John A. Beecher, a prominent and influential citizen of Norway Township who owns and operates a farm on section 26, was born in that Township March 12, 1883, his parents being Jacob and Rachel (Dalzell) Beecher. He is a representative of one of the old pioneer families of this County, where his father was born in 1843. His paternal grandfather was a native of Germany and on coming to America first located in New York State. At a very early day in the development of this County he came west and took up government land here, continuing to reside thereon until his death. Jacob Beecher grew to manhood in this County and was married in Norway Township to Miss Rachel Dalzell, a daughter of James and Anna (Anderson) Dalzell, honored pioneers of Racine County. In 1848 Mr. Dalzell purchased one hundred and twenty acres of government land here but was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, for he was killed by lightning in 1851. His wife was a native of Scotland. Jacob Beecher made farming his life work and became the owner of the old homestead of one hundred and twenty acres and after his father’s death also purchased sixty acres more. He supported the Democratic Party at the polls and was called upon to fill several local offices. His death occurred in 1907. His wife held membership in the Presbyterian Church. Of the five children born to them one is deceased, the others being: William, who was educated in the schools of Racine. Wisconsin. Valparaiso. Indiana, and Dixon, Illinois, and is now a successful attorney of Great Falls, Montana: Charles E., who was educated in the Northwestern University of Chicago and is now a physician of Gilson, Illinois; John A., of this review: and Clarence, who was educated for a lawyer but is now engaged in the insurance business in Joliet, Illinois.
Reared upon the home farm in Norway Township, John A. Beecher pursued his studies in the district school and when not occupied in this way assisted in the work of the fields. He now owns and operates one hundred and eighty acres of highly cultivated and well improved land and in connection with general farming gives considerable attention to the raising of cattle, keeping on hand about fifty head of Herefords. In 1907 he erected upon his place a beautiful residence of twelve rooms with modern conveniences and also has commodious outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock.
In 1910 Mr. Beecher was married to Miss Lillie Dreyfus, a daughter of Martin and Lillie (Foulks) Dreyfus, natives of Wisconsin. The father was born in Milwaukee in 1858 and still makes his home in that city, where he is engaged in business as a wholesale dealer in butchers’ supplies. Mr. and Mrs. Beecher have three children: Irene Dorothy, Ruby Margaret and Earl Raymond. They are active and prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. Beecher is serving as deacon, and he is also identified with the Masonic fraternity and the Modern Woodmen. In politics he is independent, supporting the men and -measures that he believes best qualified to advance the general welfare, and he is now filling the office of Township treasurer. He gives his hearty support to every worthy enterprise and stands high in the esteem of his fellow citizens.
