Career
Bechtel went to business college in Madison, Wisconsin and moved to a farm in Blooming Grove, Wisconsin. He was also involved with the fire insurance business. He was the Blooming Grove town chairman and town clerk.
In 1883, Bechtel served as Dane County sheriff and was a Democrat.
He served on the Dane County Board of Supervisors. In 1907, Bechtel served in the Wisconsin State Assembly.
Bechtel died at his home in Blooming Grove, Wisconsin.