1861: Martin Becker
Martin Becker was born in Paramaribo, in what is now Suriname, in 1824. Before arriving in Fitchburg, Martin lived for a brief stint in New Hampshire, where he became the first black man to vote in the state in 1851. Martin was the owner of a barbershop under the Fitchburg Hotel, and purchased his home on 15 Grove Street from Benjamin Snow Jr.
On August 3, 1861, Martin enlisted in the US Navy and was
aboard the USS Cumberland, when it was sunk by the CSS
Virginia. Later, Martin enlisted to the 55th Massachusetts Infantry
and rose to the rank of second lieutenant.
Resources
Legendary Locals of Fitchburg
Around the World in Fitchburg by Doris Kirkpatrick
Long article on the Beckers from Fall River Historical Society
Commentary
Martin’s brother Theodore Becker also lived in Fitchburg and volunteered with the 54th Mass. Volunteer Militia (the all black “Glory” regiment). Theodore served as an assistant surgeon. The two brothers married two sisters who were possibly daughters of an Abenaki leader in Vermont. Caroline Becker, Martin’s wife, went on to be a prominent figure in Fitchburg after Martin moved to Charleston, SC.
Suggestions for Further Research
Find more info on Caroline E Becker and her family. Find records that Martin was the first black person to vote in NH. Find Martin and Theodore’s pension applications for their service in the war. “Around the World in Fitchburg” bu Doris Kirkpatrick describes the Becker family in detail but does not give references to the sources. It would be good to confirm all of that information by other sources.