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Below is a family biography included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published by Biographical Publishing Co. in 1894.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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LEWIS BECK is one of the leading and well known citizens of Du Quoin, who is prominent in its business interests and in the promotion of those enterprises which are calculated to advance the general welfare and prove of public benefit. He is interested in real estate, in farming and in stock dealing, and by his perseverance and business ability has made his career a prosperous one.

Mr. Beck was born in Cape Girardeau County, Mo., on the 18th of February, 1851, and is a son of Charles Beck, who was a native of Germany, and a butcher by trade. When a young man he left the Fatherland and crossed the broad Atlantic to America, taking up his residence in Cape Girardeau County, Mo. His wife died when our subject was only six years of age. Lewis had one brother and two sisters. The former, John, was two years his senior, and died when a young man. The sisters are both living, and one is now married.

Mr. Beck received but limited educational privileges in early life, but by experience and observation he has gained a practical business knowledge, and has become a well informed man. His residence in Du Quoin dates from the year 1874, and since that time he has been engaged in the butchering and stock business. This has proved to him a profitable venture, as have his other enterprises. He owns and operates a farm two and a-half miles from Du Quoin, which is under a high state of cultivation and well improved, and is the owner of the Commercial Hotel, which he now rents, he also owns other business property, which has been acquired through his own exertions, and which stands as a monument to his thrift and enterprise. He also has twenty-four residences in Du Quoin, which he rents.

In 1874, Mr. Beck was united in marriage with Miss Anna Witrock, who was born in Missouri, and is also of German lineage. By their union eight children were born, but one died in early life. Those who are still under the parental roof are, Lena, Walter, Delia, Flora, Lulu, Georgia and Johnnie.

Mr. Beck is a Democrat in political views, and though he has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking, he served as City Alderman and proved a capable official. Socially he holds membership with the Odd Fellows’ society, and is a member of the Lutheran Church. He may truly be called a self-made man, for by industry and determination he has overcome the obstacles and difficulties in his path and worked his way steadily upward from an humble position to one of affluence.

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This family biography is one of 679 biographies included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published in 1894.  View the complete description here: The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois

View additional Perry County, Illinois family biographies here: Perry County, Illinois Biographies

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