Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 9

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774

USA > Illinois > Sangamon County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2 > Part 9

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In 1875 Mr. Beck was marrled, in Springfield, Ill., to Marian Smith, who came of Canadian parents. Further than this she knows nothing about them. Two children were born of this marriage: John, who Is a farmer living near his father, and Dora, living at home. In polit- Ical convictions Mr. Beck is a Republican, but has never sought office aside from those of School Director and Road Commissioner, hold- Ing the former twice. In both offices he has displayed so much public spirit, combined with practical good sense, that he might have almost any office in the gift of the people of his town- ship if he cared to accept the nomination.

Personally Mr. Beck is a fine appearing man, and hls natural abillty makes him dominate his fellow townsmen. Publle-spirited In a marked degree, he is always looking out for the best interests of the community and striving to get good government and raise the moral stand- ard. Such men as he are almost invaluable in a locallty, and the debt owed Mr. Beck by Woodside Township is not one it can easily dls- charge, a fact of which the neighbors show their appreclatlon by thelr warm, personal friendship, which Is displayed upon every pos- sible occasion.

BECKER, Charles D., who has been a resident of Springfield, since the fall of 1893, has been honorably and usefully connected with a number

of the city's reputable business concerns, and since 1907 has been at the head of his own busl- ness, being proprietor of the shoe repair works, with his business location on the corner of Sixth and Monroe Streets. He was born at Yorkridge, Dearborn County, Ind., April 28, 1866, a son of Jobn P. and Mary E. (Chidester) Becker. They were natives of Germany, who lived for a number of years in Indiana, but In 1883 removed to Nebraska, settling at David City, where they still reside.

Charles D. Becker obtained his education in Indiana. He was seventeen years of age when he accompanied his parents to Nebraska and continued to reside with them there for several years. When he finally left home he became an electrical engineer and for two years was cm- ployed as such at Clarinda, Page County, Iowa, . then returned to Davld City for a short time. Deciding that business prospects were better farther east, he came to Springfield and entered the employ of the Springfield Consolidated Railway Company, with which he was con- nected for ten years. During this time he be- came well known to the people of Springfield, and when he retired from railroad work he was appointed night watchman for the mercantile district of the city and after that was secured by the Boston Store as its electrical engineer. He remained with that mercantile house for two years, then had charge of the stove de- partment of the Robinson-Henson Hardware Company for one year, after which he embarked in his present business, in which he has pros- pered, having very substanstial patronage.

Mr. Becker was married at Fancy Prairie, Menard County, Ill., on May 22, 1892, to Miss Clara F. Fulkerson, a native of that county, and they have three children, namely : Abraham E., Helen L. and Mary. Mr. Becker is a member of several fraternal organizations, Including the Odd Fellows, the Court of Honor and the Mod- ern Woodmen of America.

The most useful men In a community are not always, by any means, the professional men, the college-bred, or even the capltallsts, for without the steady hand of the great body of the class of skilled workmen, to which Mr. Becker be- longs and of which he Is a worthy representative, little could be accomplished In the way of pro- gress in any direction.

BECKER, Louis .- The German-American is one of the finest types of desirable manhood to be found anywhere. There Is something in the rigid training of the Fatherland, that combines marvelously well with the freer spirit of this country, so that those who come here succeed In becoming well-to-do and take an important part in civic affairs In whatever locality they make their new home. A representative of this class is Louis Becker, a retired miner of River- ton, Sangamon County. He was born In Ba- varla. Germany, January 6, 1842, belng a son of Peter and Margaret (Young) Becker, both natives of Germany. These excellent people

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

never left their native land, dying there some years ago. Both the paternal and maternal grandfathers served In the war which was waged against Napolen.

Mr. Becker was educated in Germany and there learned the trade of baker. He worked at it before serving in the army, entering in 1864 and continuing until 1870, when he was honorably discharged. Having given his native land the war service it demands, he resumed work at his trade, thus continuing in Prussia until 1882, when he left Hamburg for New York City, on a vessel that consumed twenty- three days on the voyage. After three days in New York he came to St. Louis and then his money having given out, after three weeks in that city, he walked all the way to Springfield, making the trip in fourteen days and arriving May 20, 1882. Being an expert in hls line of work, he soon obtained employment in the city, eventually engaging with a nursery where he worked for three years. He then commenced mining. continuing that work until a few years ago, when he retired and is now residing at Riverton.

