William Bicher ^{1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8}

   Other names for William were William Beicher ¹² and William Bicker.

   FamilySearch ID: 9C6N-PQ4.

  Noted events in his life were:

1. Census in 1830 in Brecknock, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. ¹³ The 1830 census recorded John Bechard (sic) with this household:
Males (born)
Under 5 (1826-1830) = 2 sons Isaac and Henry
5-9 (1821-1825) = 1 son William
10-14 (1816-1820) = 1 son Jacob
30-39 (1791-1800) = 1 father John
Females (born)
10-14 (1816-1820) = 2 daughters Elizabeth & Lydia
30-39 (1791-1800) = 1 mother Catharine.

2. Census in 1850 in East Cocalico Twp., Lancaster, PA. ¹⁴ William Bicher, age 28, laborer, appears in East Cocalico Township in the 1850 Census living with his wife, Sarah, 26; Elizabeth, 2; Catherine, 1; and mother, Catherine, 60, widow. All were born in Pennsylvania. Neighbors are Philip Von Neida, 39; William Rahrer, a 62-year-old distiller; William Kline, 31; and John Flickinger, 51. A few homes earlier in the census is Henry Redcay and wife Lydia nee Bicher, likely William's sister.

3. Census in 1860 in Adamstown, Lancaster, PA. ¹⁰ William Bicher, age 32, carpenter, is living with Sarah, age 30. Their children are Elizabeth, 12; Catherine, 10; Sarah, 6; Henry, 4; and Rebecca, 1.

4. Census in 1870 in Adamstown, Lancaster, PA. ¹⁵ William Bicher, age 49, employed as a hatter, is living with Sarah, age 46; Catherine, age 21, hats; Sarah, age 17, hats; Henry, age 16, day laborer; Rebecca, 11, cigar hand; and Emma, 5.

