Oliver Herman Becker

Other Events:

• Business: New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Becker Funeral Home
• Name: O. H. Becker
• Occupation: undertaker
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-85955P
• Residence: 1891, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist
• Sports: 1908, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; 1908 North Waterloo Hockey Champion
• Occupation: 1911, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Salesman - General store
• Residence: 1911, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist

Notes:

"Oliver H. Becker Is Called by Death,"

Mr. Oliver Herman Becker, Local merchant passed away at his home on Jacob Street, New Hamburg at 10 o'clock on Tuesday evening, November 2nd, aged 61 years. He had been in ill health for several years and was taken very seriously ill about a week before his passing. He was the only son of Daniel Becker and Lydia Schulte and was born in New Hamburg on August 8th, 1887. He received his early school training here and later attended Woodstock College. After his schooling he entered the departmental store of his father and took over the business after the death of his father in 1925. Ollie Becker was a general favorite among his associates and was fond of athletic sports. He was one of the mainstays of the New Hamburg hockey team in the old days of the Oxford-Waterloo league when he helped to win championships for his home town. He was also fond of horses ad an expert horseback rider. Mr. Becker was a member of local Masonic Lodge, and a faithful and active adherent of New Hamburg Baptist church. Mr. Becker was married at Exeter on Nov. 25, 1913, to Miss Hazel I. Browning, daughter of Dr. Robert Browning of that town. He leaves in bereavement his wife, one daughter, Mrs. A. J. Taylor Betty of London, a son Bob at home, and one sister, Mrs. Emil Wurm, of South St. Paul, Minn., and one granddaughter Susan Elizabeth Taylor, of London. The funeral will be held this Friday afternoon with a short private service at his late residence at 2: 00 o'clock, followed by a memorial service at 2: 30 at the Baptist Church, Rev. W. B. Fisher, pastor, will be in charge. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery. The remains are resting at the home.

New Hamburg Independent, Nov. 5, 1948

Oliver married Hazel Lenore Browning 25 Nov 1913, Exeter, Huron Co., Ontario. Hazel was born 13 Jul 1888; died 11 Jan 1980; was buried , Riverside Cemetery, New Hamburg, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

1. Betty Becker
2. Robert Browning "Bob" Becker was born 5 May 1919; died 31 Oct 2001; was buried , Riverside Cemetery, New Hamburg, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

Other Events:

• Business: New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; New Hamburg Manufacturing Company Limited
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-85952P
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; O Methodist
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. C. Baptist
• Occupation: 1881, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Clerk
• Residence: 1881, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; German Baptist
• Occupation: 1891, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Store Keeper
• Residence: 1891, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist
• Occupation: 1901, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Machinist
• Occupation: 1911, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Retail - general
• Residence: 1911, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist

Notes:

D. & H. BECKER.

Perhaps the modesty of the proprietors of the store of D. & H. Becker has deterred them from characterizing their mercantile establishment by the name "Department Store. "If so, that can be the only reason why it has not been so named. It is so exaggeration to say that the casual visitor to New Hamburg cannot fail to be impressed with the size and scope of this store. The whole premises has a frontage of 100 feet and a depth of 150 feet. It is 2 stories in height and when it is remembered that the whole of this building is occupied, some idea is conveyed of the immense and varied stock carried and of the large turnover that must necessarily be made. On the ground floor there arc three sections. The first is devoted to dry goods, groceries, crockery and boots and shoes; the second to hardware, stoves and tin-ware; and the third to furniture and undertaking. The second floor is given up to house furnishings and millinery. This description is sufficient to bear out the statement made at the beginning viz.- that this is in reality a department store. The business was founded in 1877 by Mr. Jacob Becker, father of the brothers who are now at the helm. He conducted it successfully for eight years when Mr. Daniel Becker of the present firm took it over and for another nine years pushed it rapidly along, constantly expanding. Mr. Herman Becker was then taken into the firm and the brothers have conducted it jointly ever since. When the father relinquished business 23 years ago, the store was 26 x 40 feet with a warehouse of equal size. The elder brother would appear to have been the vital, unceasing force, ever propelling the enterprise forward to bigger things even before the father handed over the reins. But at every step his judgment proved sound and the best evidence today of his foresight is the splendid store above described. The rearing of a business structure like this has not always been unattended by formidable difficulties but one by one these have been met and mastered. Trade is drawn from an extensive surrounding territory. Farm produce is taken in ex-change in all parts of the store. Tin-smithing and plumbing constitute another branch of the business and in the busy season twenty people are on the firm's pay roll. The very fact that D. & H. Becker have a business of this magnitude makes it unnecessary to say that their business methods have always been above suspicion in every particular. The business is foundcd upon a rock. Mr. D. Becker is connected with a number of industrial concerns in the town. He has also been in public life, having served his municipality acceptably at the Council Board for 5 years.

