The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1900-07-13
OBITUARY.
WILLIAM BECKER

william Seeker, VINO I0T third OF
a century has been a prominent resi-
dent Of Morristown, died at his late
residence in the Becker block, SAN
day, after an illness, from rheuma-
tism Of several weeks. followed BY
brain fever.
Mr.. Becker was born in Darmstadt,
Germany in iS4s. When nine years
Of age he came to this country. set
thing in New York, where he learned
the BARRIERS trade. EARLY in the fifties
he came to Morristown. entering the
employ Of his uncle, William Becker
senior, as barber
Fond. Of military life he soon be-
came interested in one of the mill
tary companies Of the town. In
October, 1862, he enlisted as must
clan in the first New Jersey brigade
band. First he played the clarinet
and later the. coronet Having consi-
derable musical ability he soon be-
came prominent and popular in the
brigade and especially with the mem
bers Of the 18th Regiment, New Jer-
sey Volunteers who were brigaded
with the First m Company 9.
mainly recruited in Morristown Mr..
Becker found many friends and his
affection for them was so strong that
he always claimed membership in the
company for, as he afterwards said.
he was proud of the Fighting 10Th. 2
Having served with honor for three
years and participating in all the bat
ties in which the brigade was en-
gagged, including: First and Second
fredericksburg, Wilderness, Spottsyl-
vania, Winchester, and Gettysburg, up
on receiving his discharge he returned
to Morristown where he established
a barber shop. Later he engaged
in the cigar business and also kept q
gentlemen's furnishing store. In
politics Mr.. Becker was Republican.
He served acceptably as member of
the town committee and at the time
of his death was city tax collector.
Mr. Becker also served as an officer
in the House of Assembly.
For many years Mr.. Becker was an
active member Of Resolute Hook and
Ladder Company serving upon all
the important committees and as as
sistant foreman and foreman.
Shortly after the organization Of
Torbet Post No. "a, G. A. R., he be-
came member and until his deeease
he was loyal to its every interest. He
filed every Office in the post includ
ing the commandership For many
years he discharged the duties of
quartermaster so faithfully that he
was not allowed to resign.
In Masonic circles Mr.. Becker was
one of the most prominent in this
section Of the state. AS member of
Cincinnati lodge No. 8, F. & An
he was elected to the various stations
until he became Master. He took
great interest in Madison chapter No.
IL, R. A. NJ, in which the compan-
ions elected him High Priest. AS an
early member of Odo de st.
Armand Commandery No. IL, Knight
Templars, he was so interested in the
order that'after filling the subordinate
offices he was honored more than
once by election as Eminent Command
er. Mr.. Becker was also a member
of Mecca Temple Of New York and
of the Red Men of this city.
He married Miss Katherine Backoff
in 1865, who, with three children, Mrs.
f. e. Lippman, W Edward and Miss
Aimee, survive him. Funeral services
were held Tuesday night at 5 o'clock
from his late residence and We're con
Quoted by the Rev. ]. Macnaughtan of
the First Presbyterian church Of
which the deceased was member.
The casket was surrounded by
beautiful floral pieces from the or
CARNATIONS to which he had belonged,
while over all was draped large
American flag.
The deceased was buried in the full
uniform of Knight Tsmplar. The
interment was made in Evergreen
cemetery Wednesday morning. The
bearers were: Messrs. John B. Wolfe,
William Smart, Eugene Carroll, Will
liam Hessey and Louis D. B. Pruden.