Biographies B - Mississippi Co. MoGenWeb
FROM THE WEBSITE
Thomas Beckwith was born in Mississippi County, Mo., on January 24, 1840. His father, Quiros Beckwith, was a native of Fairfax Court House, Va., and was the son of Newman Beckwith, who was also born in the "Old Dominion", and remained there until the year of 1812, when he immigrated to Missouri. He came all the way from Wheeling, Va., in a flatboat, bringing his family with him. He settled at Norfolk, Mississippi County, where he remained three years, and removed to what is known as the O'Brien farm, where he resided until his death. While a resident of Virginia he possessed considerable wealth, but lost it by going security. Quiros Beckwith was but eleven years of age, when he came with his parents to Mississippi County. He remained on his father's farm until he reached manhood, when he was married to Susan Johnston, who was born near Nashville, Tenn. After his marriage Mr. Beckwith engaged in tilling the soil, which he continued the most of his life, together with dealing in live-stock. At the time of his death he owned about 100 slaves, some of whom he had bought at considerable cost. He turned his attention entirely to business interests, and took no part whatever in politics. He died in 1862. His wife died on August 17, 1849. They were the parents of five children, four of whom are dead, viz: Quiros, Ellen W., Margaret A. and Matthew J. Thomas, the only living member of the family, was reared on his father's farm, which consisted of about 1,100 acres of land, besides a large wood-yard. He labored on the farm and about the wood-yard and saw-mill until he became of age. In 1862 the overflow of the Mississippi River swept away one of the best farms. In 1861 he enlisted in Price's company, which was organized under the old system. He served about three months, with the rank of third lieutenant, when he was taken down with the measles and
resigned. In February 1862, he was captured at Long Prairie, and was confined in prison about five months, during which time he suffered many hardships, as the prison was dirty and filthy, and the chances of life were few, where the prisoners were confined for any length of time. After his release he returned home and resumed farming. On March 11, 1863, he was united in marriage with Laura, daughter of John and Sallie (Lee) Swank, who immigrated to Mississippi County in 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Beckwith have three daughters: Lillie M., Minnie L. and Ollie L. All the members of the family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Mr. Beckwith is one of the substantial men of Southeast Missouri. He owns over 3,000 acres of land in his own title, and a half interest in 4,000 more. He deals some in stock, horses, etc. and, makes loans. He now has his farms rented, and spends his spare time in exploring the mounds left by the Mound Builders in Southeast Missouri, and has one, of finest collections of stones and pottery in this portion of the State.