[3] He was born in Cornwallis Township, Nova Scotia (near modern-day Kentville), the third son of John Albert Beckwith and Rebecca Ann Barnaby, and was educated there.
His grandfather, Mayhew Beckwith ([4][circular reference]), was a Member of Provincial Parliament representing Kings County.
The Beckwith family was an established one in the area, having been part of the original group of New England Planters who were land grantees in Cornwallis back in 1760.
He returned briefly to Nova Scotia and married Agnes Smith (née McLeod), and brought her with him to Victoria.
He had worked for Belgian relief during the First World War and in recognition of his service the King of Belgium gave an award to him.