Charles Louis and Alvena Becker
Charles Louis Becker:
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Alvena Sophie Becker (née Boldt):
Birth: February 02, 1870 / USA
Death: October 12, 1955 / Blue Island, IL Age: 85 Married: Charles Louis Becker Children: 4 Profession: House Wife |
The First Charles...
Charles Louis Becker was born on July 22, 1868 in Blue Island, IL and was
part of the first Becker generation to be born in America.
According to the 1900 U.S. Census, Charles married Alvena (née Boldt), and the couple had three children at that time. Charles Tobias born in 1891, Modesta born in 1896, and Edna born in 1898. At this time, Charles is age 31 and he is working as a “Teamster” which is a widely known Union group. We also know that the family currently rented their home. We also understand from the 1900 Census that the family was currently living in Chicago, specifically in the West Town Neighborhood. |
A Growing Family
Using the 1910 U.S. Census, we see that Charles and Alvena have a fourth child Alma, born in approximately 1905. During this time, Charles indicates in the Census that he is working as a “Laborer” in the “Brickyards”. We also see that his son, Charles Tobias “Jr.”, age 19 at the time, is also working with him at the “Brickyards” as a “Packer”. We assume Charles Louis helped his son get the job. Charles and family still rent a home and this time they are located in Calumet Township, which is just south of Chicago. The 1910 Census also indicates that Charles and Alvena have been married for 19 years.
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In the 1920 U.S. Census, we see that Charles, now age 51, owns a home (no more renting!) and is still located in Calumet Township. Most of the kids are grown up and out of the house, but Alma, the youngest, is still living at home and is 14 years old. This census also asked people if they could read and write—of course both Charles and Alvena were able to do both.
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Work is Hard, But eventually Steady and Stable
The 1920 Census
also tells us that Charles is now working as a Janitor for the First Lutheran School in Blue Island, IL. Based on our own knowledge, we know that an accident at Charles' previous job in the Brickyards, left him with severed fingers on both hands and therefore limited his ability to work in a labor intensive job. We believe this is why Charles became a Janitor for a local school and was employed there for roughly 20 years. Enlarge the photo to the right to look closely at Charles' exposed hand.
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In the 1930 Census, it states that Charles is now age 62 and remains a Janitor at the first Lutheran School. He and Alvena are still living in Calumet Township. This Census indicates a few other interesting facts about Charles: he owns a radio, he did not attend college, and he is not a veteran of the Military or Naval services. It also states this time that he was age 22 while Alvena was 21 at the time of their marriage.
Working Through The Final Years
In the 1940 U.S Census, Charles is now age 71 and remains
employed as a Janitor at the First Lutheran School. This Census tells us some more interesting facts about Charles: His home is valued at $4500, the highest level of education
he has completed is up to the 6th grade (his wife Alvena completed
up to 8th grade), and his annual income is $1800. Charles and Alvena lived at 1840 York Street, Blue Island, IL.
Another interesting fact, in all the Census documents, it appears that Alvena does not work, or at least does not report that she works in any of the Census documents. It appears to be common for women to be reported as "House Wife" under the employment category. However, it is likely that Alvena held 'odd jobs' to help earn extra money for her and Charles. |
Based on the few photos we have of Charles, we know that he
was a large man, both tall (over 6ft) and wide, and he carried many of the
distinguishing Becker features in his face. Many of his distant descendants
have similar facial features—most notably his grandson, Charles Otto Becker.
On May 16, 1945, Charles passed away at the age of 76 (according to Charles’ record of death on the Illinois, Deaths and Stillbirths Index, 1916-1947). He passed away just two months after his son Charles Tobias passed away. The cause of death is unknown, but we do know that both Charles and Alvena are buried at Mt. Hope Cemetery located with Worth, Illinois, Lot 170, Section 6.
On May 16, 1945, Charles passed away at the age of 76 (according to Charles’ record of death on the Illinois, Deaths and Stillbirths Index, 1916-1947). He passed away just two months after his son Charles Tobias passed away. The cause of death is unknown, but we do know that both Charles and Alvena are buried at Mt. Hope Cemetery located with Worth, Illinois, Lot 170, Section 6.
Charles' Father - Thomas Becker
While learning about Charles, we also believe we discovered
Charles’ father. We know that Charles father’s name was Thomas Becker, and that
Thomas was born in Germany (according to Charles’ record of death on the
Illinois, Deaths and Stillbirths Index, 1916-1947). Therefore, we know Charles
was part of the first Becker generation born in America.
Assuming we have the right Thomas Becker, Charles Louis had many siblings. His parents, had four children in total, and Charles Louis was the third of the four children. He had two older brothers: Tobiats (which is Thomas in English) and William, born approximately in 1865 and 1866 respectively. Charles also had a younger sister, Caroline, born in 1870. There were two other children, Katie and an infant, who both died young. See Thomas Becker's biography for more information.
Assuming we have the right Thomas Becker, Charles Louis had many siblings. His parents, had four children in total, and Charles Louis was the third of the four children. He had two older brothers: Tobiats (which is Thomas in English) and William, born approximately in 1865 and 1866 respectively. Charles also had a younger sister, Caroline, born in 1870. There were two other children, Katie and an infant, who both died young. See Thomas Becker's biography for more information.