E. WALKER BECKWITH was one of the early settlers of Bainbridge township, Schuyler county, Illinois, and is entitled to recognition as a member of that worthy band of men and women who penetrated the wilderness of the frontier, and made the way for the onward march of progress. He was born at Stephentown, Rensselaer county, New York, August 17, 1798, and is a son of Elisha Beckwith, a native of New England, and grandson of Elisha Beckwith, Senior; the latter was a sailor and followed the sea for many years, visiting the principal ports of the world; he spent his last years in Chenango county, New York. The father of our subject was reared to agricultural pursuits; from Stephentown he removed to Chenango county, New York, where he was one of the early settlers; he bought a tract of timber land there, and erected a log house; he cleared a farm, made many valuable improvements, and spent his last years in that home. He married Mary Walker, a daughter of James Walker; she survived him many years, coming to Illinois after his death; she died in Hancock county.

E. Walker Beckwith grew to manhood among the primitive surroundings of Chenango county, New York; there were no railroads, and Albany was the principal market town; the mother spun and wove the cloth with which her children were clothed. Here he remained until he was about twenty-six years of age, and then pushed his way to Ohio; after a year spent in that State he went to Indiana, and while a resident of the Hoosier State was engaged in various occupations; he once made a trip on a flat-boat, loaded with produce, to New Orleans. He lived in Indiana seven years, and then came to Illinois, locating in Schuyler county; as before stated, he was one of the early settlers in Bainbridge township, and with the exception of four years spent in Hancock county, Illinois, this has been his home for the past forty years.

He married Mary Waugh, a native of Kentucky and a daughter of Thomas and Sally Waugh. She died in 1886. Of this union five children were born: James, Charles, Norman, Stephen and Emily J. Stephen resides on the home farm, and has the management of the same; he married Elizabeth Kline, May 8, 1884, and they are the parents of three children: Olie T., Fidelia and Minnie E.

Mr. Beckwith is a consistent member of the Baptist Church, as was also his wife. He is a man of honor and integrity, and has the respect of the entire community.