Hugh Beck

Other Events:

• Census: 1821, Drumnahaire and Greenan, Loughbrickland, County Down, Ireland
• Occupation: 1821; Farmer & grain merchant

Notes:

Hugh Beck, the sixth son of William Beck of Cascum, Loughbrickland, was born in 1788, and in 1821 per Census Returns he was engaged as farmer and grain merchant at Drumnahaire and Greenan, Loughbrickland. He was then 33 years of age, and later, in the 1831 Census Returns, he was in business as a grain merchant at Armagh City, which he continued until his death on December 14, 1850. He married in 1813 Elizabeth, daughter of John McClelland of Greenan, Loughbrickland, who died at Beersbridge House, Belfast, on December 19, 1862. He left three sons and three daughters. (Source: John W. Beck, A.M.I.E.E., "Beck of Northern Ireland", 1931)

Hugh married Elizabeth McClelland in 1814 in Ireland. Elizabeth was born in 1790 in Loughbrickland, County Down, Ireland; died on 19 Dec 1862 in Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland; was buried in Banbridge, County Down, Ireland. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Occupation: Linen Merchant
• Newspaper: 10 Feb 1870; The Belfast News-Letter (Belfast, Northern Ireland), 10 February 1870

Notes:

A fairly flamboyant character who in 1848 went to California as a result of the "Gold Rush". He apparently did very well and on his return set up in business, eventually owning a large mill and building Garvaghy House, Portadown and living in splendour there. The business receipts refer to "Manufacturers of Cambric Handkerchiefs". He was buried in Seagoe Parish Churchyard, leaving male issue two sons: Hugh and Paul. (Source: Information received from Alan C. Beck including phamplet - John W. Beck, A.M.I.E.E., "Beck of Northern Ireland", 1931)

Newspaper:

Beck-February 8, at his residence, Garvaghy House, Portedown, Mr. Archibald Beck. his remains will be removed by Interment in Seagoe Burying ground, on the (Thursday) afternoon, at three o'clock.

Archibald married Elizabeth Bullick on 25 Oct 1853 in Seagoe, County Armagh, Ireland. Elizabeth was born on 23 Apr 1829 in Portadown, County Armagh, Ireland; died on 12 Jul 1912 in Sydenham, County Antrim, Ireland; was buried in Portadown, County Armagh, Ireland. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Nancy Beck

Other Events:

• Occupation: Founder of Belfast Chemical Works
• Residence: 1854, Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland
• Religion: 1877; Presbyterian - senior member of Committee at Ballysillan Presbyterian
• Will: 21 Apr 1897, Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland; proven in Belfast Probate Office

Notes:

...James Alexander Beck, the second son of Hugh Beck of Loughbrickland and Armagh, was born at Drumnahaire in 1824. He was known as a very talented scholar who was sent to Dublin to study law, but apparently came home with degree and became apprenticed into the linen trade with Dunbar, Mc Master & County at Gilford (Read Maralin Cohen Linen, Family and Community in Tullylish County, Down 1690-1914 Dublin 1997). James became experiienced in the chemical process and became aware of the commerical enterprise in supplying chemicals to the trade. He settled in Belfast in 1854, and subsequently was founder and proprietor of Belfast Chemical Works, which later became James A. Beck & Son - chemical manufactures principally to the linen trade. In 1859 he purchased Everton House and Estate from the marquis of Donegal, and died there on March 1, 1897, being buried in Belfast City Cemetery. His will, dated November 3, 1895, was proved at Belfast Probate Registry on April 21, 1897, and included several charitable bequests.
...There was a history that his father died young, and that they were estranged. Neither facts are substantiated by the various researches, in fact his father died when he was 26, and probably still at home....Married into the Bullick family, as did his cousin Alexander. Created a bit of a stir by marrying his late wife's younger sister. Developed a passion for travel which was passed on to his family. (Source: Information received from Allan C. Beck, John W. Beck, A.M.I.E.E., "Beck of Northern Ireland", 1931)
...Bought: 1859, Everton House from Marquis of Donegal (Source: Information received from Alan C. Beck, email dated February 24, 2002)

James married Mary Bullick on 18 Dec 1856 in Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland. Mary (daughter of Ralph Bullick) was born on 3 Feb 1834 in Portadown, County Armagh, Ireland; died on 31 Jul 1875 in Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

