Le Mars Semi-Weekly Sentinel, IA, Tuesday, May 1, 1934, pg. 1, col. 5
Widely Known Early Resident Taken By Death
John Becker Located on Bare Prairie Near Le Mars In Early Seventies
Served as Supervisor
Prominent Stock Farmer In His Younger Days
Death claimed John Becker, 85, resident of Plymouth county for sixty-one years, prominent in his lifetime as a stock farmer and leader in public affairs, at his home 614 Third avenue SE, in this city, Friday afternoon, April 27. Mr. Becker, who enjoyed a long, hearty, rugged life, maintaining his vigorous health to the end, suffered a fall about four weeks ago, from the effects of which he failed to recover.
John Becker was a native of Iowa and was born on a farm in Clayton county, Iowa, April 7, 1849. He was reared amid pioneer surroundings, his father Casper Becker, being among the early settlers shortly after Iowa was admitted to statehood. Casper Becker was a native of France, a son of General Becker, who served under Napoleon and was in the famous retreat from Moscow, when the French army met disaster. Coming to America when a youth, after service in the French army, Casper Becker enlisted in the United States army six hours after he landing on American soil. He was in service in the Seminole war in Florida, the Black Hawk war and the Mexican war, and when the Civil war broke out, though well along in years, rendered further service in behalf of the Union arms. At the termination of his service in the army he took up a soldier's claim in Fayette county and later homesteaded in Clayton county, where John Becker was born.
John Becker grew to manhood on his father's farm and assisted in the work until 1873, when he came to Le Mars. On coming to Le Mars Mr. Becker bought 320 acres of prairie land in America township, paying eight dollars and twenty cents an acre, and proceeded to break up and develop the soil and farmed successfully for many years, and was a raiser of fine stock and cattle feeder.
Mr. Becker, during his residence on the farm, gave close attention to local and civic affairs. He was county supervisor for six years, and he also served as school director, trustee and clerk of the township at various times. Mr. Becker was a well informed man and made a good official while serving as commissioner.
Mr. Becker was united in marriage with Amelia Niemeyer, January 20, 1874, at Guttenberg, Iowa, and brought his bride to Plymouth county, where he had located the previous year. Eight children were born to their union. His wife preceded him in death, dying twenty years ago on Christmas day, and three children passed away in youth, Casper, John and Obdulia. He is survived by five children: Mrs. F. A. Kunkel, J. E. Becker, Mrs. D. N. Zeig, of Le Mars; Mrs. J. E. Kunkel and H. C. F. Becker, of Farmer, S. D. There are twenty-nine grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren. He also leaves three sisters and a brother: Sara Becker and Mary Becker, of Des Moines; Mrs. Rose Meehan, Rockwell, Iowa; and J. H. Becker, of Des Moines.
Mr. Becker was a member of St. Joseph church and its societies. He was a member of the Le Mars Aerie, Order of Eagles. He enjoyed a large acquaintance in the county and had many friends in northwestern Iowa.
Funeral services were held Monday morning in St. Joseph church, Mgr. L. D. Fisch officiating and interment made in St. Joseph cemetery.
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History of Plymouth County, Iowa, Indianapolis, Ind.: B. F. Bowen, 1917
John Becker, one of the best-known pioneer farmers of Plymouth county, now living comfortably retired in the city of Le Mars, where he has a very pleasant home at 1312 Madison street, is a native son of Iowa and has lived in this state all his life. He was born on a pioneer farm in Clayton county, this state, April 7, 1847, son of Casper Becker and wife, early settlers in that county, both of whom spent their last days there.
