Michael Becher (6 January 1704 – 18 December 1758) was a Bristol-born English slave trader and merchant. Becher was from an established Bristol commercial family, and he took over his father's slave trading firm[1]
Early life
Becher was born on 6 January 1704 in Bristol, England to parents John Becher and Hester Duddlestone. He was one of eight children, though only four survived to adulthood.
He died on 18 December 1758 at the age of 54. He was buried in St. Marks, Bristol, England.[2]
Career
Michael Becher was part of an established Bristol commercial family and took over his father's slave trading firm. His interests were in the West Indies trade, between 1727-1749 and 1754-1757. His ships participated in nineteen slave trading voyages between 1727 and 1753. Becher was the primary owner of all fourteen vessels. The slave sales that Becher completed from 1731 to 1740 took place mainly in Jamaica.[1]