John H. Becker, blacksmith and wagon manufacturer at Coleta, was born Oct. 3, 1853, in Prussia, Germany. His parents, Peter and Margaret Becker, were natives of the same country as their ancestors had been for generations before. The former died in Prussia about 1857, when his son was a small lad. He was an only child, and when his mother chose another husband he went to live with his grandfather, where he remained two years; and at the expiration of that time he accompanied some relatives to the United States, and was taken by them to Ohio. His mother had, meanwhile, emigrated to the New World, and had become settled in St. Joseph Co., Ind., whither he went soon after and was again under maternal care until he was 15 years of age. About 1868 he came to Genesee Township, in Whiteside County, and he became a farm laborer, in which occupation he passed two years. At the end of that time, he came to Coleta to learn his trade under the instructions of L. H. Porter. After a service of four years he bought the shop and business relations of his employer and began to operate on his own responsibility. During the four years he learned the, details of wagon-making at Sterling, and he has since pursued both callings. He has two forges and in wagon-making he has acquired an excellent reputation through successful competition at the fairs at Morrison and Sterling. His work is accomplished with skill, and is ranked as first-class in reliability. He owns his business buildings and residence. Politically he is a Republican.
He was united in marriage in Genesee Township, April 30, 1874, to Esabinda Nance, and they have three children,- William, Mary and Arthur. Mrs. Becker was born July 8, 1856. She is a member of the Christian Church.
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