725 Valley View Avenue

The Oak Park Tract in Monrovia had its begim1ings in July of 1906, when pioneer real estate developer Charles E. Slosson purchased fifty acres of land from the L.L. Bradbury Estate. The property, lying east of Shamrock A venue and north of Wild Rose avenue, was soon subdivided into residential lots . For many years the Beaux-arts inspired western gates of "Oakhurst" as the Bradburys called their ranch, dominated the eastern terminus ofF oothi ll Boulevard.

One of the earliest purchasers of land in the new tract was Dr. Geoffrey Strange Beck, a Canadian, who had this imposing two storey Craftsman style house built for himself and for his two daughters, Doris and Helen, as a winter residence. Dr. Beck received his medical degree from Trinity College, Toronto in 1881, and was licensed to practice medicine in 1882. He began practicing medicine in Port Arthur, Ontario in October of 1882. While living in Port Arthur, Dr. Beck undoubtedly met John Bartle, who came to Monrovia for health reasons in 1886 and became one of the city's most prominent citizens. Perhaps Dr. Beck and John Bartle maintained contact with each other, and that was the basis for the Beck family coming to live here as well. Dr. Beck also served for a while as a medical officer for the Canadian Pacific Railroad. Dr. Beck contracted tuberculosis circa 1904, and his ill health forced him to curtail his medical practice. It also dictated spending his winters in a less rigorous clime. Dr. Beck tried Florida first , but then decided on California for his second residence.

The Becks were active in their adopted community, and attended St. Luke ' s Episcopal Church. Helen and Doris were confirmed there on Palm Sunday, April 4, 1909. Helen was a member of the Class of 1914, Monrovia High School, although she apparently did not graduate with her class. Doris was a member of the Class of 1917. Both girls were active and popular, holding class offices.

In December of 1913, Dr. Beck was taken seriously ill, and Helen and Doris were called to Toronto from Monrovia. Dr. Beck died January 13, 1914, with his daughters at his side. After their father ' s death, Helen and Doris decided on a trip to Europe, properly chaperoned, of course! They were in France and England immediately prior to the outbreak of World War I. The sisters sold the Monrovia house, which they had inherited from their father, in 1914 .

. A number of residents of725 Valley View Avenue follow in quick succession: A.A. Tanner, J. C. Graham, and A.A. Maxfield. By January of 1921, Dr. William G. Barks and his wife Hester had begun a residency in the house that was to continue for over twenty years. Dr. Barks, an optometrist, came to Monrovia in 1907 and practiced continuously until his retirement in 1946. He served on the boards of both the elementary and high school districts, and was a charter member of both the Monrovia Elks and Monrovia Rotary Clubs. He was a life member of the former and a president of the latter. He was also active in the Masonic movement and held a 50-year gold membership pin. Mrs. Barks was a member and past president of the Monrovia Woman' s Club and served

on the Momovia Planning Commission. Dr. and Mrs. Barks had one son, William G. Barks, Jr., who was a Monrovia native and who grew to manhood in the house.

Dr. and Mrs. Barks sold their impressive Craftsman style home during World War II after their son had married and started a family of his own. Ownership of the house changed a number of times after the long Barks residency. The current owners purchased the house in 2002.

Los Angeles County Tax Assessor

Year of Construction: 1906

Monrovia Telephone Directories

#20 January, 1913 Beck, G.F. res Valley View #21 July, 1913 Beck, G.F. res Valley View #22 April, 1914 Beck, Helen Valley View Avenue #24 August, 1915 Scott, J.L. Ocean View A venue

Haven, Mrs. H.S. Valley View Avenue Day, James S. Valley View Avenue Hodges, W.L. 715 Ocean View A venue Foss, D.R. 129 Poppy

July, 1917 Tanner, A.A. Valley View April, 1918 Graham, J.C. 640(sic) Valley View Avenue February, 1919 Maxfield, A.A. 725 Valley View Avenue January, 1920 Barks, W. G. 419 Wildrose Avenue January, 1920 Maxfield, A.A. 725 Valley View Avenue January, 1921 Barks, W.G. 725 Valley View Avenue

1908-9 1911

Monrovia City Directories

Beck, G.S. Dr. Valley View Beck, Doris, r. Valley View m Shamrock ave.

