John D. Hambrecht, the well known and popular merchant of Fort Plain, is an American by birth, and was born in this village, of German parentage. His father and mother, John D. and Anna (Eacher) Hambrecht, were born in Germany and came to this country as young people of about twenty. In 1870 they located in Fort Plain, where their son was born eight years later, on the 15th of February. John D. Hambrecht, Sr., was a blacksmith by trade and opened a carriage shop here, which prospered until his death on November 9, 1889. The mother died in this village on August 20, 1901.
In the acquirement of his education John D. Hambrecht attended the public and high schools of Fort Plain, after which he took a commercial course in the Rochester Business Institute to fit himself for life in the business world. Upon leaving school he went to work for the Fort Plain Furniture Company, with whom he was associated for four years, leaving them to become connected with the A. E. Tanner Hardware Company of Fort Plain. In 1902 he bought the interest of Joe H. Fuller in the firm of Fuller & Platner, and with Mr. Platner as his partner conducted the business until the latter's death in 1922, since which time he has managed the business alone. His shoe store is known in Montgomery county as one of the leading mercantile establishments on Main street and enjoys a liberal patronage from the people who do their shopping in the village.
On the 17th of October, 1907, Mr. Hambrecht was married to Miss Mabel C. Storrin. They have no children. In civic and social circles this busy merchant has long been a leader and never has refused to do his part in supporting any worthy public cause. He took an active part in the management of the Fort Plain street fair for several seasons. At present he is treasurer of the local high school. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the St. Paul's Lutheran church, of which he is the secretary, and fraternally he is a member of Fort Plain Lodge, No. 433, A. F. & A. M., and the local organization of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He votes regularly with the republican party. Mr. Hambrecht is a man deserving of great credit for his success in life, for it is entirely the product of his industry and effort. His present honored position among the business men and citizens of Fort Plain is but the reward of long and consistent endeavor, intelligently directed along constructive and helpful lines.