Born December 30, 1838 in New York. In 1862, he arrived in Humboldt County from Oneida County, New York. He found Dakota City a small village and Springvale later known as Humboldt not yet established. The railroad then stopped at Cedar Falls, and from there he walked to Dakota City, where he taught school the first winter. He was married in New York on 30 December 1864, to Sara Ann Mills, daughter of Allen and Sara Ann (Lee) Mills of Oneida County New York. Mr. Bicknell, prominent attorney, is a Republican, County superintendent of schools, member of the house in the Eighteenth General Assembly, twice mayor of Humboldt, and member of the Unitarian Church. His contributions to the press were frequent ad characterized by their logical thought and clear, terse style. he gave lectures to the students of Humboldt College on his travels, history, and study of nature.