Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor

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BECKER, OSCAR - the insurance business shows remarkable advancement, within the past score of years. Various reliable companies cover all classes of risks, afford employment for the energies of some of the best business men of the country. One who had made his work along this line in Springfield is Oscar Becker, who was born in Fosterburg, Madison County, Ill., July 19, 1875. He is a son of Charles H. and Malinda (Wilms) Becker, the former born in Germany in 1847 and died in 1902, while his wife was born in Kansas in 1855. Charles H. Becker, came to Springfield in 1883, embarking in a hotel business. Until 1893 he conducted one of the well-patronized hostelries, then retiring. He was elected Supervisor-at-large and served acceptably for four years, but since then has taken no active part in either business or political life.

Oscar Becker was educated in the Springfield schools and brought up on the farm. After leaving school he spent four years in Chicago, was there in the employ of Mandel Brothers. Returning home in 1892, he started a livery stable and conducted it for a year, when he turned his attention to his present work, and is now one of the most successful insurance men of his part of the State. He is a Republican in political faith.

Mr. Becker was married in 1897, in Springfield, to Margaret J. Nickey, who was born in 1878. They have one son, Clarence O. Becker, born June 4, 1899.