Green 133 Green 133 Green 133 Green 133 Red 107 Blue 107 Green 107 Black 107 Black 107 Black 107 Black 107

Black 107 Black 107

Beck, G.F.(sic)S. Dr. r. Valley View m Shamrock ave. Beck, Helen, r. Valley View m Shamrock ave.

1913-1914

1916-1917 1919-1920 1923

1924

1925

1927

1928

1930

1931-32

Beck, Doris, Miss. student Beck, G.F.(sic)S. Dr. Beck, Helen Miss. student Haven, HughS. h. Valley View ave. Maxfield, A A (Miru1ie) Barks Billie student Barks W G (Hester P) optometrist Barks Billie student Barks W G (Hester P) optometrist Barks Billie Barks W G (Hester P) optometrist Barks Billie Barks W G (Hester P) optometrist Barks W G (Hester P) optometrist Barks Wm G jr Barks W G (Hester P) optometrist Barks Wm G jr Barks W G (Hester P) optometrist

1935

1937

1939 1944 1948 1953-54 1955 1958 1959 1961 1963 1965 1966 1967 1968 1970 1971

Barks Wm Gjr Barks W G (Hester P) optometrist Barks Wm G jr Barks W G (Hester P) optometrist Barks Wm G jr Barks W G Dr (Hester P) optometrist Gorham Robt W (Velma) chiropractor Gorham Robt W (Velma) chiropractor Gorham Gorham Gormley Gormley Peter P (Agnes) Gormley Hunt Richard L (Eileen N) Hunt Walkington Bernice Shubin Lucille F Shubin Shubin Shubin

DR. G. F. S. BECK PASSES A WAY AT TORONTO, CAN.

Death Ends Courageous Struggle Against Long Illness

A telegram was received this morning announcing the death in Toronto of Dr. G. F. S. Beck, on last Sunday evening. Dr. Beck passed away at the Wellesley Hospital, Toronto, where (he) had been taken following a serious sinking spell of a month ago. His two daughters, Doris and Helen, were called from Monrovia to his side a short time ago, as it was realized by his physicians and friendsthat life with him was a matter of a few days only. He will be buried in his old home, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.

Dr. Beck has for several years spent his winters in Monrovia, and built a delightful home on Valley View avenue where his two daughters lived up until the time of his recent illness. Dr. Beck has suffered ill health for many years, but his condition was not considered serious until a few weeks ago.

Monrovia Daily News Tuesday, January 13 , 1914

Geoffrey Strange Beck

NOTES FOR STEVE B AKER from genealogy program.

First Generation

1. Geoffrey Strange1 Beck, son of John Walton Romeyn Beck and Georgiana Boulton, was born in Ashburnham, Ontario, Canada, June 6, 1859. Details: 1:00 A.M. Birth site: Home at Nichol's Oval May 6, 1859 according to Beck bible in possession ofG.H. Beck.

Born at rented house in Nichol's Oval where the family lived before moving into their home, St. Leonard's at the top of Ashburnham Hill. Geoffrey died January 12, 1914 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, at 54 years of age. From his Death Certificate# 001167, Toronto, County of York: Cause of Death: Kidney Failure. He suffered from Uremia (blood in urine) Tuberculosis of lungs and chronic Nephritis.

Died at 2:45 a.m . from the Beck-Archbold Family Bible.

In the Toronto Globe only the smallest of death announcements gives his death: January 13 , 1914. BECK at Toronto: On Monday, 12th inst, G.S. Beck, M.D., MRCS, of Port A1ihur, aged 51. Funeral Wednesday, 2 pm at St. John's Church.

DR. G. F. S. BECK PASSES AWAY AT TORONTO, CAN.

Death Ends Courageous Struggle Against Long J!Lness

A telegram was received this morning announcing the death in Toronto of Dr. G. F. S. Beck, on last Sunday evening. Dr. Beck passed away at the Wellesley Hospital, Toronto, where (he) had been taken following a serious sinking spell of a month ago. His two daughters, Doris and Helen, were called from Monrovia to his side a short time ago, as it was realized by his physicians and friends that life with him was a matter of a few days only. He will be buried in his old home, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.

