Becker, Arthur Linn

Arthur Linn Becker (1879-?), Methodist missionary, was born in Ray, Indiana on May 12, 1879. His parents moved to Reading, Michigan prior to his fifth birthday. He graduated high school in 1899 and enrolled in Albion College that same year. Becker became interested in foreign missionary work in his senior year. He graduated from Albion College in 1903. Becker was then appointed to Korea by the Methodist Episcopal Mission Board in 1903. His first responsibility as a missionary was as an educational missionary in Pyeng Yang.

Becker traveled to Tokyo, Japan, in 1905 where he met and married Louise Ann Smith, the daughter of a Methodist minister. Becker brought his wife back to Pyeng Yang. They had three children, two daughters and a son. Two of their children were born prior to the family's visit to the United States in 1910. Their second daughter was born after the family moved to Seoul.

Becker assisted in the foundation of the Chosen Christian College, now Yonsei University, in 1918. He was involved in the administration of its policies and curriculum from its establishment to his retirement.

Due to World War II, the Beckers were forced to evacuate. They were reassigned to Lucknow Christian College in India where Becker served as a physics instructor. The Becker family later returned to the United States and settled in Michigan where they retired. They were recalled to Korea in 1946 after World War II. Becker served as the President of Yonsei University during the Korean War from 1950-1953.

Dr. and Mrs. Becker returned to the United States to reenter retirement in California. His wife passed away in 1961. In 1965, Becker moved to Frasier Meadows Manor in Boulder, Colorado in 1965 with the help of his granddaughter, Mrs. Claud Morel, a resident of the town. He spent his time transcribing details of his experiences with assistance from his daughter, Mrs. Evelyn Becker McCune, during the summer of 1974.