Among the business men of Mount Olive Edward H. Becker occupies a
prominent place, being known as one of the most successful funeral
directors in this part of the country. He is also the owner of a
flourishing livery establishment and has shown an energy and capacity
which give brilliant promise as to his future. Born in Staunton township
September 10, 1883, he is a son of Christ and Geske (Arkebauer) Becker,
both of whom were born in Illinois, their parents being natives of
Germany and early settlers of the state. After their marriage Mr. and
Mrs. Becker located on a farm in Staunton township where he continued
until his death which occurred on Christmas day. 1890, when the subject
of this review was seven years of age. Subsequently the mother was
married to August Ruhlander, a merchant and undertaker of Mount Olive.
Edward H. Becker was reared under the favorable influences of a
kindly home and possessed excellent advantages of education. He attended
the public schools and the Mount Olive high school and then became a
student of Bryant & Stratton Business College at St. Louis. After
graduating with high credit from this institution he returned to Mount
Olive and entered the employ of Mr. Ruhlander, being placed in charge of
the undertaking business in which he showed a special adaptability. In
1902, desiring to become thoroughly qualified in this line, he went to
Chicago and entered the Barnes School of Anatomy, Sanitary Science and
Embalming. After taking the complete course he resumed his position
under Mr. Ruhlander and continued with him until 1906. He then engaged
in the undertaking and livery business upon his own account and during
the years that have since passed he has built up an extensive patronage.
He has made a special study of the wants of the people in the branches
which he represents and has provided every facility that is to be
desired, his reputation steadily increasing with the passing years.
On the 16th of June, 1907, Mr. Becker was married to Miss Minnie
Keune, a daughter of Charles Keune, a retired farmer living near
Walshville, Illinois. One child, Dolores, has been born to this union.
Mr. Becker and his estimable wife are members of the Evangelical
Lutheran church and can claim many warm personal friends in that
organization and also throughout this section. He is an earnest friend
of education and is now serving as a member of the school board.
Although a young man he has scored a success and his friends prophesy
for him many additional victories in the years to come.
Extracted 20 Oct 2018 by Norma Hass from History of Macoupin County, Illinois: Biographical and Pictorial, by Charles A. Walker, published in 1911, Volume 2, pages 250-251.
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