Dr. Beck has for several years spent his winters in Momovia, and built a delightful home on Valley View avenue where his two daughters lived up until the time of his recent illness.

Dr. Beck has suffered ill health for many years, but his condition was not considered serious until a few weeks ago.

Monrovia Daily News Tuesday, January 13 , 1914

His body was interred January 14, 1914 in Peterborough, Ontario, Little Lake Cemetery. The following individuals are also linked to this event: Rev . F.T. Sawers (priest/deacon); Reverend John C. Davidson (minister).

He married Lillias Margaret Buchanan in Port Arthur, Algoma, ON , July 26, 1886. The following individuals are also linked to this event: Alexander William Bartlett-Buchanan (father of bride); Nicholas Dominic DuBois Beck (witness). Geoffrey Beck was 27 at the time of his marriage. Lillias Margaret Buchanan was age 20. Both were living in Port Arthur at the time of their marriage and it appears that Lillias may have been living in Pmi Arthur with her sister, Agnes Jane Marks, for a number of years. Lilli as was one of many Buchanan children. The daughters appear to have left home early, and when married , lived in Port Arthur. Eldest sister, Agnes, was married to a wealthy man, George Marks. George's brother was the Mayor. Lillias had two younger brothers who died on the Algoma (equivalent to Titanic disaster for Canada) as they were traveling to Pmi Arthur from the States. She had one sister who ran away and a two surviving brothers . Her circumstances in later life are strange considering her family situation. But, appears estranged from her husband and daughters. Cause unknown for sure.

Witnesses at the marriage: George Marks, and his daughter, Norah Marks; W. J and E. M. Clarke; Jno. D. Maclennan.

One reliable researcher believes Geoffi·ey and Lillias were never divorced as he found no record to support this. Others believe they were divorced. They do appear to be separated.

In a brief conversation with Bernard William Vann, Dr. Beck's grandson, in 1993, Mr. Vann believed the doctor's trouble was women, not drink, as had been supposed.

Lillias was born in Hillier, Prince Edward, Ontario August 21, 1868. Date of birth, 1866, taken from her marriage certificate.

--

Prince Edward County, including Picton is the fourth wine region in Ontario. It is about 2 hours east of Toronto. The growing season is as long as the Niagara Region , but the winters are colder. Vineyards are next to Lake Ontario, which has a moderating effect on air temperatures. The area is already the site of rich farm land. Local landmarks are Sandbanks Provincial Park, Black River Cheese, Sunnyside Apple Factory Outlet, Wellington Mushroom Farms, and many farm markets.

Vineyards have sprung up all through Prince Edward County. Five are concentrated near Hillier, with some being planted in the year 2000 and others ranging in age from two to five years. One in Athol Township has been established for two years. Another on the North end of the big island was planted two years ago. Lillias was the daughter of Alexander William Bartlett-Buchanan and Mary Agnes Wilson.

Lilli as died January 28, 1953 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, at 84 years of age. From a news clipping in the possession of Marian Beck Archbold, Toronto, Ontario, March, 2001: Lillias Buchanan Beck, mother of Helen Bell and Doris Vann of Baconsfield, England. Resting at the Chapel of McDougall and Brown, 646 St. Clair Avenue West. Internment Prospect Cemetery .

Her body was interred January 30, 1953 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Prospect Cemetery. The funeral home was McDougal and Brown. The nearest relation was Mrs. Mary (May) Nora Bennett (sic) of26 Chestnut Park Road. The burial plot was the property ofNorah Barnett.

Lillias was confirmed at 14 years of age in Poti Arthur, Algoma, ON, September 17, 1882. The following individual is also linked to this event: Right Reverend Edward Sullivan (bishop). The Right Reverend Edward Sullivan, second Bishop of Algoma performed the ceremony. There were four others confirmed that day: a Nairn, a Codd and 2 Cowards. Page 83, Book #1 of the Church Registry.

Lillias was listed in a directory in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 1926. Lillias Buchanan Beck left her daughters some lovely pictures, which are now in England and have remained in the family . Her father worked for the Hudson Bay Company in various parts of Canada.