James married Rosetta Bullick on 18 Apr 1876 in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Rosetta (daughter of Ralph Bullick) was born on 10 Apr 1848 in Portadown, County Armagh, Ireland; died between Oct 1930 and Dec 1930 in Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Occupation: Founded Jennymount Spinning Mill
• Occupation: 1865; Proprietor Jennymount Flax Spinning Mill, York Road, Belfast

Margaret married Joseph Acheson on 5 Sep 1872 in Lurgan, County Armagh, Ireland. Joseph was born about 1847 in Portadown, County Armagh, Ireland; died on 30 Aug 1891 in Portadown, County Armagh, Ireland. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:

Newspaper: The Belfast News-Letter (Belfast, Northern Ireland), 19 December 1868, p1
Beck - December 17, at Garvaghey House, Portadown, Ralph Bullick, eldest son of Archibald Beck, Esq., aged 11 years.

Victoria married Joseph Douglas on 15 Sep 1881 in Lurgan, County Armagh, Ireland. Joseph was born about 1855; died after 1881. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Hugh married Minnie Crawford on 27 Jul 1892 in Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland. Minnie and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Margaret Richardson. Margaret and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Misc: was a prominent Unionist
• Education: Between 1870 and 1876; Royal Belfast Academical Institution (RBAI)
• Occupation: 1902; Director of Messrs. Beck & Scott, Belfast

Hugh married Mary Crawford on 27 Jul 1892 in Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland. Mary was born about 1870 in Dunmurry, County Antrim, Ireland; died on 15 Jan 1924 in Runkerry, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Baptism: York Street Presbyterian Church, Belfast

Elizabeth married Kirker Erwin Robb on 17 Dec 1878 in Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland. Kirker was born on 28 Jul 1848 in Templepatrick, County Antrim, Ireland; died in 1913 in Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Education: Between 1873 and 1879; Royal Belfast Academical Institution (RBAI)
• Occupation: 1905; Managing Director of James A. Beck & Son, Ltd. Belfast
• Will: 9 Mar 1909, Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland; proved October 11, 1911

Notes:

William Beck, second son of James Alexander Beck, was born at Everton house, Belfast, on 12 July 1861. He was the first Managing Director of James A. Beck, and Son, Ltd., and succeeded to the Everton property on the death of his father. He married Mary, daughter of John Beswick of Darwell, Lancashire, at Chorley Parish Church on 8 February 1890, and died at Everton House on 15 September 1911, beign buried in Belfast City Cemetery. His will was dated 9 March 1909, and proved at Belfast Probate Registry on 10 November 1911. He left two sons and two daughters. (Source: John W. Beck, A.M.I.E.E., "Beck of Northern Ireland", 1931)

Birth:
Everton House

William married Mary L. Beswick on 8 Feb 1890 in Lancashire, England. Mary was born about 1865 in Chorley, Lancashire, England; died on 18 Jul 1941 in Downpatrick, Ireland. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Baptism: York Street Presbyterian Church, Belfast
• Occupation: 1905; Director of JA Beck & Son

Mary married Charles Walter Pearson on 9 Aug 1888 in Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland. Charles was born on 22 Mar 1864 in County Armagh, Ireland; died on 22 Mar 1949 in County Dublin, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Baptism: Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland; York Street Presbyterian Church, Belfast; Address:
  York Street Presbyterian Church

Other Events:

• Baptism: Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland; Address:
  Ballysillan Presbyterian Church

Notes:

Birth:
Shankill Parish

Anne married Rev. Dr. Robert Murray McCheyne Gilmour on 3 Jun 1891 in Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland. Robert was born about 1860; died on 2 Jan 1930 in Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Baptism: Newcastle, County Down, Norrthern Ireland
• Education: Cambridge University, Law
• Honours: a Knight of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem
• Occupation: Managing Director, James A. Beck & Son, Ltd.
• Education: Between 1888 and 1895; Governess

Notes:

