SHEBOYGAN HISTORY

Christian Becker, Page 525

CHRISTIAN BECKER, who formerly lived on section 6, in the town of Rhine, is a native of Groszheilbach, Bayern, Bavaria, Germany, and was born in February, 1831.  He was reared and educated in his native country, and in 1852 emigrated to America, sailing from Bremen to New York, where he landed after a voyage of eighty days.  He came direct to Wisconsin, locating in the town of Rhine, in Sheboygan County, where he bought forty acres of land.  After one year's residence here, Mr. Becker went to the mining regions of Lake Superior, where he was employed for another year.  At the end of that time he returned to this county and purchased another forty-acre tract, buying the same from an uncle.  By additional purchase Mr. Becker added to his landed possessions, until he owned a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres.

    At the age of twenty-seven years, Mr. Becker was married to Miss Magdalena Heim, a daughter of Alveis Heim, who is also a native of Bayern, Bavaria, Germany.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Becker a family numbering sixteen children was born, eight sons and eight daughters.  Of this large family ten survive:  Alvis, now of Milwaukee, Wis.; Francisca, who became the wife of Joseph Hoffman, of Charlesburgh, Calumet County, Wis.; Cunigunga, who married Andreas Schneider, a farmer of Germantown, Washington County, same State; Kansessa, wife of John Holzshoe, of Sherwood, Calumet County; Renatus, a farmer of Rhine Township; Anton, a harness-maker by occupation, residing in Milwaukee; Joseph, who lives in Sheboygan; Petrus, who is employed at farm work with his brother Renatus; and Seraphine and Marie, who are at home with their parents.

    Renatus is the sixth in order of birth in his father's family, and was born at the old homestead on section 6, in the town of Rhine, November 23, 1866.  Here he was reared, receiving his education in the common schools.  When twenty-one years of age, he went to Milwaukee, where he worked for the well-known Pabst Brewing Company, remaining in their employ for some two years.  He then came home to marry the lady of his choice, Miss Agnes Miller, a daughter of John J. Miller.  Their marriage was celebrated June 4, 1889, at the old homestead of the groom.  Mrs. Becker is also a native of Rhine Township, where she was born November 1, 1863, being reared and educated in that town.  They young couple have one daughter, Franciska, born June 8, 1892.

    Christian Becker and his family are members of the Catholic Church at St. Nazianz's, and, in politics, he and his son are supporters of the principles of the Democratic party.  The parents have rented their farm to their son Renatus, and are now residing in the town of Eden.