James Garfield Becher

  General Notes:

The WWI Draft Registration Card for James Garfield Becher records his date of birth as January 10, 1881. He is living with his wife, Lydia Becher, in Paradise, Lancaster Co., PA. He is employed as a Miller by Jacob Shirk in Gordinsville, Lancaster Co., PA. He is short with medium build and gray eyes and brown hair.

The 1910 Federal Census for Paradise, Lancaster Co., PA, District 127 records the just married Garfield (29) and Lydia (20) Becker living on the Harristown Road. Also in the household is Lydia's brother, John Newswanger (11).

The 1920 Federal Census for Paradise, Lancaster Co., PA, District 113 records Garfield (39) and Lydia (29) Becker with children Edna (8), Clarence (7), and Nora (5) living on the Harristown Road. Also in the household is Garfields's sister-in-law Maggie Newswanger (38 - single). All areborn in PA as are their parents.
Note: Maggie and Lydia Newswanger can be found in the 1900 census for Salisbury, Lancaster Co., PA, District 106 as the daughter of John and Lyida Newswanger: John (Oct 1843) and Lydia A. (Dec 1857) Newswanger with children Maggie (May 1881), Reuben (Dec 1884), Aaron (Feb 1887), Isaac (May 1888), Lydia A. (Feb 1890), Hettie (Nov 1891), Henry K. (May 1893), Ada (Oct 1895), Jacob M. (Jan 1896), and John G. (March 1899). Also in the household is Jiohn's father, Eli Newswanger (March 1825).

The 1930 Federal Census for East Lampeter, Lancaster Co., PA, District 35 dated April 4, 1930 records James G. (48) and Lydia A. (40) Becker with children Edna M. (19), Clarence L. (17), and Nora M. (16). Also in the household is adopted daughter, Ruth L. Newswanger (1 5/12). James G. is a Miller at the Flour Mill.

The 1940 Federal Census for East Lampeter, Lancaster Co., PA, District 36-36, page 628B, dated April 8, 1940 records J. Garfield (57) and Lydia (52) Becker with their son Clarence L. Becker (17). James Garfield Becker is a Mechanic Miller of Flour earning $1,032 working 52 weeks during the last year. Clarence is a Grocery Clerk in a Grocery Chain Store.

The WWII Draft Registration Card (for men born on or after April 28, 1877 and on or before February 16, 1897) for James Garfield Becher dated April 27, 1942 lists his date of birth as January 10, 1881 in New Holland, Lancaster Co., PA. He is living in East Lamperter, Lancaster Co., PA and is employed by the Lancaster Milling Co. His physical description is 4' 6", 105 lbs with gray eyes, red hair and light complexion. He signs his card James Garfield Becker. He had scald marks on each leg. C. L. Becker [his son, Clarence Becker] will always know his address.

James married Lydia A. Newswanger on 5 Feb 1910 in Lancaster Co., PA. (Lydia A. Newswanger was born in Feb 1890 in Salisbury Township, Lancaster Co., PA and died after 1940 in East Lampeter Township, Lancaster Co., PA.)

  Marriage Notes:

The marriage license records Lydia's guardian as J. M. Good.