Medical: Heavy cigar smoker

...Very enthusiastic traveller, renowned ornitholigist, historian and viewer of cathedrals. Started out in family firm as the "junior" who travelled the countryside dealing with all the smaller and more difficult customers. Was one of the first 500 who obtained a driving license in Ireland. Perhaps the first car owned was a Chambers which was built in Belast. From father's memory JA had a Chambers in some part of his early motoring history. One of these cars was in the Ulster Museum. Later, when more senior in the company, had a chauffeur; Alfie, the last one was an ex Chindit (Allied soldier in Burma: a soldier of the Allied forces in World War II, who fought behind the Japanese lines in Burma.
...He and his wife were serious travellers, when younger, going to Denmark at least three times per year, and often spending time on the continent. The travelling, scenery, eating the local food and visiting cathedrals, was not to the liking of the sons, who were to their pleasure, sent off to Ramsey in the IOM.
...Very close friends with James Herron Stirling. Herron was a Director of James A. Beck & Son, Ltd. Photograph with J. H. Stirling and J. U. Switzer at door of Everton House.
...Well known writer and raconteur about the linen trade, and acknowledged expert on subject. His collection of books about the linen trade being given to the PRONI, and being regarded as a "major collection". Assumed to be the greates living authority on history of linen trade in Ulster. Wrote a history of the family firm "History of JA Beck & County" and "History of Linen Industry in Northern Ireland" (in PRONI). Walker and climber often associating both with ornithology and collecting bird's eggs. Climbed Ailsa Craig in Scotland to obtain a particular type of gull's egg. Very much a "pillar of society", always appearing at funerals in top hat and morning dress.
...In later years always seen with handkerchief in breast pocket, flower in button hole, panama hat and cigar. (Source: Information from Alan C. Beck, email dated February 24, 2002, John W. Beck, A.M.I.E.E., "Beck of Northern Ireland", 1931)

James married Paula Katinka Commichau on 5 Jan 1910 in Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland. Paula was born on 26 Jul 1883 in Silkeborg, Århus, Denmark; died on 8 May 1966 in Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland; was buried in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Education: Governess at Everton House
• Military: Between 1899 and 1901; Boer War, North Irish Horse

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Elizabeth married Alexander McKee on 22 Jan 1913. Alexander died in 1957. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Josephine married David Alfred Fee on 10 Jul 1906 in Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland. David was born on 28 Jan 1881 in Castlereagh, County Down, Ireland; died on 17 Jan 1934 in Holywood, County Down, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Honours: Commander of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem
• Occupation: Electrical Engineer, Pritchet & Gold, Dagenham as supervising engineer
• Education: Between Feb 1900 and 3 Jul 1901; Campbell College, Belfast pupil no 529
• Education: 1909; IEE, London University
• Military: Between 1914 and 1918; Royal Engineers

John married Josephine Margaret Moran on 19 Feb 1916 in Moorfields, London, England, United Kingdom. Josephine was born about 1890 in Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland; died after 1920 in Essex, England. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Education: Inchmarlo, Campbell College
• Occupation: Staff Captain & Commodore, P&O Orient Lines
• Honours: 1918; rewarded a DSC
• Education: 1919; Extra Master Mariner
• Military: Between 1939 and 1945; Royal Naval Reserve - RNR Commodore - Rear Admiral

Family/Spouse: Gladys Hunter. Gladys was born on 26 Aug 1887 in Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland; died after 1920. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Occupation: Director of Messrs. James A. Beck & Son, Ltd., Belfast

Other Events:

• Occupation: Director of Messrs. James A. Beck & Son, Ltd., Belfast
• Military: 1918; WWI, Iniskillings

Notes:

Very capable yachtsman owning the famed black Dragon "Jabberwock" and just failed to get into the British Olympic yachting team. Commodore and benefactor of Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club. Prominent in yachting circles and took the young Denis A. Beck onto several of the "J" Class yachts racing in Bangor, including "Shamrock". (Source: Information received from Alan C. Beck)

William married Florence Gertrude Ewing on 15 Aug 1934 in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. Florence was born about 1910; died about 1980. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Cyril married Maud Breakey about 1920. Maud was born about 1890; died after 1920. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Military: RAMC, Stretcher Bearer
• Religion: Society of Friends (Quaker)

Family/Spouse: Harold Harmon Drew. Harold was born about 1900; died before 1962. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Education: Inchmarlo and Royal Belfast Academical Institution (RBAI)
• Education: Queens University of Belfast
• Occupation: Draughtsman, H&W
• Honours: 1944; a Member of the Order of the British Empire

