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PETER BECKETT
(Saturday Globe)
[Welland Tribune, 19 October 1900]
On Wednesday, Sept. 26, 1900, there passed away, in the person of Peter Beckett, one of Pelham’s eldest and most honored citizens.
Born at Effingham, North Pelham, November 16, 1817, of Quaker parentage, he grew to manhood under the best of home influences. He married, Elizabeth, daughter of Rev. Leonard Haney, who survives him. He has also left a large family: W.H. Beckett, Wainfleet; P.W. Beckett of Pelham; B.H. Beckett of Pelham; S.L. Beckett of 522 Ontario street, Toronto; Mrs. W. VanWyck of Wainfleet; Mrs. W.L. Brown of Church street, Toronto; and Mrs. J.M. Whyte of Toronto.
The war of 1837 found him prepared to waive the traditions of his fathers, a no light matter, joining the militia in defence of his country. Appointed Ensign under Lord Elgin, in 1846, he was made Captain of Welland Militia in 1856, being specially commended for loyalty by Governor Sir Edmund Head. His sword, now in possession of a member of his family, has been used in the war of 1812, at Queenston Heights and Lundy’s Lane, by his friend, Captain Park.
But it was in the acts of peace not of war that Peter Beckett put forth his best efforts. A staunch Liberal and a subscriber to the Globe since the origin, Mr. Beckett had been an active factor in the rolling- up of the old-time Liberal majorities of 300 in the banner township of Pelham. Sir James Edgar, when contesting Monck, was his guest, and named his son Pelham as a tribute to the work and worth of Mr. Beckett. He has filled to credit to himself and great gain to the municipality the offices of Councillor, Deputy-Reeve and Reeve in Pelham. As Justice of the Peace, his rulings were marked with firmness and moderation, yet his influence as Justice of the Peace was less than his power as Peter Beckett, whose word was a bond, and whose life work is partially evidenced in the deservedly high name Pelham holds today morally, educationally and industrially. In religion Beckett was a consistent Methodist, holding his connection with the Fenwick Methodist church, and passed away to his rest full of days and with a record of a well-spent Christian life.
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