Casper Becker was born in Treer, France, now Prussia, Nov. 1, 1813. He left his native country for America in 1840, landing in New York, June 4 of that year. He enlisted in the Florida War on Nov. 4, 1840, in Company E., First United States Infantry, under command of General Scott. He was stationed in Florida eight months, at Fort Crawford, Wis., two and a half years, at Fort Atkinson eighteen months, and from there went to Jefferson Barracks, Mo., where he received his final discharge in 1845, having faithfully served his country five years. He came to Clayton County, and settled on a farm on section 33, which he had previously bought. He now owns 555 acres of finely improved land, and is classed with the prominent and extensive farmers and stock-breeders of Clayton County. He was married to Lizzie Stuckhoff, in June, 1847. She was born in Oldensburg, Germany, in 1820, and died leaving three children- John, born April 7, 1849; Catherine, Nov. 9, 1850, and Elizabeth, Aug. 1, 1852. Mr. Becker was married the second time in July 1856, to Anna Book, a native of Hanover, Germany, born Feb. 28, 1828. They have seven children- Mary, born Aug. 20, 1858, Dederick W., Feb. 20, 1860; Casper H., May 29, 1861; Harmon, Dec. 21, 1862; Sarah A., Aug. 5, 1865; Joseph H., May 13, 1867, and Rosena, April 8, 1871. Mr. Becker is a member of the Catholic church, and in politics gives he Democratic party his support. source: History of Clayton
County, Iowa, 1882, p. 718-19 |