My Genealogy Hound

JOHN G. BECKER, M. D., a physician and surgeon of the homeopathic school, has built up an extensive practice in Bethlehem, which city has always been his home. Though comparatively a young man, he stands in the front rank of physicians in the Lehigh Valley, a fact which proves him the possessor of no mean powers, when it is remembered what an arduous profession that of the physician is, and the qualities necessary in order to make a success of it. His office is located at No. 30 New Street, and he numbers among his patients many of the leading families of the city.

The Doctor was born in Bethlehem June 30, 1859, being a son of Dr. Aaron D. Becker, a native of Northampton County. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Rev. Jacob Becker, was born in Baltimore, and became a minister in the Reformed Church, preaching in Northampton and Lehigh Counties. He was also a homeopathic physician, and practiced medicine to some extent. Dr. Aaron Becker was reared in Northampton County, and on arriving at man’s estate entered the University of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Commencing his practice in Northampton County, he there continued to reside for many years. Later he was located for a short time in Lehigh County, but finally settled in Bethlehem, where he engaged in practice until he was called from this life, June 18, 1883, at the age of fifty-two years. He had been a member of the One Hundred and Ninety-eighth Pennsylvania Infantry, in which he enlisted as a private soldier, but was promoted by Governor Perkins to the post of Assistant Surgeon. He remained in the army for about a year, and afterward was identified with Fullerton Post, G. A. R., of Catasauqua. In religion he was a member of the Reformed Church. His wife, whose maiden name was Caroline Fetter, was born in Lancaster County, and is now a resident of Bethlehem. She and her people are adherents of the Moravian faith. Of her seven children who grew to manhood and womanhood, six are yet living.

Dr. Becker of this sketch was reared in the Lehigh Valley, his education being obtained in the common schools and in Weaversville Academy, where he completed the course at the age of fourteen years, under Professor Kuma’s instruction. Like his father and grandfather, his tastes ran in the direction of the medical profession, and he early commenced studying with his father, under whose able instruction he laid the foundation of his future knowledge. After leaving his father’s office he went to Philadelphia, and there entered the Hahnemann Medical College of Physicians and Surgeons, where he attended the clinics and lectures of the two-years course, graduating therefrom in 1882 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. On commencing his active practice he returned to Bethlehem and has since been engaged particularly as a specialist in the diseases of women and as an oculist. He is a member of the Lehigh Valley Homeopathic Medical Society, is a member of the Alumni Association of Hahnemann Medical College, Philadelphia, and is examining physician for a number of different life-insurance companies.

Our subject was married in this city, June 30, 1880, to Miss Ella, daughter of Squire T. O. Fradeneck, and they have two children, George D. F. and Florence E. The parents are members of the Moravian Church, and in politics the Doctor is a Democrat. He is interested in many secret societies, belonging to Cypress Commandery, K. of M., of which he is First Past Master and Second Lieutenant; to the College of Ancients, in which he is serving his second term as Grand Junior Swordsman; to the Order of Red Men, being Past Sachem of Lappawindsoe Tribe No. 154; to the Knights of the Golden Eagle, in which he is Past Chief; to Capt. O. Rubenbauch Post No. 182, S. of V., of Bethlehem; to the Odd Fellows; and to the Improved Order of Heptasophs.