5. He signed a will Will of William Bicher on 10 Aug 1878 in Adamstown, Lancaster, PA. ¹⁶ William Bicher died January 9th 1899 at 11:15 o'clock in the afternoon as per affidavit filed \emdash
In the Name of God Amen I William Bicher of the Borough of Adamstown in the County of Lancaster and State of Pennsylvania Mechanic being of sound mind memory and understanding do make and publish this my last will and testament heirs by revoking and making void all former wills by me at any time heretofore made and first I direct that my body be decently interred and that my funeral be conducted in a manner representing with my estate and situation in life and as to such worldly estate as it hath pleased God to intrust me with I dispose of the same as follows: -
Item, I direct that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid as soon after my decease as possible out of the first moneys that shall come into the hands of my Executors from any person of my Estate real or presence
Item, I give and bequeath unto my dear wife Sally my brick dwelling house and lot on which the same is situated and all such outbuildings erected thereon to enjoy and use the same during her natural life. In case my said wife should find it impossible after my decease to live comfortably from the income of the money which I have hereinafter provided to be placed on interest for her, a sufficient portion of the principal sum placed on interest for her hereinafter provided shall be used by my said wife as she should rather prefer. At any time after my decease that the aforesaid house and lot and other buildings shall be sold and that money placed on interest for her with the other money or moneys hereinafter provided by me to be placed on interest for her then I direct and command my Executors hereafter named and I do hereby vest them with proper presence authority to sell the aforesaid house and lot and other buildings at private or public sale and execute good and lawful deed or deeds for the sale of the same and the net proceeds of said sale I command my Executors to invest in first class security taking as the security of the same either first mortgage or other good security and the legal interest arising from the principal sum so invested to be paid to and received by my said wife semi annually during her natural life provided that nothing herein contained shall be construed so as to prevent my said wife to consume so much of the principal sum so invested as may be necessary for her comfortable support provided she shall find it is possible after my decease to live comfortably from the interest money derived from the investment of such principal sum.
Item, I further direct that my lot fronting on main street in the Borough of Adamstown aforesaid adjoining the lot of my son-in-law Henry Bucher and also adjoining my private alley be and remain as the property of my dear wife Sally for her use and enjoyment during her natural life if she my said wife so prefer but if she desires to have the said lot disposed of then I command that my Executors sell the said lot either at private or public sale and I do hereby vest them with proper authority to execute good and lawful deed or deeds for the sale of the same, and the net proceeds arising from the sale of the same I direct my Executors to invest in the same good manner as aforesaid provided the legal interest devised from the investment of such money to be paid to my said wife Sally semi annually during her natural life. Provided that nothing herein contained shall be construed to bar my said wife from assuming so much of the principal sum so invested as may be necessary for her comfortable support, provided however that if my Executors sell the aforesaid lot then they shall determine the front of said lot by measuring from the line fence running between said lot and the lot of my son-in-law Henry Bucher thirty feet towards the lot on which is situated my brick dwelling.
Item, I further direct that the part or parcel of a certain lot which I sold my son-in-law Henry Bucher, on which he has erected a dwelling house and the said part or parcel remaining from said lot so sold which said part or parcel is my property shall be sold to my son-in-law Henry Bucher notwithstanding that he is also one of my Executors mentioned in this my last will and testament, at a reasonable price if he shall be
Desirable to purchase the same and if he shall not desire to purchase said part or parcel then said my Executors to sell the same in the most advantageous manner that possibly can and appropriate the net proceeds arising from the sale of the same in the same manner as aforesaid presented in regard to the sale of any or all of my real estate and execute good and lawful deed or deeds for the sale of the same and provided that the money or moneys arising from the sale of the same shall be subject to the interests of my wife as the provisions aforesaid made by me, all taxes due and chargeable on my Estate shall be paid by my said wife so long as she may possess such real estate.
Item, I direct and command that Executors sell as soon after my decease as possible all my goods and chattels at public sale excepting from said sale however such of my household and kitchen furniture as may be deeded to be retained by my dear wife Sally and the net proceeds arising from such sale I direct that my Executors place in interest taking none but first class security for the same, the legal interest to be received and paid to my said wife semi -annually during her natural life. The principal shall be subject however to the same provisions for my said wife to consume so much of the principal as may be necessary for her comfortable support providing she cannot live comfortably from the interest derived from the money invested for her.
Item. I command that as soon after my decease as possible my Executors payment of any money that may come into their hand out of my real or personal Estate unto my said wife such an amount of money that may to necessary for the support of my said wife until she
records her first annual interest and no longer.
Item. It is the true intent and meaning of this my last will and testament that all money or moneys which I have to be placed on interest after my decease the legal interest which I have ordered to be paid to my said wife Sally during her natural life that the principal sum or sums of money to be placed on interest after my decease the legal interest which I have ordered to be paid to my said wife Sally during her natural life that the principal sum or sums of money so placed on interest may be consumed by my said wife, for her comfortable support and maintenance provided she shall find it insufficient to live properly from the interest money devised from such principal sum or sums invested as aforesaid and it is also the intent and meaning of this my last will and testament that the provisions of this item be construed to her the same effect in reference to my Real Estate.
Item, Believing that my wife Sally will make a proper provision for our children I do therefore, in this last will and testament, vest her with proper authority to make and execute a will in which she shall have power and authority to and among our six children namely Elizabeth, Kate, Sally, Henry, Rebecca and Emma, all the rest and residue that she may not have considered of my entire estate during her natural life in such shares legacies or portions as she may deem proper.
Item, I do hereby make, ordain, constitute and appoint my son-in-law Henry Bucher and my son Henry Bicher Executors of this my last will and testament.
In witness whereof I William Bicher the testator have to this my last will and testament written on four sheets of paper set my hand and seal this tenth day of August in the year of our one thousand Eight hundred and Seventy Eight.
William Bicher (signed)

The writing contained in this and the three preceding sheets was signed and sealed by the man named William Bicher and by him published and declared as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names in his presence and in the presence of each other.
Henry Fichthorn (signed)
Benjamin Steffey (signed)

Lancaster County SS
On the 3rd day of February AD 1898 before me the subscriber personally appeared Henry Fichthorn and Benjamin Steffey the subscribing witnesses to the preceding will and on their solemn affirmations did declare and say that they were present and saw and heard William Bicher the testator therein named sign seal publish pronounce and declare the same to be his last will and testament and that at the time he was of sound and well disposing mind memory and understanding to the best of their knowledge observation and belief. February 2nd 1899 letters of Testamentary granted to Henry Bucher and Henry Bicher the Executors named in the annexed will they being duly affirmed.
.