In 1872 Mr. Becker was married in Germany, to Barbara Mace, born in Prussia, August 7, 1852. Her parents remained in their native land, dying there. Her father was a prosper- ous farmer. Mrs. Becker died March 13, 1898, having borne her husband thirteen chil- dren, eight of whom are now living: Louis living in Peoria, is a florist and has three chil- dren, Louis and Mary and one other; Joseph lives in Clear Lake Township and is a farmer ; Frank lives in Riverton and has three children, -Louis, Isaac and Wilfred ; Rose, wife of Jerry Davern, owns the home where Mr. Becker now resides, and has one child, Margaret; Anna, wife of James Flannigan, a soldier in the regul- lar army, died February) 7, 1903, one child, Irene, who lives with her grandfather; Peter, William and Jacob live in Riverton, at home ; John lives in Peorla and is a carpenter.

Mr. Becker belongs to St. James Roman Catholic Church of Riverton to which he is devoted, giving it a hearty and loyal support. Politically he votes for the men and measures he thinks are to the best interests of all the peo- ple. During the years he worked so steadily Mr. Becker saved with the thrift of his race, and now owns considerable city property that is very valuable. He is wholesouled, open- handed and genial, possessing many warm per- sonal friends, who appreciate his many virtues.

Coming here penniless, with no knowledge of the country or language, within thirty years Mr. Becker has not only placed himself beyond want, but has reared a large family, providing well for them. and is numbered among the rep- resentative men of his locality. Unless he had possessed more than ordinary abillty. great courage, and an understanding of the best way to get along. he never could have accom- plished what he has, or won and retained the friendship of the men who are proud of their

association with this stanch, loyal true-hearted German-American. Since his retirement Mr. Becker has traveled considerably and, as he is a keen observer, his account of his journeys is very entertaining, and shows that he appreci- ates his adopted land, just as he loves that of his birth.

BECKER, Oscar .- The insurance business shows remarkable advancement, within the past score of years. Various reliable companies cover all classes of risks, afford employment for the en- ergies of some of the best business men of the country. One who has made his mark along this line in Springfield is Oscar Becker, who was born in Fosterburg. Madison County, Ill., July 19, 1875. He is a son of Charles H. and Malin- da (Wilius) Becker, the former born in Ger- many in 1847. . and died in 1902, while his wife was born in Kansas in 1855. Charles H. Beck- er, came to Springfield in 1883, embarking in a hotel business. Until 1893 he conducted one of the well-patronized hostelries, then retiring. He was elected Supervisor-at-large and served acceptably for four years. but since then has taken no active part in either business or polit- ical life.

Oscar Becker was educated in the Spring- field schools and brought up on the farm. After leaving school he spent four years in Chicago, was there in the employ of Mandel Brothers. Returning home in 1892. he started a livery stable and conducted it for a year, when he turned his attention to his present work, and is now one of the most successful insurance men of his part of the State. He is a Republican in political faith.

Mr. Becker was married in 1897, in Spring- field, to Margaret J. Nickey, wbo was born in 1878. They have one son, Clarence O. Becker, born June 4, 1899.

BECRAFT, George W., a retired biacksmith liv- ing at Mechanicsburg, Ill., and a veteran of the Civil War, was born near Owingsville, Bath County, Ky., May 24, 1840, a son of George and Sarah (Fowler) Becraft, both natives of Ken- tucky. The father carried on farming in Bath County until his death, being killed in Owings- ville in 1860, during an election riot. His wife died in Kentucky, in 1902. They were parents of three sons, of whom two survive, George W. of this review, and Walter, a resident of Plea- sant Plains, Ill. One son was a private in the Third Kentucky Regiment U. S. Volunteer 111- fantry, during the Civil War, and was killed in service.