There is some thought by the few family members who remember her that after the divorce from her husband , Lillias became an alcoholic, but this may not be true.

Her two daughters, Helen and Doris, were very lovely young women, and great favorites of their aunt, Mildred Beck Dennistoun. She faithfully sent them a monthly "care" package from Eaton's department store until her death in 1954.

Louise Beck in a phone conversation in March, 1992 remembers that Lillian was an impoverished woman after her husband died. She lived in one small room in Toronto, and appeared to have no means at all.

She was always invited to Christmas dinner by Louise's mother, her daughters being elsewhere.

Lillian appears quite destitute and lonely. But, Lillias and her daughters appear to have had some money in their li ves . They lived in an excellent section of Toronto, and there was money for a trip abroad for both the girls after the death of their father. There should still be some people around who remember these women.

From phone conversation with Louise Beck, August, 1993: Lillias Buchanan Beck lived in a room in Toronto in greatly impoverished circumstances. She had absolutely no one who looked after her or cared about her when we knew her.

From Bernard Vann: Lillias had a very wealthy cousin, Norah Barnett who left all her money to the blind when she died in the 1970s. I would like to find out more about my aunt Norah.

Why were Judge Robert and Mildred Dennistoun made guardians of the two daughters when Dr. Beck died instead of their mother? Perhaps she was in no condition to care for her children. Estrangement from husband and daughters?

From George Beck in September 1993: Lillias was a sad fi gure. She I ived alone in small rooms, and had no money. There were no relatives with her and no one seemed to pay any attention to her. After her divorce, it is possible that Lillias began drinking.

George Beck also remembered one of her daughters living in the Rosedale area of Toronto for a while. This is a very fine area of Toronto, and thi s residence might have been that of Helen Beck Bell.

Dr. Beck was christened in Peterborough, Ontario, June 26, 1859. The following individua ls are also linked to this event: Henry H. Loucks (godfather); Reverend Vincent Clementi (godfather) ; Harriet Boulton (godmother). He was a student in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 1881. School: Trinity Co llege. Dr. Beck had two degrees. One, hi s MD, he received from Trinity College in 1881. Records there are confused as he seems to have used the school to obtain his degree and wrote his exams there, but does not appear to have attended classes. He also had a degree ofM.R.C.M. which is Master's Degree in Surgery. He began his

empoyment as a doctor in 1882 when he received his license to practice.

From Lory! MacDonald, Archivist, Geoffrey Strange Beck recieved his M.B .. M.D., and C.M. in 1881 from Trinity College.

Geoffrey's occupation: Physician in Orillia, Simcoe, Ontario, April 27, 1882. First registered to practice in Ontario in Orillia. In October, I 882, Dr. Beck arrived from Toronto General Hospital to practice medicine in Port Arthur.

Geoffrey's occupation: Physician in Port Arthur, Algoma, ON, October, I 883. From the American Medical Directory for I 9 I2, a listing for Geoffrey Strange Beck in Port Arthur, graduated in Ontario in 188 I

and received his license in 1882.

In 1889 a reference states that Dr. Beck was one of four physicians practicing in Port Atihur.

In Henderson's Directory for 1909-1910, Dr. Beck's office was at I Cumberland Street.

Medical information from Polk's Medical Directory: Not in Port Arthur, 1910, but he may have been on leave due to illness.

In an older directory, he practiced at 175 Atthur Street.

From Art Gunnell , July 3, 200 I . Doctor Beck was sent here by the Canadian Pacific Railway during its construction because there were few doctors in the north, and the accident rate during construction was horrendous. Apparently, he was the only surgeon in the area.

He was into silver mining, real estate, mortgages and enough other things that I wonder how he found time to doctor. He owned a drug store, hundreds of mining patents--which probably di sappeared because of not paying taxes, and many other ventures with his millionaire brother-in-law, Thomas Marks.

Geoffrey was a Canadian Order of Foresters member in Port Atthur, Algoma, ON. Geoffrey was a Algoma Rifles- 96th Battalion member in Port Arthur, Algoma, ON. He resided in Port Arthur, Algoma, ON 243 Cameron Street.