John Becker grew to manhood on his father's farm in Clayton county and remained there, a valued assistant in the work of developing and improving the same, until after his marriage in 1873, when he and his wife came to Plymouth county and here established their home. Upon locating in this county Mr. Becker bought a farm of three hundred and twenty acres in section 25 of America township, paying for the same eight dollars and twenty cents an acre, and proceeded to develop and improve the same. From the very beginning of his undertaking he was successful in his operations and, barring the backset suffered at the time of the grasshopper visitations, prospered, gradually adding to his land holdings until he became the owner of four hundred acres of choice land and became recognized as one of the most substantial farmers in that part of the county. In addition to his general farming, Mr. Becker paid considerable attention to the raising of high-grade live stock and at one time had as many as seven hundred head of cattle on his place. He was continually making improvements on the place and, all told, has expended fifteen thousand dollars in such improvements, having thus brought his farm up to a high standard of development. There he continued to make his home until 1910, when he and his wife retired from the farm and moved to Le Mars, where Mrs. Becker died on Christmas Day, 1913, and where Mr. Becker continues to make his home. Mr. Becker is a Democrat and for thirty-four years, during his residence on the farm, gave his close attention to local civic affairs, during all of that a member of the board of supervisors and he also served as school director, trustee, assessor and clerk of the township at various times. Mr. Becker is a member of St. Joseph's German Catholic church at Le mars, as was his wife, and their children were reared in their faith. He is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and takes a warm interest in the affairs of that organization.
It was in 1873, during his residence in Clayton county, that John Becker was united in marriage to Amelia (sic/Emelia) Niemeyer, a daughter of Henry Niemeyer and wife, to this union eight (sic/nine) children were born.
Widely Known Early Resident Taken By Death
John Becker Located on Bare Prairie Near Le Mars In Early Seventies
Served as Supervisor
Prominent Stock Farmer In His Younger Days
Death claimed John Becker, 85, resident of Plymouth county for sixty-one years, prominent in his lifetime as a stock farmer and leader in public affairs, at his home 614 Third avenue SE, in this city, Friday afternoon, April 27. Mr. Becker, who enjoyed a long, hearty, rugged life, maintaining his vigorous health to the end, suffered a fall about four weeks ago, from the effects of which he failed to recover.
John Becker was a native of Iowa and was born on a farm in Clayton county, Iowa, April 7, 1849. He was reared amid pioneer surroundings, his father Casper Becker, being among the early settlers shortly after Iowa was admitted to statehood. Casper Becker was a native of France, a son of General Becker, who served under Napoleon and was in the famous retreat from Moscow, when the French army met disaster. Coming to America when a youth, after service in the French army, Casper Becker enlisted in the United States army six hours after he landing on American soil. He was in service in the Seminole war in Florida, the Black Hawk war and the Mexican war, and when the Civil war broke out, though well along in years, rendered further service in behalf of the Union arms. At the termination of his service in the army he took up a soldier's claim in Fayette county and later homesteaded in Clayton county, where John Becker was born.
John Becker grew to manhood on his father's farm and assisted in the work until 1873, when he came to Le Mars. On coming to Le Mars Mr. Becker bought 320 acres of prairie land in America township, paying eight dollars and twenty cents an acre, and proceeded to break up and develop the soil and farmed successfully for many years, and was a raiser of fine stock and cattle feeder.
Mr. Becker, during his residence on the farm, gave close attention to local and civic affairs. He was county supervisor for six years, and he also served as school director, trustee and clerk of the township at various times. Mr. Becker was a well informed man and made a good official while serving as commissioner.
Mr. Becker was united in marriage with Amelia Niemeyer, January 20, 1874, at Guttenberg, Iowa, and brought his bride to Plymouth county, where he had located the previous year. Eight children were born to their union. His wife preceded him in death, dying twenty years ago on Christmas day, and three children passed away in youth, Casper, John and Obdulia. He is survived by five children: Mrs. F. A. Kunkel, J. E. Becker, Mrs. D. N. Zeig, of Le Mars; Mrs. J. E. Kunkel and H. C. F. Becker, of Farmer, S. D. There are twenty-nine grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren. He also leaves three sisters and a brother: Sara Becker and Mary Becker, of Des Moines; Mrs. Rose Meehan, Rockwell, Iowa; and J. H. Becker, of Des Moines.
Mr. Becker was a member of St. Joseph church and its societies. He was a member of the Le Mars Aerie, Order of Eagles. He enjoyed a large acquaintance in the county and had many friends in northwestern Iowa.
Funeral services were held Monday morning in St. Joseph church, Mgr. L. D. Fisch officiating and interment made in St. Joseph cemetery.
