- ALOIS BECKER, a prosperous young stock raiser and well known citizen of Greenville township, Outagamie county, is a native of this township, where he was born May 2, 1880, a son of Anton and Francisco (Kraus) Becker, natives of Bohemia, Austria-Hungary, and early settlers of this section. Anton Becker came to the United States with his parents about 1845, when twelve years old, and became a land owner in Greenville township. He was also engaged in carpenter work and teaming in Appleton, but eventually engaged in the saloon and hotel business at Greenville Station for twelve years, where he also held the office of postmaster for a like period. He is now living retired in Appleton. He is a veteran of the Civil War, in which he served as a member of a Wisconsin regiment, but he was never wounded nor did he have any hospital service. Mr. Becker and his wife had thirteen children, of whom seven are now deceased, and Alois was the seventh in order of birth. The family is connected with the Roman Catholic Church at Greenville, and the politics of father and son have been democratic, the son serving as school clerk for some time. Alois Becker received a common school education in Greenville township, and resided with his parents until his marriage, after which he rented a farm for two years in this township. He then purchased his present fine 137-acre property, which he has devoted to stock raising, specializing in Guernsey cattle, and continually grading up for his own use. He also does his own churning and finds a ready market for his product in Appleton. Mr. Becker is a member of the Guernsey Breeders' Association. He is industrious and systematic, and a leader in all movements tending to benefit his township and the community at large. He holds membership in the Catholic Knights. On August ll, 1903, Mr. Becker was married to Miss Clara Smith, who was born in Greenville township, Outagamie county, August 3, 1880, daughter of Nicholas and Anna (Straup) Smith, the former born in Ellington township and the latter in Greenville township, both of German parents. Mr. Smith, who has always been a farmer, is now living on his property in Greenville township, and his wife also survives. They have had fourteen children, Mrs. Becker being the second oldest thereof. Mr. and Mrs. Becker have had no children, but have an adopted child from the Orphan Asylum, Ida, born August 16, 1910.
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1880 - 1966 (85 years)
Biography