As a boy George W. Becraft attended the country schools of his native place, and he as- sisted his father with the farm work until he was seventeen years of age, then worked for others until he reached his majority, and in March, 1861, came to Springfield, Ill. He first found work on a nearby farm, where he re- mained until September 3. 1861. when he enlisted in Company L. Tenth U. S. Volunteer Cavalry,

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

under the command of Captain Wilson first, and later Captain John G. Roberts, now of Spring- field. Mr. Becraft served three years and was mnstered ont January 2, 1863, at Little Rock, Ark. December 12, 1863, he re-enlisted In Com- pany L and served nntil November 22, 1865, when he received his final discharge at San An- tonio, Tex. Among the many battles in which he participated were Perry Grove and Little Rock. At one time he was taken prisoner and sent to St. Louis, from which piace. he was ex- changed some time later. He bore himself in a manner that was typical of his steadfast de- votion to duty, and had the esteem and respect of his comrades and superiors,

At the close of the war Mr. Becraft returned to Mechanicsburg and engaged in farming. He removed to Kansas and engaged in farming there, remaining six years, then returned to Mechanics- burg and embarked in a teaming business. Later he took up the trade of blacksmith, which he had learned in boyhood, and continued this oc- cupation until he retired a few years since. IIe Is well known as an industrious and nseful citi- zen and met with very falr success in his various enterprises.

February 1, 1866, Mr. Becraft was married. at Buffalo, to Matiida J. Waterman, born in San- gamon Connty November 14, 1845, daughter of Charles Waterman, a native of Kentucky, and a harness maker hy trade, who located in Me- chanicsburg at an early day and there conducted a harness-making shop for many years. His death occurred there July 1, 1861. The mother, a native of Kentucky, is also deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Waterman were parents of three sons, all of whom are deceased, and four danghters. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Be- craft, of whom five now survive: Sarah E., wife of Newton McGaff, of Springfield; Calvin, of Mechanicshurg ; John, also of Mechanicsburg; Rosetta, wife of Edward Kelly, living with her father. There are seven grandchildren in the family. In politles Mr. Becraft is a Republican and he Is a member of Stephenson Post No. 30, G. A. R., of Springfield. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church.

BEEBY, William, a useful and industrious citi- zen of Springfield, Ill., was born in Warwick- shire, England, In March, 1858, son of Thomas and Mary (Moore) Beehy. The father, who was a miner by occupation, was horn in Claycross, England. and the mother in Warwickshire. Both died in England, the father in 1879 and the mother in 190S. There were eleven chil- dren, of whom six are living, five of them in England. William Beeby was educated in Eng- land and after leaving school took up the ocen- pation of his father in his native country. He followed mining until coming to America, in 1882. He salied from Liverpool on the German- Lloyd steamer "Denah," landed in New York and came direct to Springfield.

After locating in Springfield Mr. Beehy re- snmed mining and in 1887 took a position as

engineer for a mining company, which he stili fills. He is an energetic and faithful worker and stands well with his employers and asso- ciates. He is a good manager financially and owns his home at 1643 East North Grand Ave- nne. In 190S he made a trip to England, sailing on the "Mauritania," and made a visit of three months to his former home and returned on the same vessel.

Mr. Beeby was married In Springfield, in 1SS3, to Miss Harriett Neale, who was born in Warkwickshire. Her father died in England and her mother, Mrs. Hannah (Betts) Neale, brought the family to America In 1881, and died in Springfield in 1904. Mr. Neale was a miner and died from the effects of injuries received in an English mine. Six children were born to Mr. Beehy and his wife, and five now survive: Elizabeth. wife of John Bowman, of Springfield ; Joseph E., Anna, Thomas aud Florence, all of Springfield. There is one grandchild in the family. Mr. Beeby is a member of St. John's Episcopal Church and In politics is a Repubii- can. He is a man of social, genial nature and has many friends. Until recently he was a member of the Maccabees, to which he had be- longed fourteen years.

BEECHLER, William Edward, engaged in the paperhanging business in Springfield, Is one of that city's most progressive and industrious young business men. He was born February 6, 1881, in Richland, Sangamon County, a son of John A. and Anna Laura (Perkins) Beechler. The mother belongs to one of Sangamon County's old and honored families, which was founded there In 1819, by Edward Perkins, her grand- father. One of William E. Beechier's great- uncles was scalped by Indians on the Missouri River, another, Riley Perkins, was Treasurer of Sangamon County, and Joseph B. Perkins served for some years as Sheriff, from 1858. Ed- ward Perkins, their father, was presented with a gold-headed cane for superiority in horse- manship at the Sangamon County Fair in 1875, heing then over elghty years of age. John A. Beechler was born in Sweetwater, Ill,, near Salem, Lincoln's old home, and is a paper hang- er hy occupation. He is still in business in Springfield and makes his home at No. 509 North Fifth Street. One of the twelve children born to himself and wife is dead. In politics Mr. Beechler is a Democrat, but he has never cared for public preferment. His religious be- lief is that of the Baptist Church.

