Mathias Becker
Mathias Becker came to Wisconsin from New York. It is likely he emigrated from Germany. Mathias Becker is first listed on the 1868 tax record for one acre of land worth $250 and personal property of $600. It is thought he arrived at Meeker Hill between 1860 and 1867. He was a prosperous man and able to build a beautiful cream city brick, two story building which was topped by an impressive windowed cupola. The walls were of tree trunks smoothed only on two sides. The basement had thick stone walls and a vaulted ceiling. This building was his home, a store, an official U.S. Post Office (Matt was listed as Postmaster), a dance hall, tavern and a way-stop for the Fond du Lac-Milwaukee stagecoach. There was a horse barn and 
bread oven at the back. The building was known as 'The Compromise’. (Since then, many others have run the tavern and hall. Grossey, Radermachcr, Theisen and Goetz are a few names mentioned as past owners.)
Matt was known by the Meeker Hill locals as an interesting and colorful character. He was well liked.. Matt had a small cannon in the cupola of his building. If the lookout watching for the stage received a distress signal, usually a smoke signal, from any of the surrounding communities, the cannon would be fired to warn of Indian trouble. The cannon was also used to announce the approach of the stage. Matt took great delight in pranks like firing the cannon at the right moment during weddings at St. Boniface Catholic Church. His own granddaughter remarked, according to great grandson, Gilbert Arnold, "Matt is so windy, green apples would ripen 
overnight. He is one of a kind!"
Matt Becker and wife Elizabeth made two additions to the building on the west side, one for a dance hall and the other to provide more living space on the second floor. The additions were of wood and of a screw-type construction. The Becker's hosted four dances a year. There would be a band, and the guests would dance until midnight. At midnight, the Beckers would serve a full course meal. The guests would travel home well fed, tired and happy.
Matt Becker was a good businessman but also generous and helpful to his neighbors. His name appears and disappears on the old plat maps where his name was attached to titles as he made loans to needy neighbors. When their daughter Elizabeth Felsing died at age 39, leaving her husband, William, with six children to raise and the youngest one year old, Matt and Elizabeth provided help with the children's care, food and money. Matt moved to Milwaukee at the tum of the century after his wife died.
The Beckers were long time members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Menomonee Falls. It is in St. Paul's Cemetery that Mathias, his wife Elizabeth, daughter Elizabeth, son-in-law, William Felsing, and William's parents, Henry and Louisa Felsing, now rest.
Photos: The Compromise; Becker Tavern (on right).
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