Untitled Document

Anton Becht

Anton Becht , a wagon-maker and general blacksmith at Colona, was born in Hohenzollern , Germany , Nov. 30, 1830 . He is the son of Anton and Catherine (Hinger) Becht, who were both natives of the same Prussian State .

Mr. Becht passed through the routine prescribed by the laws of his native country for the management of the youth of the land, and attended school from the age of six to fourteen years. He was then apprenticed to learn the trade to which he has devoted his life and he passed between two and three years in the acquisition of a knowledge of its details. He then passed some time in doing “jour work.” He acted in that capacity until 1853, when he left his native land and came to the United States . He left Germany in September, and landed at the port of New York on the 11 th of November following. He had no difficulty in obtaining employment at his trade in the great city, and he remained there three years. He came thence to Davenport , and there operated as a wagon-maker until 1858. In that year he came to Colona, and was engaged in mining one year. In 1859 he came to the village in which he has since resided, and opened the business which he has since continued to prosecute. He is engaged in the manufacture of wagons and sleights, and maintains a general repair shop. His business relations are extensive and profitable.

Mr. Becht was married in the city of New York to Antonia Beck. She was born in the same province as her husband. Their children are five in number, and was born in the following order: Josephine, Frank, Bertha, John and Polly. The oldest daughter is the widow of Henry Buckholz. Bertha married Charles Pyle, and they live in Colona.

1885 Portrait & Biographical Album of Henry Co., Illinois page 432

Transcribed by Jan Roggy

Illinois Ancestors