6. Census in 1880 in Adamstown, Lancaster, PA. ⁹ William Bicher, age 58, carpenter, is living with Sallie Beacher, age 56; Kate Bicher, 30, works in hat factory; Rebecca Bicher, 21, works in cigar making; and Emma Bicher, 15, works in hat factory.

7. Newspaper: The Inquirer: Story about Court Actions re late Jacob Bicher's minor children, 20 Mar 1880, Lancaster, Lancaster, PA. ¹⁷ Argument Court: The March arguement court opened on Monday Morning.
On petition, the Court appointed W. W. Fetter, Adamstown, guardian of the minor children of Jacob Bicher, late of Brecknock township, deceased, and also authorized him to join in the sale and conveyance of the interest of the said minors, an certain estate in Brecknock township, to William Bicher, it being for the interest and benefit of said minors to make said sale.

8. He was elected as as an assessor according to the History of Lancaster County in 1883 in Adamstown, Lancaster, PA. ¹⁸ In 1883 the assessor for the borough was William Knauer; assistant assessors were Levi C. Schnader and William Bicher; Constable, Cyrus Miller; Auditor, R. M. Hyman; Treasurer, Levi C. Schnader.

9. Occupation: carpenter in 1899 in Adamstown, Lancaster, PA. ¹⁹ 1899 Lancaster City Directory:
Biecher Emma, hat trimmer, bds Main nr Fetter's store
Biecher Kate, cigarmaker, bds Main nr Fetter's store
Biecher Rebecca, cigarmaker, bds Main nr Fetter's store
Biecher William, carpenter, h Main nr Fetter's store
Bucher Henry, hatter, h Main nr Fetter's store
Bucher Reuben, hatter, h Main opp Lancaster Co. House.

10. In 1899 in Reamstown: Salem Lutheran Church, Lancaster, PA. ³ His death record in the Salem Lutheran Church record book reads:

William Bicher, born July 26, 1821, died January 9, 1899 in Adamstown, buried January 14, 1899 in Adamstown. Aged 77 years, 5 months, 13 days. Married to Sallie Echternact. 6 children, 1 dead. Cause of death, grippe and old age. Text: Psa. 116:7.

11. Property in Adamstown, Lancaster, PA. Deed Book I29
Page 00545
William-Est Bicher
Grantee: Kate Bicher
Parcel ID: 010 Adamstown Borough

