John Gebhard

John Gebhard (February 22, 1782 – January 3, 1854) was an American lawyer and politician from New York who served one term in the United States House of Representatives as a member of the Federalist Party. Born in Columbia County, New York, he was educated in the public schools of that county before pursuing the study of law. He read law under the supervision of his brother, Jacob Gebhard, a practicing attorney, and after completing his legal training was admitted to the bar.

Following his admission to the bar, Gebhard established his law practice in Schoharie County, New York. He became a prominent member of the local bar and combined his legal work with agricultural pursuits, maintaining a farm in the region. In addition to farming, he engaged in several business ventures that contributed to the economic development of Schoharie County. Among these activities was his involvement in the construction of the Middleburgh Bridge over the Schoharie Creek, a toll bridge that facilitated travel and commerce in the area.

Gebhard’s legal expertise and standing in the community led to his appointment as Surrogate of Schoharie County, an office he first held from 1811 to 1813. After a brief interval out of office, he again served as county Surrogate from 1815 to 1823. In this judicial capacity he was responsible for matters relating to probate, estates, and guardianships, playing a central role in the administration of local civil affairs during a formative period in the county’s history.

As a member of the Federalist Party representing New York, Gebhard contributed to the legislative process during one term in office. He was elected as a Federalist to the Seventeenth United States Congress and served from December 3, 1821, to March 3, 1823. His service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history, in the years following the War of 1812 and during the so‑called Era of Good Feelings, when the Federalist Party was in decline nationally. In this context, he participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of his Schoharie County and regional constituents in the House of Representatives.

After the conclusion of his congressional term, Gebhard returned to Schoharie County and resumed the practice of law. He continued his professional and business activities locally, maintaining his involvement in agriculture and community affairs. Outside his legal and political career, he developed a notable avocational interest in geology and mineralogy, pursuits that would bring him additional recognition beyond the legal and political spheres.

Gebhard was an amateur geologist and mineralogist and, together with his son, John Gebhard Jr. (1802–1887), became one of the earliest explorers of the limestone cave systems in and around Schoharie County, including what later became known as Howe Caverns. Through their explorations, he assembled a substantial personal collection of minerals and geological specimens from these caves. Gebhard shared samples from his collection with academics and researchers, contributing to the broader scientific understanding of the region’s geology. His son later worked for the New York State Museum of Natural History, and the family eventually sold John Gebhard Sr.’s mineral collection to the museum, ensuring its preservation and continued use for scientific study.

John Gebhard died on January 3, 1854, and was buried in St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Schoharie, New York. His family maintained a presence in public life; his daughter Charlotte married Charles Goodyear, who also went on to serve in the United States Congress, extending the family’s connection to national legislative service into the next generation.