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History of Plymouth County, Iowa, Indianapolis, Ind.: B. F. Bowen, 1917
John Becker, one of the best-known pioneer farmers of Plymouth county, now living comfortably retired in the city of Le Mars, where he has a very pleasant home at 1312 Madison street, is a native son of Iowa and has lived in this state all his life. He was born on a pioneer farm in Clayton county, this state, April 7, 1847, son of Casper Becker and wife, early settlers in that county, both of whom spent their last days there.
John Becker grew to manhood on his father's farm in Clayton county and remained there, a valued assistant in the work of developing and improving the same, until after his marriage in 1873, when he and his wife came to Plymouth county and here established their home. Upon locating in this county Mr. Becker bought a farm of three hundred and twenty acres in section 25 of America township, paying for the same eight dollars and twenty cents an acre, and proceeded to develop and improve the same. From the very beginning of his undertaking he was successful in his operations and, barring the backset suffered at the time of the grasshopper visitations, prospered, gradually adding to his land holdings until he became the owner of four hundred acres of choice land and became recognized as one of the most substantial farmers in that part of the county. In addition to his general farming, Mr. Becker paid considerable attention to the raising of high-grade live stock and at one time had as many as seven hundred head of cattle on his place. He was continually making improvements on the place and, all told, has expended fifteen thousand dollars in such improvements, having thus brought his farm up to a high standard of development. There he continued to make his home until 1910, when he and his wife retired from the farm and moved to Le Mars, where Mrs. Becker died on Christmas Day, 1913, and where Mr. Becker continues to make his home. Mr. Becker is a Democrat and for thirty-four years, during his residence on the farm, gave his close attention to local civic affairs, during all of that a member of the board of supervisors and he also served as school director, trustee, assessor and clerk of the township at various times. Mr. Becker is a member of St. Joseph's German Catholic church at Le mars, as was his wife, and their children were reared in their faith. He is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and takes a warm interest in the affairs of that organization.
It was in 1873, during his residence in Clayton county, that John Becker was united in marriage to Amelia (sic/Emelia) Niemeyer, a daughter of Henry Niemeyer and wife, to this union eight (sic/nine) children were born.
Le Mars Semi-Weekly Sentinel, IA, Tuesday, May 1, 1934, pg. 1, col. 5
Widely Known Early Resident Taken By Death
John Becker Located on Bare Prairie Near Le Mars In Early Seventies
Served as Supervisor
Prominent Stock Farmer In His Younger Days
Death claimed John Becker, 85, resident of Plymouth county for sixty-one years, prominent in his lifetime as a stock farmer and leader in public affairs, at his home 614 Third avenue SE, in this city, Friday afternoon, April 27. Mr. Becker, who enjoyed a long, hearty, rugged life, maintaining his vigorous health to the end, suffered a fall about four weeks ago, from the effects of which he failed to recover.
John Becker was a native of Iowa and was born on a farm in Clayton county, Iowa, April 7, 1849. He was reared amid pioneer surroundings, his father Casper Becker, being among the early settlers shortly after Iowa was admitted to statehood. Casper Becker was a native of France, a son of General Becker, who served under Napoleon and was in the famous retreat from Moscow, when the French army met disaster. Coming to America when a youth, after service in the French army, Casper Becker enlisted in the United States army six hours after he landing on American soil. He was in service in the Seminole war in Florida, the Black Hawk war and the Mexican war, and when the Civil war broke out, though well along in years, rendered further service in behalf of the Union arms. At the termination of his service in the army he took up a soldier's claim in Fayette county and later homesteaded in Clayton county, where John Becker was born.
John Becker grew to manhood on his father's farm and assisted in the work until 1873, when he came to Le Mars. On coming to Le Mars Mr. Becker bought 320 acres of prairie land in America township, paying eight dollars and twenty cents an acre, and proceeded to break up and develop the soil and farmed successfully for many years, and was a raiser of fine stock and cattle feeder.
Mr. Becker, during his residence on the farm, gave close attention to local and civic affairs. He was county supervisor for six years, and he also served as school director, trustee and clerk of the township at various times. Mr. Becker was a well informed man and made a good official while serving as commissioner.
