Obituaries Australia

Francis Beggs, n.d.

from Pastoral Review, 15 October 1921

Deep regret was felt at the death of Mr. Francis Beggs, which occurred at St. Marnock's, Beaufort, Vic., the end of August, at the age of 70 years. Mr. Beggs had been ill for some time, and recently underwent a serious operation, from which he never fully recovered. He was of a cheery, unassuming character, which made him a general favourite with all who knew him. With the exception of a trip to Ireland as a boy, and a couple of years in New South Wales, practically all his life was spent in the Western District of Victoria. Born at Geelong in 1850, he went inland with his parents at an early age, the family settling at Gnarkeet, near Pitfleld. After about nine years they moved to Eurambeen, Beaufort, then known as Mt. Cole Station. He resided at Eurambeen East Estate for a considerable time, and some 14 years ago purchased St. Marnock's. He was a prominent breeder of Merino sheep, the wool from St. Marnock's always realising high prices on the market. His services were also much in request as a judge of Merinos. In addition to sheep, Mr. Beggs took a keen interest in horse breeding and racing in his younger days, his horses winning a number of events in the local Jockey Club's races at Ararat and Beaufort. About 45 years ago he married Miss Helen R. de Crespigny, a daughter of the late Mr. P. Ch. de Crespigny, who survives him.