Nelson Marvin Beckwith (1807-1889)
Import Merchant of New York & Managing Director of Russell & Co., Hong Kong
He was born at Cazenovia in Madison County, New York, the son of Judge Beckwith who was a member of the convention that drafted the State Constitution. In his early career, he worked as a merchant in Canada and Europe before returning to New York City in 1835 when he went into business for himself (and for a period was in partnership with George W. Dunscomb) importing coffee and spices, trading with the British colonies, Europe, the West Indies and South America. He was President of the Mutual Fire Insurance Company before taking a break from business in 1852, removing with his family to travel around Europe. In 1857, he went to Hong Kong on his appointment as Managing Director of the great mercantile house of Russell & Co. that was intimately associated with his wife's family, the Forbes' and Blackwells.
He remained in Hong Kong for three years and it was due to his efforts that American steamers obtained control in Chinese inland waters. In 1861, on the outbreak of the American Civil War, he removed with his family to Paris where his children were educated. From there, he and the U.S. Consul-General, John Bigelow, played a significant role in preventing certain Confederate ships from leaving France. In 1867, he was appointed Commissioner-General for the United States to the Paris Universal Exposition for which he was made an Officer of the Legion of Honor by Napoleon III and his family were well received at the Imperial Court. Returning to New York City he first lived at 134 Fifth Avenue and after the death of his wife in 1885 moved to 75 Fifth Avenue.
In 1876, he was appointed Commissioner from New York for the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. He was Vice-President of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; was actively connected with the Metropolitan Museum of Art; and, was a member of the Century and Union Clubs. In 1842, he married Frances, daughter of Colonel James Grant Forbes, the noted West India Merchant and former Governor of East Florida. They were survived by two sons and a daughter, Lady Helene Leigh of Stoneleigh Abbey in England.
He remained in Hong Kong for three years and it was due to his efforts that American steamers obtained control in Chinese inland waters. In 1861, on the outbreak of the American Civil War, he removed with his family to Paris where his children were educated. From there, he and the U.S. Consul-General, John Bigelow, played a significant role in preventing certain Confederate ships from leaving France. In 1867, he was appointed Commissioner-General for the United States to the Paris Universal Exposition for which he was made an Officer of the Legion of Honor by Napoleon III and his family were well received at the Imperial Court. Returning to New York City he first lived at 134 Fifth Avenue and after the death of his wife in 1885 moved to 75 Fifth Avenue.
In 1876, he was appointed Commissioner from New York for the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. He was Vice-President of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; was actively connected with the Metropolitan Museum of Art; and, was a member of the Century and Union Clubs. In 1842, he married Frances, daughter of Colonel James Grant Forbes, the noted West India Merchant and former Governor of East Florida. They were survived by two sons and a daughter, Lady Helene Leigh of Stoneleigh Abbey in England.