From Art Gunnell , Director, NWO Region Eleven, Ontario Genealocial Society: Dr. Beck lived at 243 Cameron Street. (The street is only a block and a half long, and is now known as Camelot Street). The house burned down after 1916 as there is reference to its rental in letters of Helen Beck to Harry Thatcher Beck in 19 I 6. Presumably, it has been replaced. If the others still there are any indication, it was a two story brick, not very imposing, structure. Certainly no mansion.

From Bill Martin, August 29, I 996: I found a reference to Dr. Beck in the History-Thunder Bay and District section. These are clipping files in locked cases. What 1 found was an article of remembrances by Russell Brown, a local historian , who told of how in 1890, Dr. G.S. Beck, the Medical Officer of Health for Port Arthur, had been called to the Canadian Pacific Railway station on Water Street regarding sickness on the train.

Dr. Beck recognized smallpox, and he then stayed on the train until it got to F01t William where Dr. Smellie took over. Fort William tried to send the train back to P01t Arthur, but that was prevented by the people of Port Arthur.

Bill goes on to say that awhile back, a couple came from Winnipeg, trying to locate a grave beside the train tracks of a child who had died on the train during a smallpox epidemic.

Geoffrey was listed in a directory in Port Arthur, Algoma, ON, 1892. (1) Dr. G.S. Beck and Dr. J.A. Macdonell are listed as the occupants of an office located on part of lots 3 and 4 on the south side of Arthur St.

(2) Dr. G.S. Beck is listed as the occupant of a house located on Lot 4 of Registered Subdivision Lot 5 on the south side of Cameron St.

1892 Assessment Roll for P01t Arthur which has two references to Dr. Beck:

Geoffrey was ill in Port Arthur, Algoma, ON, 1904. Beginning about 1904, perhaps earlier, Doctor Beck became ill with tuberculosis. He took several leaves from his duties in Port Arthur and spent time in warmer climates, initially Florida, but eventually bought a house in Monrovia, California.

At that time, the San Gabriel Valley area of California was renowned for its excellent climate and there were many facilities, hospitals and doctors in the area who specialized in the care of tuberculosis patients.

From 1904 onwards, Dr. Beck did not practice medicine full time. He sold his practice and cut back on his activities, spending every winter in Monrovia.

Geoffrey traveled in Port Arthur, Algoma, ON, 1906-1914. For eight years, Doctor Beck owned a beautiful home in Monrovia to which the family traveled during the winter months. We have a note that Doris was in the San Francisco earthquake in Apri l, 1906.

Bernard Vann states in a letter that the home was owned for eight years. It was sold about 1916 by Helen Beck who was living with her sister in England at the time. The girls were uncertain about their finances and needed extra money for clothes and living expenses.

The property may still exist today and if so, would be an exceedingly valuab le home.

Geoffrey was li sted in a directory in Port Arthur, Algoma, ON, 1907. He resided in Port Arthur, Algoma, ON 1907-1909, Mariaggi Hotel. The Mariaggi Hotel in those days was a fairly nice hotel. Dr. Beck appears to have resided there for at least these two years according to Henderson's Directory.

Previously to residing at the Mariaggi Hotel , Dr. Beck lived at the Prince A1ihur Hotel. These addresses may have been offices as he did have a home on Cameron Street.

He resided in Monrovia, Los Angeles, CA 1908-19!4, 725 Valley View Avenue. Beautiful home is stil l standing. Recently bought by Dr. Gutierrez.

He made a will in Winnipeg, December I I, I 912. The following individual is also linked to this event: Robert Maxwell Dennistoun (executor). A full copy of this will has been found in England. It establishes a trust for daughters Doris and Helen with the Dominion Trust Company and Robert Maxwell Dennistoun as co-Executors. Lillias Buchanan Beck receives an al lowance of $600 a month for her lifetime and a housekeeper in Monrovia, Mrs. Molly Austrian, receives $400 a month for her life. Mildred Louisa Beck is appointed guardian for the daughters until they reach their majority.

Geoffrey's wil l was probated in Port A1ihur, Algoma, ON. The following individual is also linked to this event: Robert Maxwell Dennistoun (executor). Dr. Beck's brother-in-law, Robert Maxwell Dennistoun, was co-executor of his estate along with the Dominion Trust Company.

