Jacob Beck, whose birth occurred on the old home farm October 30, 1824 was indebted to the common school system for the educational advantages he enjoyed, and the occupation with which he became familiar in his boyhood days he made his life work, becoming an industrious and enterprising farmer of Bethlehem township, Northampton county. He voted with the Democracy, and was active and influential in public affairs. He held the office of county president of the agricultural society for many years, and was a devoted member of the Lutheran church.