"History of Bergen County, New Jersey"
J. M. Van Valen
1900

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JOSEPH H. CHRISTOPHER.

One of the ablest architects and builders of the county is Mr. Joseph
H. Christopher of Ridgewood. His father was William, son of Joseph Christopher
and his mother Rosanna Lake. Joseph H. was born in the village of Allendale,
September 17, 1863.

After receiving a common school education he took a special course
in scientific drawing in New York, afterward studying mechanical and
architectural drawing.

For some years he worked as a machinist and mechanical engineer, in New York,
becoming an expert in that line. In 1889, without capital he established
himself in Ridgewood, beginning business necessarily in a small way.
By industry and perseverance he increased his business, building many of the
handsome residences of Ridgewood, a number of these being models of modern
architecture. Being a thoroughly equipped architect, he is skilled in every
department of house building, superintending the painting and plumbing as
carefully as any other part of the work.

The public school building attests the thoroughness of his methods.
Mr. Christopher remodelled the Almshouse, and erected many other prominent
structures. He may be truly said to have been the "architect of his own
fortune."

Mr. Christopher was married in 1886 to Miss Elizabeth Hopper, daughter of
Peter G. Hopper, a native of Bergen county. They have two children, Rachel
and Rowena.

In politics, a Democrat, he has never aspired to office; is a member
of the Legion of Honor and of the Royal Arcanum and a member of the
Jr. O. U. A. M. He belongs to the Ridgewood Fire Company. Mr. Christopher
is a member of the Reformed Church of Ridgewood of which he has been deacon
and has also been treasurer.

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