William Bicher's Exqrs, Et. Al.
To
Kate Bicher
This indenture, made the Sixteenth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and ninety three (1903). BETWEEN Henry Bucher and Henry Bicher, Executors of the last Will and Testament of William Bicher, late of the borough of Adamstown, in the County of Lancaster and the State of Pennsylvania, deceased, and Sallie Bicher, his widow, of the one and first part, and Kate Bicher, of the same place aforesaid, single woman, of the second part.
WHEREAS, Susan Redcay and William Mohn (Jr.) Administrators of the Estate of Elias Redcay, Jun., by virtue of an order of the Orphan's Court of said County, did by their indenture bearing date the first day of April, A.D. 1862, for the consideration therein mentioned, grant and confirm unto the said William Bicher and to his heirs and assigns forever a certain messuage or tenement, house and lot of ground with the appurtenances, situate in the Borough of Adamstown aforesaid, containing one acre as in said in part recited indenture described, which said Indenture being duly executed, reference thereto being had appears.
BY FORCE AND VIRTURE of which said in part recited Indenture of some other good conveyances and assurances in the law duly had and executed the said William Bicher became in his lifetime lawfully seized in his demense as of fee of and in the premises above described with the appurtenances and being so thereof seized, together with other lands and tenements made his last Will and Testament in writing bearing date the 10^th day of August, A.D. 1878, wherein and whereby amongst other things he did authorize and empower the party of the first part to sell and dispose of the real estate hereinafter described as in and by the said last Will and Testament, since his decease duly proven and remaining in the Registrar's Office, recourse being had appears.
NOW THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH, that the said Henry Bucher and Henry Bicher, Executors aforesaid, and Sallie Bicher, widow of the deceased, for and in consideration of the sume of Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250), lawful money of the United States, to them well and truly paid by the said Kate Bicher, at and before the sealing and delivery hereof, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, have granted, bargained, sold, aliened, released and confirmed, and by these presents, by virtue of the powers and authority given in said last Will and Testament and pursuant to the directions thereof, do grant, bargain, sell, alien, release and confirm unto the said Kate Bicher, her heirs and assigns.
ALL THAT CERTAIN piece, parcel or lot of ground, situate in the Borough of Adamstown aforesaid, bounded and described as follows, to wit: BEGINNING at a stone in the public road on Main Street in said borough; then along said Street, North fifty six and three quarter degrees East 30 feet to a stone in said road; then by lot of the late William Bicher, deceased, South twenty four degrees East, twenty five perches and seven tenths to the middle of Mill Race; thence along said Race, South eighty one degrees West, 30 feet to a point in said Race; thence by lot of said Henry Bucher, party hereto, North twenty four degrees West 388 ½ feet to the place of BEGINNING. CONTAINING forty four perches, strict measure. IT BEING a part of the same premises in the foregoing recitals mentioned.
TOGETHER with all and singular the improvements, ways, waters, water-courses, rights, liberties, privileges, hereditaments and appurtenances whatsoever thereunto belonging, or in anywise appertaining ,and the reversions and remainders, rents, issues and profits thereof; and also, all the estate, right, title, interest, use, trust, property, possession, claim and demand whatsoever, of the said William Bicher, in his lifetime at and immediately before the time of his decease, in law, equity, or otherwise howsoever, of, in, to or out of the same.
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said within described parcel of a lot of ground, hereditaments and premises hereby granted and released, or mentioned and intended so to be, with the appurtenances, unto the said heirs and assigns, to and for the only proper use and behoof of the said heirs and assigns forever.

12. Obituary: The Ephrata Review on 13 Jan 1899 in Ephrata, Lancaster, PA. ⁸ Wm. Bicher, a well-known resident of this place, aged 77 years, died on Monday evening at 11 o'clock. Until a week ago, Mr. Bicher had been enjoying exceptionally good health but a sudden cold developed into hiccoughing which caused his death. He was bedfast only four days.
The deceased was a capenter by trade. He is survived by a sister and brother, Mrs. Elizabeth Weitzel, of Sinking Spring, and Henry Bicher, of Myerstown: and also a wife and five children as follows: Mrs. Lizzie Gehris and Henry Bicher, of Reading; Kate Bicher, Mrs. Sarah Bucher and Mrs. Emma Coldren, of Adamstown; there are also 13 grand children and one great grand child left remain to mourn their loss.
The funeral will be held on Saturday morning at 9:30 o'clock at the house. There will be preaching in the Evangelical church in Adamstown. Rev. B. G. Welder will officiate. Interment in Cedar Grove cemetery.
The deceased was a member of the Lutheran church at Muddy Creek.
The deceased was born in Brecknock township. this county. In his younger days he was teamster for the Echternacht distillery of this place. He made many trips to Philadelphia, West Chester and other places, taking loads of whiskey there and bringing store goods and lumber along back. He had six horses in his team. Later he was engineer in the wool hat factories of Levi Hendel, Mr. Prutzman and Mr. Coldren. In later years he worked at carpentering which was his trade. Mr. Bicher was a Republican in politics.

13. Probate court gave letters of testimony to William Bicher's executors: son-ln-law Henry Bucher and son Henry Bicher on 2 Feb 1899 in Lancaster, Lancaster, PA. ¹⁶

William married Sallie Echternacht, daughter of Andreas Echternacht and Rebecca Willenbruch. (Sallie Echternacht was born on 11 Dec 1823 in , Lancaster, PA ^{1 9 20 21 22}, christened on 14 Nov 1824 in East Cocalico Twp.: Muddy Creek Lutheran Church, Lancaster, PA,²³ died on 18 Mar 1915 in Adamstown, Lancaster, PA ²² and was buried on 24 Mar 1915 in Adamstown: Cedar Grove Cemetery, Lancaster, PA ^{22 24}.)