Son of John Beckstead and Elizabeth McDonald

Married Margaret Margaritta Barkley, 1790. Children: Helena Beckstead, Jacob L. Beckstead, Alexander Beckstead, Nellie Beckstead, Mathew Beckstead, Maria Beckstead, Moses Beckstead, Hannah Beckstead, Francis Beckstead, Henry Beckstead, Elizabeth Beckstead.

Married Catharine Lang, abt 1817. Children: Mary Louise Beckstead, Simon Peter Beckstead, Sarah Louisa Beckstead, Nancy Beckstead, Charles Beckstead, William Ezra Beckstead, Emma Phoebe Ann Beckstead, Keziah Beckstead, George Wesley Beckstead.

History: The records of the Old Dutch Reformed Church, now Schoharie Co., New York, reveal he and his brother John L. were christened the same date, 20 June 1773. Some suggest they were twins, because of being christened the same date. It is possible, but is not being assumed as correct for our records.

Francis married (1) Margaret Barkley and they had eleven children. Unfortunately, all research to date has been negative regarding Margaret. He married (2) Catharine Lang, and they had ten children.

His father, John, was a blacksmith, and it is believed they lived on a farm. We know in that period of our American history everyone had to work hard to gain a livelihood. Francis with his brothers and sisters would be included in this group.

In the succeeding years it is quite evident that Francis and his brother Alexander were very close to each other, because about 1807 they moved their families to Williamsburg, Canada. They secured land grants and built fine homes, and soon established themselves in that community. Their sister Catharine who married Rev. Broeffle, had settled in Williamsburg about 1795, and it may have influenced their move to Canada. Again, they may have gone there because they were able to secure 200 acres of good farming land, under land grants, and no doubt they felt there were greater opportunities for future developments.

It is to be noted that in the years 1837-38 a great change took place in the life of Francis, Sr. His family was contacted by three Mormon missionaries and became converts to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The farm was sold, and preparations made to join the main body of the LDS Church at that time in Missouri.

They traveled by ox-teams with wagons and equipment for about three months, and eventually arrived at DeWitt, Caldwell Co., Missouri, the last week in Sept. 1838. The mobs were so violent at that time the families had to live in their wagons and tents, and shortly thereafter they moved on to Far West, or near that area for the winter.

In the spring of 1839 they moved on with the Saints to the area of Nauvoo, Illinois, and it is believed they settled in Lima, Illinois. Francis died in Adams County, Illinois.