William Edward Beechler attended the Ed- wards School until sixteen years of age, at which time he started to learn his trade at St. Lonis. On coming to Springfield he worked for eight years for the Jolinston Hatcher Com- pany, and in 1908 hegan business on his own account. and has so continued to the present time. He is thorough master of his trade and his work is always artistic. IIe is faithful in living up to the letter of his contracts, the re- sult heing people can rely upon him and he gets

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

at least his share of their patronage. Like his father, he is a Democrat in politics and a mem- ber of the Baptist Church, while fraterually he is connected with the original Order of Owls, the Tribe of Ben Hur, the Yeomen of America and the Paper Hangers' Union. Mrs. Beechler is a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Ou October 22, 1903, at Springfield, Ill., Mr. Beechler was united in marriage with Philopena Yost, who was horn in New York, a daughter of Herman and Christina (Stout) Yost, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1880 and are now living at No. 300 South Eleventh Street, Springfield. One child has beeu boru to Mr. and Mrs. Beechler : Elmer Hermau, born Septein- her 5, 1904.

BEERBOWER, James M. (deceased) .- The name of James M. Beerbower was associated with some of the most artistic monumental work ever furnished the people of Sangamon County, alld he is remembered as a man of high business principles and patriotic citizenship. He was born near Marion, Ohio, March 2, 1848. The father was an upholsterer by trade, who moved to Indianapolis, where he died. Five children were born to him and his wife, Matilda M. Beerbower; Samnel, who died in Missouri; Steven, who died in Indianapolis; James M .; Edward, of Iudiana, and John, of New York City.

James MI. Beerbower was brought up in pover- ty but was given a comumon school education. He learned the stone-cutting trade and worked at it for forty years. Hle traveled for the White Monument Company, of Indianapolis, for a quarter of a century, when he located in Springfield. Later he was with Rector and Dolan, but eventually began business for him- self, huilding up a large trade through the ex- cellence of his work and his thorough under- standing of its requirements. His business was located at No. 214 South Seventh Street, and he made a specialty of fine cemetery work of ar- tistic design.

On Jannary 7, 1888, Mr. Beerbower was mar- ried in Springfield to Carrie De Frates, of that city, danghter of Antonio and Mary De Frates. One child, Zoe, was born of this imiou. While not a member of any religious organization, Mr. Beerbower conducted his life according to the Golden Rule. Ilis wife helongs to the Second Presbyterian Church. In political faith he was a Republican. Ilis widow now resides on Sonthi Seventh Street, in the home her husband's de- votion provided for her. Ile was a man who made friends easily. and retained them through life. Always conscientious in his work. he com- bined this business integrity with rare artistic perceptions, and his skill was eagerly sought by those who wished to demonstrate publicly their love for those departed. He died February 13, 1911.

BEERUP, William .- To have lived for over sixty years in one section of the country; to have

reached the remarkable age of ninety-one years ; to have seen the chauges that have come over the country, is not the lot that falls to everyone. In 1838 the first puff of a locomotive was heard in Illinois; the following year William Beerup, now a highly esteemed citizen of Springfield, was working for the Northern Cross Railroad Company. He was horn September 6, 1820, ill Sidney, Canada, a son of John and Mary Beerup. John Beerup was born in Albany, N. Y., and for many years conducted a blacksmith and horse-shoeing shop at Sidney, Canada. At an early date he came to Illinois, stopping iu Chi- cago for a time to work at his trade, but later came to Springfield, where the rest of his life was spent.

William Beerup was educated in the country schools of Canada, leaving hoque at the age of ten years and two years later going to New York learned the blacksmith trade in the shop of John Beeby, at Southport, N. Y. He worked for two years on the Welland Canal in Canada, and for three years on the Erie Canal, at which time the late President Garfield was working as tow-boy. For a time he was employed at his trade in St. Catherine's, Canada, but eventually came to Springfield. When the Wabash Railroad was in course of construction he was employed by that company, and saw the railroad husiness in Illinois grow from its earliest infancy to its present stupendous size. With the railroad has come every kind of change for the progress and development of the State, so that in taking part in the building up of the railroad, Mr. Beerup has in reality been helping build up his State.