Notes:

The eldest son of JA & Paula Beck was apprenticed to Mackies Engineering, Springfield Road, Belfast. Carl had an extensive gliding and flying history. "A" license no. 286, May 7, 1932; "B" license no. 286, May 12 1937; and "C" license no. 286, July 4, 1939. Flew on continent prior to WWII, especially in Germany. From his personal notes gathered after his death it is apparent that these "amateur flights" had a much more serious aspect, the gathering of information about German air strength/developments. Confirmed by an ex-colleague of his to have been involved in MI6 activity on the continent.
AI Ministry Pass, AM Pass No. 5106 on AM form 1552 issued January 16, 1940, stamped by Provost Marshal RAF, January 13, 1940, signed by E. S. Chapman. War service vague but apparently involved in development of recon aircraft and responsible for major developmental input into troop landing gliders. His brother (RG) who landed at Arnhem in WWII (1944) in a glider; did not find the experience a happy one. Was known to have test flown Spitfire recon at very high altitude (40,000 ft.). Appeared to have had considerable connections with MI6 during post war phase, especially during "Cold War", and probably used Continental Gliding as cover.
Between 1955 and 1987 he wrote "History of Gliding". Carl was a Friend of Amy Johnston and Amelia Erhardt. (Source: Information received from Alan C. Beck, email dated February 24, 2002)

Other Events:

• Burial: Peel, Isle of Man, United Kingdom
• Education: University of Cambridge - Law
• Occupation: Bank Official, Bank of Ireland (Manager)
• Religion: Church of Ireland
• Education: Between 1925 and 1931; Inchmarlo and Royal Belfast Academical Institution (RBAI)
• Military: Between 1942 and 1945; MRA 4th Regiment - Convoy Duty - Battery Sergeant Major

Notes:

...Born in Belfast to parents who enjoyed travelling, and soon took a dislike to same. Educated at RBAI 1925 - 1931, matriculated to QUB 1931 and eventually went into Bank of Ireland. Fluent in Spanish and French, spoke Danish and Russian. Latin and Greek scholar. Keen rugby player (1st XV RBAI) and played on Barbarians hockey team. Played for Balmoral GC Senior Cup Team. MA (Oxon) Law & Bar exam. Joined Bank of Ireland as no maney in Law! Because of liguistic capability and Communist sympathies, had to be prevented from going to Spain to fight in Civil War, 1937. In bank in Ballinasloe at the outbreak of 2nd World War, and volunteered after friends Ronnie Harvey and Tom McKinstry joined up. Joined 175 (TA) Battalion Light AA Regiment RA. Served in Fermanagh and Dover. Due to pressure of boredom he volunteered for everything including air-gunner in RAF bombers. Joined Maratime RA, as Gunnery Seargent on 20mm Oerlikon and 40mm Bofors AA guns on DEMS. Served Battle of Atlantic, Russian Convoys, Italian Campaign, D Day landings, Greece Civil War and Burma. Talanted artist, photographer and "do it yourselfer". Able and amusing after dinner speaker.
...Medals Awarded: Distinguished Service Medal (1943), Officer Order of St. John (1959), 1939-45 Star, Atlantic Star, Bar France & Germany, Burma Star, Italy Star, Defence Medal, War Medal, Territorial Efficiency Medal.

...EXTRACT FROM: Fourth Supplement to the London Gazette of Friday, 12th February 1943, dated Tuesday, 16th February 1943.
Admiralty
Whitehall, 16th February 1943
The King has been graciously pleased to approve the following Awards: For fortitude, seamanship and endurance taking Merchantmen and Royal Fleet Auxiliaries to North Russia Through heavy seas and in the face of many attacks by enemy aircraft and submarines: The Distinguished Service Medal Sergeant Denis Archibald Beck, 1573273.
(Source: Information received from Alan C. Beck, Extract by John W. Beck, 11 Parkway, Seven Kings, Essex 4-1-44)

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Education: Inchmarlo, RBAI, Campbell College
• Honours: an Officer of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem
• Occupation: Dental Surgeon
• Confirmation: 1930
• Education: 1944; LDS, Queens University, Belfast
• Military: Between 1944 and 1952; RADC, Rhine crossing - Lieutenant, Captain

