THE BECKETT FAMILY FROM KNOTTINGLEY

by BARBARA EDMONDS

My Great Grandmother, Elizabeth Beckett of Knottingley, built in the 1800's, a row of terrace houses, known as Beckett's Row. I understand that she lived in Garden Cottage, and others of the family lived in these houses. I have a photograph of Elizabeth; if anyone is interested in seeing it, please e-mail me.

Elizabeth had three children, William (my Grandfather) born 1870's, who married Elizabeth Pearson of Low Green, Knottingley. The other children were Ada, who married a Goulding, and Harriet who married a Masterman.

Of the Masterman marriage, I know that their son Rowland traveled the world on tall ships, ended up in Australia, and became Brisbane Harbour Master. The other son was Sam, and there was also a daughter, Alice, who married a Bramley.

To return to my Grandfather, William, he was Captain and owner of the Humber Keel, 'Two Sisters', named after his own two sisters, and he lived with Elizabeth at Canalside, Knottingley (now demolished). Rhuben Chapel of Goole painted the 'Two Sisters', but this painting was lost by the family many years ago, though I did trace it to being sold at Bonhams in about 1997, in a sale of Maritime Art. Its whereabouts are now lost, but I would dearly love to see it one day. I believe that the 'Two Sisters' itself, caught fire and sank at Keadby whilst carrying burnt lime. I have written to the Humber Keel Society but they have no record of her.

William and Elizabeth had many children, some descendants still live in Knottingley. My father Fred Beckett, became a captain for John Harker's, and worked the Bristol Channel etc, some of his sons also worked for this company.

Other ancestors I am researching from around Knottingley are as follows:- Pearson, Shaw, Mounteer, Rowbottom, Trueman and Wainwright.

If anyone has any information, all is gratefully received.

Barbara Edmonds
arcticslave@hotmail.com

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