Mr. Beerup was married in Springfield, in 1848, to Catherine E. Tolley, who was born in Jacksonville, Ill., August 27, 1828, a member of a family which came to Morgan County, Ill., from Kentucky at an early day. Her father was born in Virginia in 1754. aud after settling in Illinois took up farming and continued agri- cultural operations for the rest of his life. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Beerup, of whom but one survives, Adaline, the widow of John Jerry, living at No. 616 South Douglas Avenue. Her daughter, Miss Maude Jerry, is a teacher in the Stuart School. Mace Shumake, the only grandson of Mr. Beerup. is living at No. 1608 South Pasfield Street, and is connected with the Springfield "Record" as a linotype operator. He married Miss Jennie Kenyon, of Danville, Ill., a native of New York State. They have four children: Lester. Helen C., Gladys S. and Marion F.

Althongh he has attained the age of ninety- one years, Mr. Beerup is still strong and hardy, in full possession of his faculties, and in the enjoyment of perfect health, as is his wife, who has reached the age of eighty-two years. They reside in their home, at No. 619 Douglas Avenue, and in addition own a large farm near Spring- field. Mr. Beerup has always been a Democrat. Mrs. Beerup attended Abraham Lincoln's wed-

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

ding and she and her husband were personal friends and neighbors of Mr. Lincoln.

BELL, Benoni (deceased) .- The past fifty years have worked many changes and nowhere else is this more evident than in Sangamon County. Half a century ago much of the land that now sells for prices that would have seemed im- possible then was in a wild state, a good deal of it being covered with heavy timber. Roads were few and transportation difficult in many sections. Water was the motive power used by the mills, and those intending to operate them sought a location along a stream. One of the men who was "forehanded" enough to realize the possibilities of Sangamon County and to se- cure some of its land before the price became prohibitive, was the late Benonl Bell, who re- sided on Section 25, Woodside Township.

He was born in Berkeley County, W. Va., July 24, 1822, being a son of Zebulon and Ra- chel (Swingle) Bell, natives of Berkeley County, West Va. Married September 20, 1821, and she was born December 20, 1801, and he born November 18, 1799. They were among the early pioneers of Woodside Township, coming to Sangamon County in May, 1834, making the trip overland In a wagon. The trip was a slow one and many stops were made along the way. When the new home was reached there was not much to gladden the eyes of the weary travel- ers, but being accustomed to hard work, and re- alizing that here land could be obtained at a low price, they did not complain, but commenced at once to make a home for their little family. Woodside Township remained their home until their deaths. Both were most excellent people, who were a credit to their community.

Benoni Bell went to school in both his native place and Sangamon County, in the latter at- tending the log school of the neighborhood, where comforts were lacking but earnestness was not. The children of that day thought nothing of walking miles through the snow to school, delighted at having the opportunity. While attending school he assisted his father and learned the wagonmaking trade. at which he worked until 1861. On June 14th, of that year he purchased the homestead of forty-five acres on Section 25, Woodside Township, and there for twenty years operated a grist-mill, farming to a certain extent during that period. He then gave up his milling to spend more time farming, but at the time of his death, he had been retired for ten years. He passed away, June 18, 1910, and his remains were Interred at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Springfield.

On October 12, 1859, Mr. Bell was married at Madison, Ind., to Mrs. Angelica (Taylor) Set- tle, born December 17, 1833. She lost her father at an early age, her mother lived until about 1900. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bell : Charles E., born October 8. 186S. died July 31, 1873, having been kicked by a horse; and Ada Hannah, born February 5. 1872. Mrs. Bell resides on the homestead which consists

of forty-five acres of very valuable land. She is a lady of kindly disposition, devoted to her home, and has many warm personal friends in the neighborhood.

Mr. Bell was a Republican and served as School Director of his township for many years. Fraternally he was an Odd Fellow, and was in- terested in his lodge. Although he did not care to run for public office, Mr. Bell was very active in county affairs, always being willing to give of both time and money to advance its interests, and to inaugurate improvements. Some of the most desirable changes were effected through his instrumentality, and when he was called away those associated with him felt his loss very deeply, for they knew the county had lost one of its most reliable, loyal, true-hearted citi- zens, as well as they a true and tried friend.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 9

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913 Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 774

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774