Obituaries Australia

Theodore Beggs, n.d.

from Argus (Melbourne), 3 April 1940, p 9

Mr. Theodore Beggs, one of the leading pastoralists of the State, died yesterday at his station home, Eurambeen, Beaufort, aged 81 years. He was a former member of the Legislative Council, and was one of the greatest breeders of merino sheep in the Commonwealth.

Born at Geelong in 1859, he was the second son of Francis and Maria L. Beggs, who came from County Dublin, Ireland. He was educated privately, and began his pastoral career on his father's property, Eurambeen. On the death of his father he became manager and a trustee of the property. With two brothers, Messrs. Hugh N. and Robert G. Beggs, Mr. Beggs entered into partnership soon afterwards, and held various estates in Victoria. In 1913 the brothers dissolved partnership, and Mr. Theodore Beggs took over Eurambeen.

He was elected in 1910 for the Nelson Province in the Legislative Council, from which he retired in 1928. He served as councillor of the Ripon Shire for 30 years, and was twice its president. He is survived by a widow, who was formerly Miss Agnes Jane Walpole, and four daughters. Mr. Hugh Beggs, of Nareeb Nareeb, is a brother, and Mrs. T. E. White, of Middle Creek, is a sister. Mr. Beggs was a member of the Melbourne, Australian, and Ballarat clubs.

The Beggs family is one of the oldest sheep-breeding families in the State, and is famous for its success with merinos. Eurambeen carries all fine merino sheep bred from the old Eurambeen blood. The stud there regularly supplied the nucleus for the formation of fresh merino studs, and for the continuation of other established studs in the Western district.

The funeral will leave Eurambeen for the station's private cemetery to-day at 3 p.m.