CYRUS G. BECKWITH, a dealer
in meats and groceries and a substantial citizen of New London, was born
December 3, 1841, in the town of Waterford, this county, son of James and
Nancy S. (Caulkins) Beckwith. Jason Beckwith, the father of James, and
also a native of Waterford, had ten children, seven sons and three daughters,
of whom James was the sixth or seventh in order of birth. Both parents
lived to an advanced age, and were buried in Waterford.
James Beckwith, who was born September 12,
1803, followed the occupation of shipbuilder, first in Waterford and later
in New London, whither he came about the year 1850. He built coasting-vessels
principally, of from one to three hundred tons' burden, and had a fair-sized
business. In 1865 he retired, and returned to Waterford, where he died
when seventy-two years of age. After his return to his native town he was
elected to the State legislature on the Democratic ticket, and served two
terms. In religious belief he was a Baptist and for many years a Deacon
in the church. James and Nancy S. (Caulkins) Beckwith had four children,
all of whom are living. They are: Cordelia, the wife of Sidney A. Smith,
residing in Waterford; James E. Beckwith, a retired farmer, and the Town
Clerk of Waterford, which he has also served in other offices, including
that of Representative to the State legislature; Elisha P. Beckwith, who
resides in New London; and Cyrus G., the subject of this sketch. The mother
died in 1847, when Cyrus G., the youngest child, was but six years old.
The father afterward married Mrs. Kliza Keeney Fox, who survived him some
years. He died when seventy-two years of age.
Cyrus G. Beckwith completed his education
in New London at the Bartlett High School. When seventeen years of age
he became a clerk in the grocery store and ship-chandlery of Comstock &
Miner, with whom he remained three years. He then started in business for
himself in East New London. Twelve months later he sold out and formed
a partnership with N. L. Smith, with whom, under the style of Smith &
Co., he carried on a grocery business at the corner of State and Bradley
Streets for two and a half years. Mr. Beckwith then sold out, and afterward
was a travelling salesman for a firm of wholesale grocers in New York City
for fourteen years, principally in Connecticut and Rhode Island. In 1818
he left the road and opened a grocery store at the corner of Bank and Pearl
Streets, in this city. After being alone some years, he took in Arthur
Keefe, his clerk, as a partner, after which they purchased property on
Bank Street and started a store. This venture prospered, and they became
one of the leading grocery firms in this place. In 1894 Mr. Beckwith sold
his interest to his partner, and on January 1, 1895, in company with his
son, J. Allan Beckwith, opened their present grocery store and market.
In February, 1863, Mr. Beckwith married Augusta
A. Dart, a daughter of Captain Samuel B. and Adeline (Hand) Dart,
of New London, both of whom have passed away. Her father was a sea
captain. Mr. and Mrs. Beckwith have lost one son. Their surviving son is
J. Allan Beckwith, referred to above.
A Democrat in politics, Mr. Beckwith served
in the Common Council for three terms, was State Senator in 1887-88, and
a delegate to the National Convention in 1892 and 1896. In the fall of
1894 he was a candidate for Congress. In 1896 he was elected to the legislature,
and was his party's candidate for Speaker. In the fall election of 1897
he was elected Mayor of New London by the largest majority received by
any chief magistrate of this place. He is a member of the Board of Trade,
a Master Mason, an Odd Fellow, a Red Man of the Improved Order, and a Captain
on the Major's staff of Putnam Phalanx, an independent military company.
The family reside at 60 Hempstead Street, in the beautiful home that he
purchased about twenty years ago, and which, facing the Park, affords a
fine view of the Thames River.
(Photo Attached)
Biographical Review Volume
XXVI
Containing Life Sketches of Leading Citizens
of New London County Connecticut
Boston
Biographical Review Publishing Company
1898
pgs 18 - 21
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