Mr. Becker was united in marriage with Amelia Niemeyer, January 20, 1874, at Guttenberg, Iowa, and brought his bride to Plymouth county, where he had located the previous year. Eight children were born to their union. His wife preceded him in death, dying twenty years ago on Christmas day, and three children passed away in youth, Casper, John and Obdulia. He is survived by five children: Mrs. F. A. Kunkel, J. E. Becker, Mrs. D. N. Zeig, of Le Mars; Mrs. J. E. Kunkel and H. C. F. Becker, of Farmer, S. D. There are twenty-nine grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren. He also leaves three sisters and a brother: Sara Becker and Mary Becker, of Des Moines; Mrs. Rose Meehan, Rockwell, Iowa; and J. H. Becker, of Des Moines.
Mr. Becker was a member of St. Joseph church and its societies. He was a member of the Le Mars Aerie, Order of Eagles. He enjoyed a large acquaintance in the county and had many friends in northwestern Iowa.
Funeral services were held Monday morning in St. Joseph church, Mgr. L. D. Fisch officiating and interment made in St. Joseph cemetery.
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History of Plymouth County, Iowa, Indianapolis, Ind.: B. F. Bowen, 1917
John Becker, one of the best-known pioneer farmers of Plymouth county, now living comfortably retired in the city of Le Mars, where he has a very pleasant home at 1312 Madison street, is a native son of Iowa and has lived in this state all his life. He was born on a pioneer farm in Clayton county, this state, April 7, 1847, son of Casper Becker and wife, early settlers in that county, both of whom spent their last days there.
John Becker grew to manhood on his father's farm in Clayton county and remained there, a valued assistant in the work of developing and improving the same, until after his marriage in 1873, when he and his wife came to Plymouth county and here established their home. Upon locating in this county Mr. Becker bought a farm of three hundred and twenty acres in section 25 of America township, paying for the same eight dollars and twenty cents an acre, and proceeded to develop and improve the same. From the very beginning of his undertaking he was successful in his operations and, barring the backset suffered at the time of the grasshopper visitations, prospered, gradually adding to his land holdings until he became the owner of four hundred acres of choice land and became recognized as one of the most substantial farmers in that part of the county. In addition to his general farming, Mr. Becker paid considerable attention to the raising of high-grade live stock and at one time had as many as seven hundred head of cattle on his place. He was continually making improvements on the place and, all told, has expended fifteen thousand dollars in such improvements, having thus brought his farm up to a high standard of development. There he continued to make his home until 1910, when he and his wife retired from the farm and moved to Le Mars, where Mrs. Becker died on Christmas Day, 1913, and where Mr. Becker continues to make his home. Mr. Becker is a Democrat and for thirty-four years, during his residence on the farm, gave his close attention to local civic affairs, during all of that a member of the board of supervisors and he also served as school director, trustee, assessor and clerk of the township at various times. Mr. Becker is a member of St. Joseph's German Catholic church at Le mars, as was his wife, and their children were reared in their faith. He is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and takes a warm interest in the affairs of that organization.
It was in 1873, during his residence in Clayton county, that John Becker was united in marriage to Amelia (sic/Emelia) Niemeyer, a daughter of Henry Niemeyer and wife, to this union eight (sic/nine) children were born.
Widely Known Early Resident Taken By Death
John Becker Located on Bare Prairie Near Le Mars In Early Seventies
Served as Supervisor
Prominent Stock Farmer In His Younger Days
Death claimed John Becker, 85, resident of Plymouth county for sixty-one years, prominent in his lifetime as a stock farmer and leader in public affairs, at his home 614 Third avenue SE, in this city, Friday afternoon, April 27. Mr. Becker, who enjoyed a long, hearty, rugged life, maintaining his vigorous health to the end, suffered a fall about four weeks ago, from the effects of which he failed to recover.
John Becker was a native of Iowa and was born on a farm in Clayton county, Iowa, April 7, 1849. He was reared amid pioneer surroundings, his father Casper Becker, being among the early settlers shortly after Iowa was admitted to statehood. Casper Becker was a native of France, a son of General Becker, who served under Napoleon and was in the famous retreat from Moscow, when the French army met disaster. Coming to America when a youth, after service in the French army, Casper Becker enlisted in the United States army six hours after he landing on American soil. He was in service in the Seminole war in Florida, the Black Hawk war and the Mexican war, and when the Civil war broke out, though well along in years, rendered further service in behalf of the Union arms. At the termination of his service in the army he took up a soldier's claim in Fayette county and later homesteaded in Clayton county, where John Becker was born.
