Michael Becher facts for kids

Michael Becher (born January 6, 1704 – died December 18, 1758) was a businessman from Bristol, England. He worked as a merchant and was also involved in the transatlantic slave trade. This meant he transported enslaved people across the Atlantic Ocean. His family in Bristol had a long history in business. Michael took over his father's company, which was involved in this trade.

About Michael Becher

Michael Becher was born in January 1704 in Bristol, England. He passed away on December 18, 1758, when he was 54 years old. He was buried in St. Marks, Bristol. His parents were John Becher and Hester Duddlestone. Michael was one of eight children in his family. However, only four of his siblings lived to become adults.

His Business Career

Michael Becher came from a well-known business family in Bristol. He took over his father's company, which was involved in the slave trade. His business mainly focused on trade with the West Indies. He was active in this trade between 1727 and 1749, and again from 1754 to 1757.

Becher's ships made nineteen voyages to transport enslaved people. These trips happened between 1727 and 1753. Michael Becher was the main owner of all fourteen ships involved. From 1731 to 1740, most of the enslaved people he transported were sold in Jamaica.

According to a historical record called Voyages: The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Database, Michael Becher transported 6,205 people from Africa. These people were taken against their will to places in the Caribbean and the American mainland. Sadly, about 16.3% of these people died during the journey.

In 1736, Becher was chosen as a Warden for the Society of Merchant Venturers in Bristol. This was an important group for merchants. Later, in 1749, he became the Master of the Society.

Important Voyages

Michael Becher's company made several important voyages. These trips show how his business operated.

The Swallow Voyage

One notable voyage happened in 1741 with a ship named the Swallow. This ship was supposed to travel from Bristol, England, to Virginia. However, on the third day of the trip, the ship was likely attacked. Spanish privateers, who were like pirates, probably captured it. The Swallow was reported lost and was seen being taken to San Sebastian, Spain. Documents showed that the ship was worth about £4,200 at that time.

The Peniel Voyage

In 1727, a ship called the Peniel was used for a voyage. This trip was between Great Britain and Africa. Michael Becher owned the vessel. The ship arrived in Africa at an unknown port. From there, it transported enslaved people to Jamaica. When the ship left Africa, there were 271 enslaved people on board. Sadly, only 217 of them survived the journey. This meant that 19% of the people died during the trip. The captains of the Peniel were James Crichton and Benjamin Tanner. The ship had a crew of six men and carried six guns for defense.

The Hobhouse Voyage

Another voyage by Becher's company took place in 1737 on a ship named the Hobhouse. This journey started in Great Britain and went to an unknown port in Africa. The ship then transported 363 enslaved people. Only 310 of them survived the voyage. The death rate on this trip was 15%. The captain of the Hobhouse was John Bartlett. The ship had 37 crew members at the start of the voyage. By the second half, only 33 crew members remained. The Hobhouse also had 12 guns mounted for defense.