John Michel Becker was born at Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, June 29, 1865. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1890 and immediately set up his practice in Monroe, Wisconsin. In the fall of 1897, he was elected County Judge of Green County and was subsequently re-elected five times.
As ardent pacifist, in 1917, Becker persuaded the Monroe City council to allow a referendum question on United States entry into World War I. The vote was taken only three days before the U.S. did enter the war and was the only official referendum held in the United States. The question read, “Under existing conditions, do you favor a declaration of war by Congress?” The result was 954 “noes”to 95 “yeas”.
Through Becker published a letter of support for the war effort once the U.S. was in the war, he continued activities which made him a figure of controversy. In 1918, he ran for Governor of Wisconsin and included in his platform (1) a statement of complete support of the anti-war actions of Robert La Follette, then under investigation for these actions; and (2) a proposal to amend the U.S. Constitution to require a referendum of the people before entering any war. He lost the election but these two platform planks plus later speeches and comments formed the basis of an indictment against him for sedition in May, 1918. He was convicted in August and removed from office September 9, 1918. He immediately appealed and the decision was reversed by the U.S. Court of Appeals in October, 1920. This was too late, however, to save his office, his savings, or the good regard of many people.
Twice more, Becker ran for public office: for Green County District Attorney in 1922 and again for County Judge in 1923. He lost both contests. He served briefly, from January to April, 1923, as County Judge in an interim appointment by Governor Blaine. Otherwise, he spent his time in private law practice until his death in October, 1926.
