Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1901-11-21

Charles j. Fl. Beckett, proprietor Of
the restaurant at the southwest corner
iof Seventh aud Shipley streets, was
killed by train on thesp., w. & u.
railroad in the vicinity of Shellput
bridge, between and 6. 30 O'Clock Tues
day, presumably by the train lioh
arrives Ia Wilmington from philndel
phia at Q. 80 o'clock. Shortly after the
arrival OF the train In this CITY the dis.
,rovery was made that man had been
killed at the point indicated, purtions
Of the body being found strewn ong
the track from point 100 yards north
of Shellpot bridge to Landlith, die.
tauce of about q mile. IL is thought
Mr.. Beckett, who had been 10 Phila.
,delphia, had come dowr to Edge Moor
on an earlier train and had started in
southerly direction, with the Intention
OF visiting Edward Douohoe, farmer
living near Sbeilpot. with whom he
had had business dealings. AS the en-
gineer Of the train did not Hes him, 1t
Is believed he was alongside the track
and the noise bewi dered him and
caused him to step in front Of the loco.
motive, just as It reached him. No
witnesses to the accident have been
found, but circumstances indicate that
the accident occurred in the manner
stated above.
MIR. Beckett went to Philadelphia last
Monday, presumably to look after some
business matters, and was expected
home Tuesday. Ho d d not arrive DUR
ing the day and early in the evening his
son, Charles |, Beckett, who WAS at
tending TO the business here in his
fathers absence, received by mail the
keys to the money drawer and a ioun-
tain pen, which had been ma led by his
father in Philadelphia Mr. Beckett
knew that his son needed these articles,
and he evidently mailed them NJ soon
rs he found he had taken them to Ehila-
delphia. Shortly before the arrival u
postal card was received by the fami y
from Mr.. Beckett. stating that he ex-
peoted to return at evening. His son
believes that mis- father had that idea
in mind when he left the train at Edge
Moor, probably Intending to make a
short call upon Mr.. Donohoe and come
TO Wilmington by trolley or a later
train.
Mr.. Beckett was a well.known bust
ness man He was q native of England
and about As years OF age. He came TO
Wilmington when IL years old and was
first employed by John Mealey, who
kept the Washington Hotel. Later he
engaged in the saloon business at No.
ITO Market street, sfterward purchased
the business now conducted by James
II. Kane, at No. los West Seventh
street. lie sold this establishment To
William q. Robelen and engaged in the
furniture business, which did not prove
successful. Relinquishing that bust.
ness he went to Ocean Grove, N. j.,
where he was in the hotel business for
several years aud made considerable
money. Five years ago he returned to
Wilmington and started a restaurant
on Sixth street, between Market aud
Shipley, which proved great success,
and on the I'd of last July he began
business at the Seventh and Ship ey
streets building, which he had erected
for the purpose. He had been pros
porous ever sinoe his return to the city.
Mr.. Beckett was interested in lodge
work, being member of the order of
Red Men, Ancient Order of United
Workmen and past chancellor of ORR
entail Lodge, X. of p. Besides Mrs.
Beckett. one son, Charles l., and a
daughter, Miss Jennie g. Beckett, sun
vive him.