Title proper
John G. Beckett
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- Textual record
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- Source of title proper: Title based on contents.
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Fonds
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Physical description
3 cm of textual records
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Biographical history
John G. Beckett (1828-1889) was born in Kilmarnock, Scotland. He received a good education and learned the confectioner's trade from his father. He emigrated to the United States in 1848, spending the first two years in Boston, Massachusetts, before moving to Eastport, Maine, where he established a confectionery business. Beckett later moved the company to Calais, Maine, where it flourished.
In 1854, John Beckett married Mary S. Newton (1833-1885), of Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick. They had 5 children, 3 sons and two daughters. One of the children was named Helen. Mary Beckett died in 1885 at the age of 52.
John Beckett returned to Scotland in 1858, aboard the "Adept of Glasgow" from Saint John to Port Glasgow with Captain L. Campbell. He kept an extensive journal, ship log style, during the voyage.
Returning to New Brunswick in 1859, Beckett moved his confectionery business to Saint John. He stayed only about a year then returned to Calais, Maine, where he remained for most of the rest of his life.
John Beckett appeared to have grown tired of business during the 1860s and turned to the study of law. He graduated in 1870 from Harvard Law School with a Bachelor of Laws degree. He was admitted to the bar in both Maine and Massachusetts and his time was then devoted to the new career. His children took over the confectionery business.
Beckett made some investments in real estate in Calais involving brick blocks which proved to be unpopular and he lost heavily.
He was a member of the Second Baptist Church of Calais, Maine, and the Masonic fraternity.
Custodial history
Information about the custody of these records prior to acquisition is incomplete.
Scope and content
This fonds consists of John Beckett's journal of a voyage to Glasgow on board the "Adept of Glasgow" in 1858. There is also a typewritten transcript of the journal and a photocopy of John Beckett's obituary, 1889. The diary records daily activities and notes about his trip home, his first since emigrating. He had visits with his mother, brothers Alexander and Hugh, uncles and aunts, cousins and friends.
Physical condition
Immediate source of acquisition
Donated by Frank N. Beckett of Calais, Maine, 1977 and 1983.
Arrangement
Language of material
- English
Script of material
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No restrictions
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Finding aids
Associated materials
Fonds ID60 contains an account book (dated 1859-1860) for John Beckett's confectionary business in Calais, Maine.