The only avenue open was a store clerkship, but the opposition of schoolmates and friends dissuaded her from making the attempt.

At that time, it was not considered respectable for a young lady to stand behind a counter and measure off dry-goods and ribbons for women, and possibly men customers.

After residing in Pleasantville, Iowa, a number of years, during which time she had ample opportunity to observe the necessity of more freedom for women, they removed to Brooklyn, New York.

She was the pioneer woman bookkeeper in that part of the city and established a reputation for modesty and uprightness that helped many other women to a like position.

After leaving business life, she turned her attention towards acquainting others with the knowledge thus gained and urging voting women to become self-supporting.

[2] About that time, she became acquainted with Belva Ann Lockwood and, having become disgusted with the vast amount of talk and so little practical work among the advocates of woman suffrage, felt that Lockwood had struck the key-note of the situation when she became a candidate for the presidency of the United States.

When she realized Lockwood's earnestness of purpose, Beckwith's ambition was roused to the point of emulation; hence she became a candidate for mayor of Brooklyn, as the representative of the Equal Rights Party for that office.

She was an active member of the Peace Circle with Clara Barton, Belva Lockwood, Alfred Love, and others.