Joseph Beckett, Esquire, also served as Captain of a Company of Militia and Rangers on the Frontiers during the War of the Revolution, his company being made up largely from the early settlers and their sons in "Old Rostraver" Township of Westmoreland County. While it does not seem to be definitely known what his views and sentiments may have been on the issues which lead up to the so-called "Whiskey Insurrection," it does not appear that he took any conspicuous part in the controversy. His patriotism and interest in military affairs, up to the closing years of his eventful life, is indicated by the fact of his presence as a special honor guest with General John Hamilton at the
celebration and muster of the "Williamsport Rangers" then commanded by Captain James Warne at Parkison's Ferry (now Monongahela City) on the 4th of July, 1811, as noted in the newspapers of the time.
His wife Lucy Pentecost, was a sister of Colonel Dorsey Pentecost, who was a conspicuous figure in the early history of Western Pennsylvania. Joseph Beckett, Esquire, was a man of high character, an enterprising and most useful citizen, and one of the early settlers whose prudent judgment and able foresight helped to mould and guide the pioneer sentiment of a large and important part of the Monongahela Valley and surrounding districts. His official position and duties brought him in constant
contact with a large number of citizens, as shown by his Dockets, which were neatly kept.
http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~pamonval/genealogy/bios/biobeckettjoseph.html
