The Washington bee., 1911-02-11
DEATH OF WILLIAM BECKETT.
One OF the Best-Known and One of
the Most Prominent Citizens Dead.
Thousands of Citizens Honor Him.


the Most Prominent Citizens Dead.
thousands of Citizens Honor Him.
Mr.. William Beckett, a native and
lifelong resident OF the District OF
Columbia, died at his late residence,
1928 NJ street, on Wednesday, Jan.
Is, at AIS P. m, after an illness OF
hVe weeks, which he bore with Chris
tan fOrtitude.
He had been in Ill health for some
time; was taken to his bed about the
Ist OF November, but rallied sufficient
Iy in December to return to MS duties
as dOOrkeepeT of the Congressional
Reading Room for 10 days, where he
had been employed for more than II
years; but not having regalned suttI-
CIent strength to keep up, was COM
PEELED to suCcumb on Dec. 2I, at
which time he fell while on duty and
was brought home.
Having all his life taken a deep in
terest IN everything which tends to
the uplltt OF his people around and
IN the District of Columbia, he was
associated III many different capacities
with large majority OF the oTganI-
zauons here, where his counsel was
always regarded as worthy OF cOnsId-
Grafton.
On Sunday Jan. 20, the Metropoli-
tan a NJ. l.. Church, with a seating
capacity OF nearly 1000, was greatly
taxed when the funeral services were
held, conducted by the pastor, Rev.
L. y. Ross, VINO was assisted by Rev
Garner, OF Plymouth Congregational
Church; Rev. Walter Ii. Brooks, OF
the Nineteenth Street Baptist Church,
and Rev. Arnold, of the A. NJ. L.
Church. Rev. Ross spoke most beau
utuIIy and htungly OF the Christian
Character SO well rounded and worthy
OF emulation. He selected as a basis
OF his remarks, We'll done, good and
faithful servant He had been a con-
slstent member and an ardent worker
III the CnurCh OF his choice tor more
than 40 years, and leader OF has class
tor more than 20 years.
he choir rendered most teelIngly
some OF the tayOrIte hymns of the de-
ceased.
Mr.. William Beckett was an active
member and Treasurer Of Masonic
Social Lodge, No. 1, III which he was
held IN highest esteem by young ana
Old, as was evidenced by the large
ConCOuTse OF its members who bTaved
the weather to pay the last tribute OF
respect, love and sympathy to one
who had laDOTed SO zeaIously with
them.
lie was also a member Of Crispus
Attucks Relief Association, No. i
Eldermen's Immediate Relief, Coach
men Union Aid Association and
MaJola Council OF St Luke, all OF
which organizations sent beautiful
resolutions OF love and services rem
dered.
In his home, where he will be most
missed, he was loving, kind and ever
thoughtful OF the comfort and happl-
ness OF others, always shedding a
Christian influence.
His watchword was Peace, always
endeavorIng to annihilate anything
akin to strife and contention.
The floral offerings were numerous
and handsome. Among them were a
cross and crown from class No 4;
COachmen's Union Aid Ass II, a wheel
with a missing spoke; friends at Con-
gTeSsIOnal Library, a fiat piece; Mr..
and Mrs. II. A. Bowman, Worcester,
Mass, fiat piece; Mr.. and Mrs.
Lloyd Marshall, NeWtOnvIlle, Mass,
wreath; Mrs. Ida Parker, Springfield,
Mass, fiat piece; Cummings family,
Baltimore, fiat piece; Mr.. and Mrs.
tennell, Baltimore, fiat piece; Mr.. and
Mrs. John L. Lacy, wreath; Mr., and
Mrs, James L. Iyree, wheat; Mr. and
Mrs. Henry Lasslter, a heart; Mr.. and
Mrs. David Rlnker, palm leaves and
carnations; Mr. and Mrs. Maurice
Spencer, wax wreath; MIR. and Mrs
William Mitchell, fiat piece; Mr.. and
Mrs. w. Il. Brooks, wreath; Mrs
Elizabeth Brooks, anchor; the Gray
family, 1906 NJ street, fiat piece; Dr.,
William ii. Comes, boquet; Mr.. and
Mrs. Daniel Freeman, palm leaves and
flowers; Mr.. and Mrs. John Early,
Harrisburg, Pa, fiat piece.
His body rests IN the vault at Har-
mony Cemetery, where It will later be
inferred.