Special Industrial souvenir number of New Hamburg: containing a comprehensive review of the natural advantages and resources of the village of New Hamburg, 1908, Berlin Daily News, Berlin, Ontario

__________________

D. & H. BECKER

Among Waterloo County's industrious and enterprising and successful business men the gentlemen above mentioned are entitled to a prominent position in the general mercantile fraternity. The business they now control, as to extent and variety of stock is fully equal to that of any other general mercantile establishment in Waterloo or adjoining counties. The business has been in operation for about twenty years. It was for a number of years carried out by Mr. Jacob Becker, father of the present members of the firm, and as it does now, always had an extensive patronage. The Becker brothers were born in Wilmot township and from an early age have been closely identified with the business interests of this section. The building in which they carry on their extensive business is a commodious affair, being two stories high and 66x85 feet in dimensions, in addition to which is a large warehouse constantly filled to its utmost capacity with staple merchandise. That they have in extensive trade, both in the village and among the farmers of the surrounding country is plainly evident when we take into consideration the fact that thirteen persons are busily engaged daily beneath their roof. In the dry goods department the stock is large and varied, the shelves being packed to their fullest capacity with all the beat and latest patterns in fabrics. They also keep a large stock of ready-made clothing, from which stylish and well made suits for both men and boys can be selected. In connection with this department they e have a first-class fashionable tailor employed and are therefore prepared to turn out the latest style suits on short notice as cheap as they can be had anywhere. They also have a millinery emporium in charge of an experienced milliner where their lady patrons can find the latest styles in hats and bonnets that Dame Fashion can produce. In the grocery department will always be found an unlimited supply of fresh, staple and fancy groceries. In this line they have an immense trade in the course of a year. They run a delivery waggon and goods are delivered to the home of the purchasers if desired. In a spacious room adjoining are the tinware, hardware and stove departments. Herein almost every article of tinware required in the household can be had bran new or repaired, a practical tin-smith being employed the year round. They have also a fine line of the leading stoves. There is shelf and heavy hardware of every description that is in general use. They also deal in bicycles and keep for sale the best wheels manufactured.

New Hamburg, The Hub of Wilmot - Waterloo County Chronicle 18 Aug 1898, p. 2,3
_________________________

