John Beck Sr.

BECK, KECK, WEETS, WURSTER

Posted By: jo (email)
Date: 4/10/2007 at 23:16:33

JOHN BECK, SR.
The deceased, John BECK, Sr., was born on the fifth day of October, 1845 at Dettingen, Oberant Urach, in Wuertemberg, Germany. He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Johann Georg Beck. Soon after his birth he became a chld of God and heir of salvation through the sacrament of holy baptism administered by the pastor of Dettingen, the Rev. Mr. Kapf. Concerning his early youth it is known that he attended the village school, received confirmation instruction and was confirmed at the age of 14. He was then apprenticed to a shoemaker and learned his trade by working at it as was the custom in those days. He immigrated to the United States of America in the year 1869, settling first at Dubuque, Iowa, and working there at his trade. Soon thereafter he removed to the vicinity of Maquoketa and engaged in farming on a small scale at first, and then gradually increasing his holdings as his means and family increased.
He was married on the 23rd day of September, 1871, to Elizabeth KECK, having been granted his citizenship papers sometime previous to this event.
Their union was blessed with 11 children. Two of these died in infancy, three others, Mrs. Wm. WEETS, Hermann and Minnie, preceded their father in death as did also his wife who passed away in 1928.
Mr. Beck enjoyed rugged health throughout most of his life. Of late years he continued to live on the home place, being cared for by the family of his son Gottlieb, who farmed the land. The latter's daughter Dorothy was her grandfather's chief stay.
He attained the ripe old age of 88 years, nine months, and 21 days. He leaves to mourn his passing, his sons; John, Christian, William Frederick, Gottlieb and Henry, and a daughter, Mrs. John WURSTER, all living in the vicinity of Maquoketa. there remain also three brothers in America, one brother in Germany, 24 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren, and many more distant relatives and friends.
His passing came last Thursday morning as a result of the extreme heat of the past weeks, and of old age. May he rest in peace and may the great day of ressurection of all the dead find him at the straight gate which leadeth unto life!
Funeral services were held Saturday at Harrisons funeral home, Rev. K. F. Weltner officiating. Interment was in Mt. Hope Cemetery.
Death Date: 26 July 1934
Obituary from Maquoketa paper dated Tuesday, July 31, 1934.