William Zimmerman Becker, a highly esteemed retired citizen of Reading, Pa., whose pleasant home is situated at No. 1657 North Tenth street, was for many years engaged in various business enterprises in the city. He was born March 8, 1828, in Centre (then Upper Bern) township, son of John and Rebecca (Zimmerman) Becker. William Z. Becker was educated in the common schools of his native locality, and also spent one year at Fremont Academy, after leaving which he taught school for one winter. At the age of sixteen years he apprenticed himself to the tailor's trade, which he followed for nine years, and then engaged in farming in Maiden-creek township. After eight years spent in agricultural pursuits, Mr. Becker sold out and removed to Reading, where in 1864 he started carpentering in the Philadelphia & Reading shops, where he remained two years leaving when he was elected tax collector and assessor of the Second Ward. After serving five years in this official position, Mr. Becker engaged in the manufacture of cigars, in which he continued for seven years, and then returned to the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Company. After eleven more years in the company's employ Mr. Becker engaged in building, in which he continued until his retirement. Mr. Becker owns three valuable properties in the vicinity of his home, in which community he is well known and highly respected. Mr. Becker married Rebecca Nunnemacher in 1855, and to this union there were born three children, one of whom survives: John N. Becker, M.D. In politics Mr. Becker is a Democrat, and in 1878-79 he was a member of the city council. He and Mrs. Becker attend the Lutheran church.

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