An Illustrated History of Baker, Grant, Malheur and Harney Counties, 1902
published by Western Historical Publishing Company

Joseph Beck

Mr. Beck is the son of Christian and Elizabeth (Stamm) Beck, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia, respectively, and he was born on March 29, 1826. In 1850 he traversed the plains with the ox team of the day and came to Hangtown, California, and engaged in mining, and in 1863 to Auburn, where he mined, after which he removed to Sparta, where he followed the same industry until the centennial year, when he settled in the Eagle valley, taking as a homestead the place where he now resides. Eighty acres of this place is devoted to fruit and grain and he has attained great success in the culture of the former, having taken prizes at the exposition at Philadelphia, among which was first prize on tomatoes.

In political matters he has ever been very prominent, affiliating with the Democratic party. For two years he was elected to the position of treasurer of Baker county and has also served in other public capacities. Mr. Beck is a veteran of the Mexican war, having served in Company A, First Illinois, for thirteen months, during which time he participated in much fighting, notably in the battle of Buena Vista.

The marriage of Mr. Beck and Miss Mary, daughter of William and Gernevia (Jackson) Lindsey, was solemnized on November 9, 1848. To them were born the following children: George A., Margaret E., William C., Anna, Joseph H., John Rolland, John Rice, all of whom have died. While Mrs. Beck was on a visit to the east, she was stricken with sickness and passed away. Thus has our subject been called to pass through an almost incredible amount of sadness and sorrow, but he has borne well and is today pressing onward in the race of life with vigor.

Mr. Beck was married a second time, the lady that became his wife was Miss Mirandia, daughter of Pardon and Elizabeth (Pyburn) Williams. Our subject is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being one of the charter members of Baker City Lodge, No. 47.

Return to the list