Both parents were natives of Wetzlar.

Their son learned the business of a machinist and brass-founder, and emigrated to America in 1800.

He was married to Caroline Freund in the Old Dutch Church in the Swamp, July 21, 1811.

He died in New York, in the house of his eldest son, July 10, 1860.
Events proved John Hecker to have been equally fortunate and sagacious in his choice of a wife.

At the time of their marriage he was thrifty and well-to-do.