One year after his death, on February 20, 1915, the Dominion Trust was replaced by the Toronto General Trusts Corporation. On May 25, 1920, a court order discharged Judge Robert Maxwell Dennistoun as a trustee.

By this time, a great deal of the money appears to have been badly invested as on October 7, 1921 a third trust company was appointed to oversee Helen Beck Bell and Doris Beck Vann's trust. (No provision made for their mother in the trust, but we have a notation of an "allowance" in an old letter written to Hany Thatcher Beck.)

On October 22, 1921 Court proceedings began to ascertain what had happened to the investments. In 1926, Judge Rose ruled that the girls were only entitled to the interest from the trust and could not remove the principal. It is uncertain how much value was left in the trust at that point. Certainly, Helen and Doris lived in modest circumstances all their adult lives .

Conversation with Louise Beck, July 21 , 1991: Dr. Beck lived in Port Arthur, now Thunder Bay, Ontario. "I had two friends in Vancouver who were patients of his. I believe he was separated from his wife who was an alcoholic. Our mother always invited her for Christmas dinner, but she disapproved of Lilli as because she "knew too many men." She also colored her hair and wore fingernail polish. There were two daughters , Helen Bell and Doris Vann who lived in England. I visited Doris when she lived on a lovely farm in High Wickam. Her son Bernard Vann was in the Navy. Doris now lives in Bath. 1 do not believe Helen Bell had any chi ldren .

From Polk's Medical and Surgical Register of the United States and Canada, 1901: Port Arthur, 1900, Beck, Geoffrey S., (Regular) 333 , '81. This indicates he graduated from: Trin ity Medical College (affiliated with the University ofTrinity College, Queen's University, the University ofToronto, and the University of Manitoba), Toronto, Ontario. W.B. Geikie, M.D. , C.M., D.C.L., Dean, 52 Maitland Street. Organized in 1850 as the Upper Canada School of Medicine which, in its first session, became the Medical Faculty of Trinity College and after the existence of four years, ended by the resignation of the professors. In 1870, the Faculty of Medicine ofTrinity College was reorganized and in degree of"Fellow by Examination ofTrinity Medical College" which in "in every respect the equivalent ofM.B., M.D. , or M.D. , M.C. , at Trinity College." The faculty embraces twenty-five professors, lecturers, demonstrators, instructors and assistants.

Dr. Beck graduated fi·om medical school at age 21. Perhaps that does not include "internship" or apprenticing of some kind which

was not in Port Arthur. He was in another small community before transfen·ed by the railroad.

In addition to a private practice, he was also the medical officer for the CPR railroad which enabled him and his family to travel to Monrovia, CA, for summer vacations. Bernard Vann knew that Dr. Beck went to Monrovia every summer for a vacation. He also appears to have had land holdings in British Columbia which were lost at his death.

Beck, although divorce has not been located, appears to have lived in various hotels during his years in Port Arthur.

Geoffrey Strange Beck and Lillias Margaret Buchanan had the following children:

2 i. Georgina Agnes2 Beck was born in Port Arthur, Algoma, ON May 9, 1887. Georgina died November, 1890 in Port Arthur, Algoma, ON, at 3 years of age. The Daily Sentinel, Port Arthur: Monday, October 22, 1888: The many friend s of Dr. and Mrs. Beck will be sorry to learn that their only child died this morning. Funeral tomorrow at 14 o'clock.

She was christened in P01i Arthur, Algoma, ON, September 29. 1889. The following individual s are also linked to th is event: Arthur Louis McEwen (godfather); Eliza Eagen Rodden (godmother); Agnes Jane Buchanan Marks (godmother); Reverend C. I. Machin (minister).

3 ii. Lillias Helen Sybil Beck was born in P011 A1ihur, Algoma, ON September 5, 1893. A Helen Roberta Beck was born September 5, 1893. Could this be Helen Beck Bell'7 Family History Source N umber 00 1819.

Bapti smal information indicates that Helen Robe11a and Lillias Helen Sybi l Beck are the same person. The baby was mis-regi stered .