Daniel Becker Passes Away Unexpectedly. New Hamburg Loses Prominent Merchant

Through the hands of death our village has lost another of its formidable business men in the passing of Mr. Daniel Becker, whose death took place very unexpectedly at his home about seven o'clock on Wednesday evening from heart failure. While driving home from Stratford on Tuesday, where he had been on business, Mr. Becker took suddenly very ill when a few miles out of the city. Mrs. Becker, who was with him, summoned Dr. Robertson, of Stratford, to the scene, who gave medical aid. He was later removed to his home and was resting nicely during the night and was reported to be improving. So when the news was spread about town while crowds were watching the parade to the tattoo, that Mr. Becker had passed away, it came as a distinct shock to all. The late Mr. Becker was the oldest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Becker and was born on the Becker homestead, Bleam's Road, 67 years ago. He came with his parents to New Hamburg about 1878, when his father bought out the general store of Wm. Hunter, and later took over the business. With his brother, Herman, who later entered the firm, they built up one of the biggest Department Stores in the County of Waterloo, so that the name Becker became a household word throughout the community. Following the death of his brother in 1909, the deceased again carried on the large business alone and also added to it the first garage and Ford auto sales agency in New Hamburg, which he just recently disposed of to Mr. E. G Hammer. The late Mr. Becker took an active part in public affairs and was always helpful in promoting anything that was to the best interests of the town. He was a member of the town council for several years. In politics he was a staunch Liberal and had on several occasions been spoke of as the Liberal candidate for South Waterloo, but declined the honor. The deceased was a devout Baptist in religion and was an outstanding figure in his church and in this sphere his loss will be most keenly felt. He was leader of the church choir for many years, also superintendent of the Sunday School for over fifty years and was a most generous supporter in the maintenance of the church. The late Mr. Becker was married twice. His first wife, Lydia Schulte, predeceased him 15 years ago. He later married Miss Emma Laschlinger, who besides one son and one daughter from his first union, Oliver of this town, and (Emma) Mrs Emil Wurm, of St. Paul, Minn., are left to mourn his demise. He is also survived by two sisters, Mrs. L. G. Pequegnat and Mrs. Otto Bettger, both of New Hamburg. The funeral has been arranged to be held on Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from his late home to the Baptist Church for service with interment in Riverside Cemetery. The bereaved family have the sincere sympathy of the community in their bereavement.

New Hamburg Independent, June 12, 1925

_______________________________

Daniel Becker Laid to Rest. Many Friends Attend Obsequies of Beloved Citizen

The funeral of the late Daniel Becker, whose death occurred here last Wednesday, June 10th, took place from his late home on Sunday afternoon. After a short service at the home at two o'clock, the casket bearing the remains of the departed was borne by the pall bearers to the Baptist Church. Sunday School pupils to the number of about forty, each holding beautiful floral tributes, which were sent by the many sympathizing friends of the family formed a double column and through this the funeral cortege slowly wended its way to the church, where impressive services were held by the pastor, Rev. C. C. Anderson, assisted by Rev. S. R. Knechtel of the Evangelical Church, and Rev. W. S. Henrich, of Oetzel's Church. The text taken by Rev. Anderson was "He was a faithful man, and feared God above many things."

New Hamburg Independent, Friday, June 19, 1925, p. 1

Daniel — Lydia Schulte. Lydia was born 20 Jun 1857, Buffalo, Erie, New York, United States; died 16 Mar 1910, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Riverside Cemetery, New Hamburg, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Lydia Becker
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-85953P
• Immigration: 1883, , Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1891, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-85933P
• Birth: 8 Aug 1833, , Germany
• Immigration: 1851, , Canada
• Occupation: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Saw Miller
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; O Methodist
• Occupation: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Saw Miller
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. C. Baptist
• Occupation: 1881, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Store Keeper
• Residence: 1881, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; German Baptist
• Occupation: 1891, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist
• Retired: 1901, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

It is our sad duty to report the death of an aged and highly esteemed resident of our town, Mr. Jacob Becker. Mr. Becker was 73 years of age and was one of the pioneers of Waterloo county, having come many years ago from Pennsylvania. He was a resident of New Hamburg for the last twenty years, and took a very active part in the building up of our town. The funeral took place on Monday, and was largely attended by many friends and relatives of the deceased.

Wellesley Maple Leaf, November 22, 1906


Obituary is supplied by the Wellesley Township Heritage and Historical Society Click here to go to their website.

Jacob — Catharine Weber. Catharine was born 1 Mar 1836, , Ontario, Canada; died 1 Jun 1910; was buried , Riverside Cemetery, New Hamburg, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Catharine Becker
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-149722P
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; O Methodist
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. C. Baptist
• Residence: 1881, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; German Baptist
• Residence: 1891, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran