served with valor and fearless loyalty to the cause of the Union. His service covered a period of three years, lacking one month, and while he fortunately escaped any serious injuries, he was slightly wounded in the left hand by a minie-ball at the engagement near Kenesaw Mountain, Ga. At the close of hostilities, in July, 1865, he was honorably discharged at Jackson, Mich., and was mustered out of service at the same place. During part of his term of service they were obliged to live upon corn in the ear, with scarcely any other provisions.

Returning to Buchanan Township, Mr. Conradt resumed his farming duties, and soon afterward took unto himself a helpmate. In 1866 he married Fredericka Hagley, a native of Germany, and they became the parents of the following-named children: Alfred, William J., Jacob F. and Ida (deceased), Alma and Andrew M. The second marriage of Mr. Conradt took place in 1881 and united him with Miss Amanda Andre, a native of Pennsylvania. Their union has been blessed by the birth of four children, whose names are: Mary, Emma M., Jay A. and Clem C. From the time of his return from the war until 1893, Mr. Conradt has continuously resided upon his farm in Buchanan Township, with the exception of four months spent in California.

In religious work Mr. Conradt maintains an uninterrupted interest and is identified with the Evangelical Association, being one of its Trustees and having formerly served as Superintendent of its Sunday-school. In his politics he is a Republican and has filled the position of Pathmaster of Buchanan Township. In regard to social connections he is actively associated with the Modern Woodmen of America, being a member of William Perrett Post No. 22, G. A. R.