CHARLES M. BECKWITH

    In no profession is there a career more open to talent than in that of law, and in no field of endeavor is there demanded a more careful preparation, a more thorough appreciation of the absolute ethics of life, or of the underlying principles which form the basis of all human rights and privileges.  Unflagging application, intuitive wisdom and a determination to fully utilize the means at hand, are the elements which insure personal success and prestige in this great profession, which stands as the stern conservator of justice; and it is one into which none should enter without a recognition of the obstacles to be overcome and the battles to be won, for success does not perch on the falchion of every person who enters the competitive fray, but comes only as the direct result of capacity and unmistakable ability.  Possessing all the requisite qualities of an able lawyer, Charles M. Beckwith has attained distinction in his profession.

    A native of California, Mr. Beckwith was born in Woodbridge, San Joaquin county, on the 28th of June 1863, and is a son of Francis M. and Betsey (Quiggle) Beckwith, both of whom were natives of Ohio.    His father was one of the honored California pioneers of 1850.  He returned to the Buckeye state for his bride, but after his marriage again came to California in 1858.  He was a man of prominence and broad influence.  He held the office of justice of the peace and presided over the first Union federal meeting held in that state for the support of the Union.  He died January 20, 1863, five months before the birth of our subject, and the mother passed away in 1871, so that at the tender age of seven years, Mr. Beckwith of this review was left a full orphan.

        He was reared and educated by his paternal uncle, Byron D. Beckwith, pursuing his studies in the schools of Woodbridge and Lodi, supplemented by private instruction and one year's course in Oberlin College, in Oberlin, Ohio.  After completing his literary education he spent several years in following different vocations, including farming and stock-raising.  He was also a special agent for an insurance company, but throughout that period he carried with him the determination to make the practice of law his life work, and in 1893, he associated himself with Colonel Gus G. Grant, in Stockton, in the study of law and later spending time in the office of Hon. Frank H. Gould of San Francisco.  He successfully passed the examination and was admitted to practice before the supreme court of the state of California on the 17th of November, 1893.  Immediately afterward he opened an office in Sacramento, where he has maintained an increasing patronage and is today numbered amongst the rising young attorneys of the state.

     On the 27th of November, 1895, Mr. Beckwith was united in marriage with Mrs. Annie (Ross) Hurd, a daughter of Thomas Ross, one of the pioneer settlers of Sacramento, having come to this state from Ohio in 1849.  He was prominently identified with the business interests of the capital city and added in laying the foundation for the present prosperity and advancement of Sacramento.  In politics Mr. Beckwith is a Republican, standing with unswerving fidelity upon the platform and supporting the principles of the party.  He is a member of Woodbridge Lodge No. 131, F. & A. M., and is a past chief ranger of the Independent Order of Foresters, a past regent of Capital Council, No. 1183, R. A.  In his religious views he is liberal.  His business qualities and his sterling worth of character have made him well known and highly esteemed at the Sacramento bar.  He seldom loses a case in whose support he is enlisted, which affords the best evidence of his capabilities in the line of his chosen calling.