Lillias died February 22, 1980 in Bath. Somerset. England. at 86 years of age. Her body was interred February 24, 1980 in Bath, Somerset, England, Haycombe Cemetery. She married Whiteford George Bell in Esclusham, Wales, February 19, 1919. The following individual s are also linked to thi s event: Captain Laurence Marione Rathtun (witness); Charles Matthew Cliver (witness): Mary Mi ldred Louisa Beck (witness); Florence Bell Cliver (witness); Robert Maxwell Dennistoun (witness). From an old letter in the possession of Marian Archbo ld: Helen writes to Uncle Harry about her engagement and forthcoming marriage to Whiteford Bell. She hopes to have Doris Vann's husband marry them if everyone can get a leave at the proper time. This wedding. therefore, was after Doris's and while the girls were still in England .

In the letter. Helen is in France and Doris is back in England, waiting for her hu sband to come home.

The name on the wedding certificate is Lillias Helen Bell and Helen gives her age as 24 which wou ld mean she was born in 1895 . Who then was Helen Roberta Bell, for whom 1 have a bitih certificate from 1893? Another deceased infant daughter')

Whiteford was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada 1892. Whiteford was the son of George Bell. Whiteford served in the military in Esclusham, Wales, 1919.

Soldiers of the First World War - Canadian Exped itionary Force

Names: BELL , WHITEFORD GEORGE Rank: LT Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/ 166, Box 624- 6 He resided in Toronto, Ontario, Canada 1920-1941 , The Annex. Whiteford was divorced from Li lli as Helen

Sybil Beck in England, After 1940. From Elayne Lockhart of Family Stories, January 11 , 2003:

Di vorce

The Index of Parliamentary Divorces, 1967- 1930 was searched for a divorce of Helen Beck Bell and Whit(e)ford Bel l. There was no listing.

As a result, to follow this up further the Di vorce records for the County of York (for Toronto) were searched at the Archives of Ontario.

RG 22-5815 , (MS 5041 ). Supreme Court of Ontario (York County). Ind exes to fin al divorce judgments (decrees absolute) , Vol. L 1931-1940

No record fo r Helen and Whiteford Bell.

RG 22- 5809, MS 26 15, MS 2616, MS 2617, and MS 5042, Supreme Court of Ontario (York), Index to Civil Actions and City Suits.

There seems to therefore be some amb iguity as to whether Helen Beck Bell and Wh iteford George Bell were, in fact, divorced.

Whi teford Bell was possibly the man who ruined the Beck sisters. He was a high-flyi ng stockbroker type who had lots of flash and dash. He was a frustrated adventurer who was in the first World War and also the Second.

Bern ard Vann ran into him in a pub in London during WW!l, and because of what had happened to his mother and aunt, never spoke to him.

Major Bell was in the army--the 48th Highlanders. Although congenial, not a very nice man. Lived in Toronto in the Annex from 1920-1 94 1" (I nformation given by Mrs. Janet McAt1hur. )

His father was a barrister in Toronto, a KC and a partner in the firm of Carr, Cronyn and Bel l. She was baptized in Port Arthur, Algoma, ON, November 28, 1893. Religion: Angli can. The fo llowing

individuals are also linked to thi s event: Reverend C. J. Machi n (minister): Dr. George Hugh McDonell (godparent); Mary Allen McDougall (godparent). A doubl e bapti sm at the home of Wil liam Frederick Langworthy. The Langworthy and Beck baby girls were both ch ri stened this day by at the parent's residence "on account of special and exceptional circumstances. e.s. the premature birth. the illness of the mother and the resignation of the incumbent.

Agnes Li llian, born November 19, 1893 was the name of the Langworthy baby. Lilli as was confirmed at 15 years of age in Monrovia, Los Angeles, CA, April 4, 1909. Lillias traveled in Port

At1hur, Algoma, ON. 1914. Marian Beck Archbold has, in her possession, a letter from Hel en Beck detailing their trip to Europe, chaperoned, in part, by Aunt Maud Stevenson. She write to her uncle, Harry Thatcher Beck, that they had been taken to France in 19 14 with Aunt Maud and left in the care of Mademoise lle. Dori s was pl anning to take singing lessons. They came to London and then to a Canadian Army Hosp ital which may be how the not ion that Dori s was a nurse got started.

