Robert Eugene & Louise Adams Beck

Robert Eugene & Louise Adams Beck, Winn Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Greggory E. Davies
120 Ted Price Lane
Winnfield, LA 71483

Robert Eugene Beck, son of Robert S. Beck and Lizzie Emrick Beck, was born July 21, 1894 in Mississippi but spent his childhood in the Beech Creek community of Winn Parish. He left Beech Creek to attend high school at Verda, Grant Parish, where he worked to pay his room and board. A. Leonard Allen was principal of Verda High School at that time.

When the United States entered World War I, just prior to his graduation, he volunteered for service in the navy. He served as a yeoman aboard a transport ship ferrying troops to Europe, making six round trips before war's end. Following the war and discharge, he returned home where he worked briefly as a locomotive fireman. He later worked for the Winn Parish School Board and as deputy clerk of court.

On December 24, 1919, Robert Eugene Beck married his high school sweetheart, Louise Adams of Verda, daughter of Asa Manuel Adams. Asa Manuel Adams was born at Harper's Crossing on Dugdemona River, August 14, 1852. It was during Mr. Beck's service as deputy clerk of court that he decided to study law. Judge Cas Moss and his brother, Alan Moss, tutored Beck and he was admitted to the Louisiana bar in 1922. He practiced law in Winnfield until the time of his death, January 6, 1945. Mr. Beck was an active deacon and Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church, Winnfield. He also served on the Winn Parish Democratic Executive Committee and the selective service board. Mrs. Adams died May 6, 1978.

Three children were born of the Beck-Adams marriage. Robert Eugene, Jr., born September 17, 1922, a career naval officer who served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War before retiring as captain; Charles Leonard, born November 24, 1924, who also served in World War II and the Korean war, before practicing law in Winnfield with classmate Hiram Wright in 1948 and 1949; Mary Nell, born July 19, 1928, a school teacher and Louisiana College Homecoming Queen, who married V. Matt Milam, Jr.

(Source: Mrs. Mary Nell Beck Milam. Submitted by Greggory Ellis Davies, Winnfield, Winn Parish, Louisiana)