Grandpa Bohrer

 July 4, 2021

On this Fourth of July, it is a good thing to step back from the cookouts and celebrations to reflect on the freedoms we as Americans enjoy—freedoms and rights most people in history could not even have imagined. They are a gift to us from our founding fathers; their wisdom, bravery, and legacy. It’s fashionable these days to criticize and judge our forebearers for whatever flaws and shortcomings they had, and even to rewrite history to a narrative that fits a political agenda, so I would like to give a little perspective here.

The photo above is of my great-great grandfather, (my paternal grandmother’s grandfather). His name was Conrad Bohrer, born in 1821 in St John, in what was the Rhineland area of present-day Germany. He immigrated to the United States sometime thereafter, and when the American Civil War broke out, he served in the 54th regiment of the New York State infantry for the usual 100 day enlistment, from August through November of that year, as attested in his discharge papers, also pictured.

Although we have no record of any engagements he may have been in, his musket hangs over our fireplace. What is most interesting is the other set of his papers I have—his naturalization papers making him a citizen of the U.S. This didn’t happen until July of 1866, a year and a half after his enlistment as a soldier fighting to preserve the Union and end slavery!

When I hear all today’s talk about white privilege, reparations, and institutional racism, I remember grandpa Bohrer, who came to this country, and although not even a citizen, believed in it enough to do what he could to prevent its dismemberment. He had no sense of entitlement and no real obligation to do what he did. But he did it, and I am grateful to have descended from such stock. May God continue to bless America with people like my great-great grandfather!