From the "The Village of Harlem: Its People, Homes and Business – 50th
Anniversary Souvenir 1856 to 1906"
"Among the many prosperous and well known business men of Harlem is Mr. Charles E Beck, who was born in Germany in 1870, and came to this country in 1980. Mr. Beck, as a young man, desiring to make his way in life, came to this country alone, his entire capital being his youthfulness and determination to succeed. Learning of the possibilities Harlem offered then as it does now, he located here where he learned the painting and paper-hanging trade. He was employed by a large firm in Oak Park for a number of years. Desiring to engage in business on his own account, in 1903, he opened an office at his home at 39 S. Circle Ave., where he is now located.
"Mr. Beck has been very successful in contracting, house painting and paper-hanging, employing a large number of workmen, and he has been fortunate in securing many large contracts both in the village and in towns outside. This has come about through the excellency of his work and good treatment of his patrons.
"Mr. Beck was married in 1893 to Miss Anna Wied, an excellent lady, whose father was one of the early settlers of the village. They were exceedingly unfortunate in losing their oldest son, Walter, by a street car accident when he was twelve years old. They have four living children -- Harry, Esther, Edna and Margaret.