Notes:

...Very keen on CCF at Campbell; played hockey there. Much involved with QUB OTC. From there into RADC as Lieutenant then Captain. Airborne Brigade Arnehm 1944. Involved in Armoured Division as a MO in Rhine crossing and subsequent battles. Regarded by many of his contemporaries in RADC as the most able of the group who, had he stayed, would have in all probability been DADS. Very enthusiastic Sailor at Quoile Yacht Club, Downpatrick, and then North Down Yacht Club, Strangford Lough. Later Commodore at ND.
...Honorary consultant School of Dentistry, Royal Victoria Hospital. Retired from practice at 332 Upper Newtonards Road for his own health, and also to nurse wife, who was terminally ill with Rheumatoid arthritis. Moved to a bungalow at Circular Road, Belfast. Pressured into recommencing practice by patients, and he they ran a very successful small private practice at Ballyhackamore. (Source: Information received from Alan C. Beck)

Ralph married Dorothy Marsh on 24 Feb 1948 in Bad Oeynhausen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. Dorothy was born on 22 Jan 1920 in Penarth, Glamorgan, Wales; died on 26 Aug 1978 in Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland; was buried in Aug 1984 in Knock, Ireland. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: May Beck

Rosetta married Charles Edwin Jenkins in 1940. Charles was born on 19 Feb 1910; died on 10 Mar 1999. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Education: Queens University of Belfast
• Education: Between Sep 1920 and Jul 1921; Campbell College, Belfast pupil no 1729
• Military: 1939; Royal Naval Reserve, Engineer "Rawlpindi" - Lieutenant (E) R.N.R.

Notes:

In Memory of:
Thomas Hugh Cecil Hickland Fee, Lieutenant (E) H.M.S. Rawalpindi, Royal Naval Reserve, who died on Thursday, 23rd November 1939

COMMERATIVE INFORMATION
Memorial: Liverpool Naval Memorial, Lancashire, United Kingdom
Grave Source: Panel 2, Column 1
Location: The Memorial is situated on the Mersey River Front at the Pier Head, Liverpool, close to and behind the Liver Buildings and the end of James Street. From the end of the M62 motorway follow the signs for the City Centre and Maritime Museum. The Liverpool Memorial consists of a circular column, faced in Portland stone, on a raised semi-circular platform; on its summit is a device of reflecting lenses, suggestive of a beacon. The platform is approached from the promenade by a flight of steps and is surrounded be a wall. At the head of the steps, at each end of the wall, there is a globe; one side being a celestial globe ornamented with the signs of the Zodiac, and the other side being a terrestrial globe showing the countries and seas of the world. Set in recesses in the wall are the bronze panels that bear the names of over 1300 casualties. At the base of the column, facing the steps and the promenade, beneathe the Naval badge of the Naval Crown, wreath, and foul anchor, is carved the inscription: THESE OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE MERCHANT NAVY DIED WHILE SERVING WITH THE ROYAL NAVY AND HAVE NO GRAVE BUT THE SEA. 1939 - 1945

HISTORICAL INFORMATION: It was impossible during the war for the Navy to man all the auxiliary ships that served with it. Accordingly early in the war a manning depot was established at Liverpool for dealing with those men of the Merchant Navy who agreed to serve with the Royal Navy under the terms of what was known as a T.124 agreement, and became subject to Naval discipline while generally retaining their Merchant Navy rates of pay and other conditions. They served in various types of auxiliary vessels, at first mainly in armed merchant cruisers, but also in armed boarding vessels, cable ships, rescue tugs, and others on special service. The maximum number of T.124 officers and men exceeded 13,000. Among ships a large proportion of whose complement belonged to this service, the "Rawalpindi" and the "Jervis Bay" won unique renown from the circumstances of their end; but men from over 120 ships are commemorated on the memorial which it was decided to erect at Liverpool. The great majority of Merchant Navy men, who did not serve with the Navy, but with merchant ships, are commemorated on the Merchant Navy Memorial, on Tower Hill, London. This memorial was unveiled by the Admiral of the Fleet, The Viscount Cunningham of Hyndhope, K.T., G.C.B., O.M., D.S.O., on the 12th November 1952.

Other Events:

• Religion: Roman Catholic
• Education: 1939; BA, Oxford University