Rachel BECKWITH (b. 1811) Bretton West, Yorkshire - Father's identity - Ideas?

[LizzieL]

Richard wouldn’t carry the Cooper surname if he was illegitimate.  Middle names are often a decent clue you can follow in these cases.

Just one point I can’t see that it says “nee Beckwith” on the baptism for Rachel?  Just Hannah Beckwith.

I think "nee" is OP's invention.

On FindMyPast I have found transcripts of some events at Silkstone / and its various chapelries. for beckwiths
Richard buried 1799 s/o John (implying he was a child when he died. John buried 1797 no age on transcript. Rachel buried 1824/5 age 72 (b 1752/3) . Another John 1812 No age given.
Can't find them on Ancestry yet.
If the Hannah burial I found was correct, then she was born about 1791. Could Richard be her brother and John her father? Rachel snr could be her mother if Hannah was last of a large family or possibly her grandmother. Or just a coincidence of names?

[LizzieL]

Hannah's baptism indexed as Beckquith
26 Feb 1791 d/o John no mother recorded, Bretton chapel

So looks like the one buried in 1840

[LizzieL]

I think some of the Silkstone Beckwiths may have been recorded / transcribed as Beckit(t)s
There is a marriage for a John Beckitt and Rachel Adamson at Silkstone in 1773, which is right sort of time given Rachel's age at death. This couple might be Hannah's parents.
Richard Beckit son of Hannah single woman buried 26 Nov 1819 age 5 at Silkstone.

[rbell35]

Good work & thanks Lizzie!