Biography - LEWIS F. BECKER

Lewis F. Becker, a prominent citizen of Virden, Macoupin County, who has carried on an extensive contracting and building business for a number of years, was born July 1, 1854, in St. Louis, Missouri. He is a son of John George and Catherine (Stecher) Becker.

Our subject comes of German parentage, his father being a native of Bavaria, and his mother of Hesse-Cassel. The former came to America in 1850 and the latter, in 1851, and they were married in 1852. They reared a family of five children, viz: Lewis F., Anna, Amelia, Oscar (now deceased) and Carrie. Three children died in infancy: Ida and Wyant, who died at the age of three years, and an infant that died when two days old. Our subject's parents removed in 1861 from St. Louis, Missouri, to Virden, which has continued to be their residence ever since, Mr. Becker being largely interested in contracting and building.

Lewis F. Becker has been a resident of Virden since he was seven years of age and for this reason looks upon this city in almost the same light as if he had been born here. Here he was educated and to the improvement and building up of Virden he has devoted the energies of a very busy and successful life. The handsome appearance and substantial character of the leading business houses and many of the private residences, testify to his practical ideas as well as to his constructive ability. He has taken an active part in civic affairs, has served most usefully on the City Council, has been a member of the School Board, and by personal effort and financial assistance has promoted the enterprises which have served to place Virden among the prospering cities of Macoupin County. There is a great difference in citizenship, and Mr. Becker has always belonged to that class which is ready and willing to put aside private interests when the welfare of the public is at stake.

On February 21, 1877, Mr. Becker was married to Caroline Bajohr, who was born in Jerseyville, Illinois, and is a daughter of Bernard and Martha Bajohr, both of whom were born in Germany. They have eight children living: Fred, Ota, Ada, Oscar L., Anna, Carrie, Albert and Russell. One child died in infancy. Mr. Becker has been a member of the Masonic fraternity for many years and is locally connected with Virden Lodge, No. 161, in which he has served as Worshipful Master and is at present secretary. Mr. Becker and family are much esteemed in Virden and he is considered one of the city's substantial and representative men.

Extracted 2018 May 08 by Norma Hass from Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Macoupin County, Illinois, published in 1904, pages 340-341.