Uncle Max and Aunt Mi ld red were also in England in 19 15/16. Most of the letters are about an all owance, and asking Uncle Harry to arrange their finances. They mention a Mi ni ster they knew from Port Arthur. They talked about the ir trust.

They also mention visiting Cyril and Hubert Beck in hospital , and refer to th e death of their cousin, Jack Dennistoun .

In requests for money. they ask for $ 150, and then for $500 to pay their English chaperone fo r a period of six months.

She was the defendant in iilawsuit in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, January 28, 1926. Helen Bell and Doris Vann in stituted a su it against the Toronto General Trusts Corporation, substituted executors and trustees of the estate of their father, to ascertain, define and determine quest ions arising in the administrat ion of the said estate.

Hector Mackenzie Forbes, Assistant General Manager of the Corporation. George Bell was served in thi s su it. F. W. Harcourt was named as official guardian. "GB" was solicitor for Helen Bell and Doris Vann, J.F. Edgar, 812 Kent Bu il di ng, Toronto ·

Summary of the estate at the death of Geoffrey Strange Beck

Real Estate in Ontario: $ 14,650.00 Real Estate outside Ontario $19,293.0 I Book debts/Promissory 1,264.90 Mortgages $ 14 1.732 .09 Stocks 7,420 .00 Life In surance 3,000.00 Cash in bank 4,000.00 Mise assets 7,720.00

Total: $199,080.00

How much was this estate worth in 1926? Toronto Star: Friday, .June 25, 1926 page 3

"Entitled to Income. As a resu lt of a motion for the interpretation ofthe will ofthe late Geoffrey Strange Beck of Pot1 Arthur. Justice Rose found in week ly courts at Osgoode Hall that the two daughters, Mrs. Helen Bell and Mrs. Doris Vann, were not entitled to the abso lute income in equal shares and that the ir chi ldren would be entitled to share equal ly in the estate upon the death of the parents. The estate wh ich is largely land around Port Arth ur is valued at $199,080. "

Lillias was divorced from Whiteford George Bell in England, After 1940. From Elayne Lockhart of Fami ly Stories, January II , 2003:

Divorce

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The Index of Pari iamentary Divorces, 1967 - 1930 was searched for a divorce of Helen Beck Bell and Whit( e )ford Bell. There was no li sting.

As a result to fo llow this up further the Divorce records for the County of York (for Toronto) were searched at the Archives of Ontario.

RG 22-5815, (MS 5041 ), Supreme Court of Ontario (York County), Indexes to final divorce judgments (decrees absolute), Vol. 1, 1931 - 1940

No record for Helen and Whiteford Bell.

RG 22- 5809, MS 2615 , MS 2616, MS 2617, and MS 5042, Supreme Court of Ontario (York), Index to Civil Actions and City Suits.

There seems to therefore be some ambi guity as to whether Helen Beck Bell and Wh iteford George Bell were, in fact, divorced.

Married during WWI to Whiteford Bell, they li ved in Toronto for some time during the 1920s. Apparently, they were divorced although Margaret Stevenson told my father that Helen had been very much in love with Major Bell. There were no children of thi s marriage.

Helen's father left a big estate in trust to hi s daughters . That a ll di sappeared when General Hogarth (who married Madge Patterson) foreclosed on the prope11y.

The father's property in P011 A11hur was lost as it was in second mortgages. There were some letters from Margaret Stevenson detail ing the Beck sisters being defrauded by an unnamed man, but they bravely claimed this made them better persons to have had to manage with little money.

Helen remain ed a Canad ian citizen.

After her divorce from Whitford Bell, she joined her widowed sister in England and for many years, they li ved together in a tiny cottage in Beaconsfield. They later shared a flat together in Penn and were later cremated and buri ed in a cemetery near Bath.

A note from Maxwell McBean: There was something to do with Madge Patterson who was one of our sponsors when we were presented in London (who later married General Hogarth) who bought the Beck land . Other sources say in vestments in Edmonton area in coal. Opinion seems to be that it was Whiteford Bel l who lost the s ister's money.

111. Doris Victoria Beck was born November 20, 1896.