Aaron E. Ackerman, of Hackensack, is of the seventh generation from David Ackerman, the first of the family in America (see the Biography of John N. Ackerman of Bergen County for more information on David). He was born at Saddle River, Bergen County, September 6, 1836, and is a son of Peter Ackerman and Eliza Eckerson, and a grandson of Albert Ackerman and Eliza, his wife. This Albert served as a soldier in the War of 1812. Aaron Ackerman’s maternal grandparents were Aaron Eckerson and Matilda Westervelt. As will be seen, Mr. Ackerman is of Dutch extraction on both sides of the family tree.
He was educated in the public schools of Bergen County, remaining on his father’s farm until he reached the age of seventeen. He then entered the employ of Conklin & Post, of Schraalenburgh, as a carpenter, and continued with that well known firm for about twenty-three years. On the death of Mr. Post he became a partner with Peter L. Conklin, the senior member of the old firm. The new firm of Conklin & Ackerman continued in business eight years, or until 1882, when Mr. Conklin retired after an active life of forty years. Mr. Ackerman succeeded to the business, which he still conducts, and which is one of the oldest of the kind in East Jersey, having been in continuous existence for nearly sixty years. And under his able and energetic management it has not only retained but greatly increased its old-time prestige and usefulness. The buildings and other carpenter work which he has erected in Hackensack and vicinity would, if enumerated, make a list that would fill a good sized volume.
Mr. Ackerman is a man of acknowledged ability and integrity, and both in business and social relations has always enjoyed the respect and confidence of his fellowmen. Enterprising, patriotic, and public spirited, he has taken from the first a deep interest in municipal affairs, and liberally encourages every worthy project. He served three years and one month in the War of the Rebellion, becoming a second sergeant, and is a prominent member of the Second Reformed Church of Hackensack.
He married Miss Abigail Wygant, and they have two daughters: Nellie, born in 1863, and Fannie, born in 1871.
Source: Harvey, Cornelius Burnham, Editor; Genealogical History of Hudson and Bergen Counties, New Jersey, New York: The New Jersey Genealogical Publishing Company, 1900.