John Becker grew to manhood on his father's farm and assisted in the work until 1873, when he came to Le Mars. On coming to Le Mars Mr. Becker bought 320 acres of prairie land in America township, paying eight dollars and twenty cents an acre, and proceeded to break up and develop the soil and farmed successfully for many years, and was a raiser of fine stock and cattle feeder.
Mr. Becker, during his residence on the farm, gave close attention to local and civic affairs. He was county supervisor for six years, and he also served as school director, trustee and clerk of the township at various times. Mr. Becker was a well informed man and made a good official while serving as commissioner.
Mr. Becker was united in marriage with Amelia Niemeyer, January 20, 1874, at Guttenberg, Iowa, and brought his bride to Plymouth county, where he had located the previous year. Eight children were born to their union. His wife preceded him in death, dying twenty years ago on Christmas day, and three children passed away in youth, Casper, John and Obdulia. He is survived by five children: Mrs. F. A. Kunkel, J. E. Becker, Mrs. D. N. Zeig, of Le Mars; Mrs. J. E. Kunkel and H. C. F. Becker, of Farmer, S. D. There are twenty-nine grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren. He also leaves three sisters and a brother: Sara Becker and Mary Becker, of Des Moines; Mrs. Rose Meehan, Rockwell, Iowa; and J. H. Becker, of Des Moines.
Mr. Becker was a member of St. Joseph church and its societies. He was a member of the Le Mars Aerie, Order of Eagles. He enjoyed a large acquaintance in the county and had many friends in northwestern Iowa.
Funeral services were held Monday morning in St. Joseph church, Mgr. L. D. Fisch officiating and interment made in St. Joseph cemetery.
+++
History of Plymouth County, Iowa, Indianapolis, Ind.: B. F. Bowen, 1917
John Becker, one of the best-known pioneer farmers of Plymouth county, now living comfortably retired in the city of Le Mars, where he has a very pleasant home at 1312 Madison street, is a native son of Iowa and has lived in this state all his life. He was born on a pioneer farm in Clayton county, this state, April 7, 1847, son of Casper Becker and wife, early settlers in that county, both of whom spent their last days there.
John Becker grew to manhood on his father's farm in Clayton county and remained there, a valued assistant in the work of developing and improving the same, until after his marriage in 1873, when he and his wife came to Plymouth county and here established their home. Upon locating in this county Mr. Becker bought a farm of three hundred and twenty acres in section 25 of America township, paying for the same eight dollars and twenty cents an acre, and proceeded to develop and improve the same. From the very beginning of his undertaking he was successful in his operations and, barring the backset suffered at the time of the grasshopper visitations, prospered, gradually adding to his land holdings until he became the owner of four hundred acres of choice land and became recognized as one of the most substantial farmers in that part of the county. In addition to his general farming, Mr. Becker paid considerable attention to the raising of high-grade live stock and at one time had as many as seven hundred head of cattle on his place. He was continually making improvements on the place and, all told, has expended fifteen thousand dollars in such improvements, having thus brought his farm up to a high standard of development. There he continued to make his home until 1910, when he and his wife retired from the farm and moved to Le Mars, where Mrs. Becker died on Christmas Day, 1913, and where Mr. Becker continues to make his home. Mr. Becker is a Democrat and for thirty-four years, during his residence on the farm, gave his close attention to local civic affairs, during all of that a member of the board of supervisors and he also served as school director, trustee, assessor and clerk of the township at various times. Mr. Becker is a member of St. Joseph's German Catholic church at Le mars, as was his wife, and their children were reared in their faith. He is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and takes a warm interest in the affairs of that organization.
It was in 1873, during his residence in Clayton county, that John Becker was united in marriage to Amelia (sic/Emelia) Niemeyer, a daughter of Henry Niemeyer and wife, to this union eight (sic/nine) children were born.
Gravesite Details
This use to be St. Joseph's Cemetery before the name change.
Family Members
Siblings
Half Siblings
