Husband Robert William Becroft [9460] 1
Born: Abt 1821 - Kilmore, Victoria, Australia 1
Christened:
Died: 2 Sep 1910 - Longwood, Victoria, Australia 1
Buried: - Longwood Cemetery, Longwood, Strathbogie Shire, Victoria, Australia
FamilySearch ID: 9VXN-891
Find A Grave ID: 255628855
Marriage: 18 Jun 1851 - Kilmore, Victoria, Australia 1
Events
• Event: Euroa Shire Council, 14 Sep 1887. Euroa Advertiser
Euroa Shire Council.
Wednesday, September 14th, 1887.
ANNUAL MEETING
...
From William Becroft, Longwood, asking if the duties of inspector of nuisances were to be divided, the claims of Longwood might be considered. Made an order of the day.
...
• Event: Euroa Advertiser, 31 Jul 1891. Mail Contracts Accepted.
To and from Yarck railway station and Gobur, Francis IH. Simcocks.
To and firom Gobur and Terip Terip, Archibald Sinclair.
To and from Longwood East and Longwood, W. Becroft.
To and from Longwood E. and Tarcombe, two days a week, Wlm. Becroft.
To and from Euroa and, Karraniomus South, vil Miepoll South and Mlicpoll, three days a week, H. Hinton.
To and from Euroa and Branjee, three days a week, Patrick Connell.
To and from Euroa and Rigg's Creek, vi~ Tamleugh West, two days a week, E. Fitzgerald.
To and from Euroa and Strathbo' e, via Shean's Creek, three days a week Geo. B. Bradford.
To and, from Maindample'and Mainsfield, six days a week, Robertson, Wagner,- and Co.
To and from Bonnie Doon and Dry Creek, two days a week, Robt. Samiiuel Anderasn. ...
.
• Event: Euroa Advertiser, 7 Aug 1891. SHIRE OF EUROA.
ANNUAL ELECTION-SOUTH RIDING. I hereby give notice that the following Nominations have been received:
JOHN GIBSON
JOHN HAMMOND
And that as the number of Candidates Nominated exceeds the number to be elected, a POLL will be taken on the 13th day of August at the State schools, Euroa, Upper Castle Creek, Balmattum, Boho East, Strathbogie North, Strathbogie South, Marraweeny; at the old Court house, Violet Town, and the residence of Mr. Becroft, Old Longwood; commencing at 8 a.m. and closing at 4 p.m. GEORGE MACKRELL, Returning Officer. Shire Office, 30th July, 1891.
• Event: Euroa Avertiser, 21 Aug 1891. TO THE EDITOR.
Sir,--I am somewhat at a loss to know why the returning officer for the south riding so consistently ignores the claims of the local ratepayers for appointment to the office of deputy-returning officer and poll-clerk at the Old Longwood polling booth. For some years it was thought necessary to send a D.R.O. from four miles beyond Euroa, and on the most recent occasion, after acting as poll-clerk for years, I have been deposed to make room for another Euroa man, although the polling booth was at my own residence. Such appointments infer that nonone of the locald residents are suffliciently competent or trustworthy to fill the office, which is a slur totally undeserved; and if the D.R.O. takes advantage of his position to secure for his friends any little honor or emolument attaching to the office, we may probably take it as a reflex of his conduct in other shire matters.-Yours, &c., Wm. BECROFT. Longwood, 17th August, 1891.
• Event: Euroa Advertiser, 28 Aug 1891. TO THE EDITOR.
SIR.-In your last issue Mr Becroft, of Longwood makes a complaint because he was not appointed as poll clerk at the late shire election. I am not quite clear who Mr Becroft alludes to as the D.R.O; (other wise deputy returning officer), who, he says, "takes advantage of his positiont-to secure for his friends any little honor or emolument attaching to the office," and further, says he may probably take it as a reflex of his conduct in other shire matters," but as I was the returning officer this evidently points to Mr. Meade who acted as D.R.O.. (a local man beyond a doubt), or to Mr. Parker the shire secretary, who was my deputy for the election. In either case the slur is entirely undeserved and requiresi an apology; as the gentlemen mentioned had no option in the matter. If any wrong has been done; I alone am responsible, and will give the brief facts. Immediately after the nominations were made the shire secrtary wrote to me for a list of deputy returning officers and poll clerks to appoint, and not being able to visit Euroa to consult with him, I sent the names for the positions with due regard to local residents, and had I known that Mr Becroft had acted in the same capacity before I should have appointed him. At the same time I do not consider that the fact of Mr Becroft, providing a room (for which the council pays him 10s for the day) entitles him to the position to the exclusion of all others, and I regret to learn that Mr Becroft should have thought to have behaved in a discourteous manner to the poll clerk who was appointed.- Yours, etc., George Mackrell, returning officer for south riding.
• Event: Euroa Advertiser, 4 Sep 1891. Correspondence.
(We do not hold ourselves responsible for, nor necesarily endorse, opinions expressed by correspondents.)
TO THE EDITOR. . Sir,-I notice that.Mr Mackrell desires an apology for my letter appearing in a previous issue. This, I think, is hardly required, as Mr. Mackrell admits that the facts as stated are correct, though how he can reconcile the statement that he made the appointments "with a due regard to local residents," and the fact that he appointed a gentlemen who lives at Euroa, and as probably not been in Longwood for the last five years, is not very evident. With regard to discourtesy shown to the poll-clerk, I regret that Mr Mackrell has been misinformed, unless the fact of providing him with his dinner, making him as comfortable as possible, and being on perfectly friendly terms with him during the whole day, can be construed as discourtesy.-Yours, etc., Wm. BECROFT.
• Event: Euroa Advertiser, 11 Aug 1893. SHIRE of EUROA.
ANNUAL ELECTION
South Riding
I hereby give notice that the following nominations have been received--
JOHN HAMMOND
JOHN DOYL
GEORGE MACKRELL
And as the number of candidates nominated exceeds the number to be elected, a Poll will be taken on Thursday, the 24th day of August, at the State schools Euroa, Upper Castle Creek, Balmatturn, Strathbogie North, Marraweeny, the Protestant Hall, Strathbogie; the residence of Mr. Becroft, Longwood, mr. J. Underwood's residence, Violet Town; and Mr. A. Shaw's residence, Warrenbayne.
Adam Wakenshaw,
Returning officer.
Shire Office, 10th August, 1893.
• Event: Euroa Advertiser, 25 Oct 1895. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENTS.]
LONGWOOD.
A magistoral enquiry was held before Mr. J. E. Maxfield, J.P., touching the death of Finlay Bunting, aged 7 years. According to the evidence, the deceased and his little brother, 4 years old, were out sitting on the fence of a small pad dock in the old town, owned by Mr. Becroft. A few minutes after Mrs. Burns saw the little one sitting on an old well crying, and hlie told her his brother had fallen in the w3ll. The alarm was given immediately, and Mr. Tubb and his sons were quickly on the spot, and one of them jumped in, but did not find the body. Mr. Bunting had by this time arrived, and on getting in discovered the deceased in one corner of the well. On being taken out Mr. Tubb used the ordinary means to restore the apparently drowned, but without success ; and Dr. Lock, who arrived quick on the scene, used every means known to the faculty without success. A verdict of accidental drowning was returned.
• His obituary was published in the Kilmore Free Press on 8 Sep 1910. Mr. Wm. B. Becroft, an old colonist, and a gentleman who, if we remember correctly, lived upon what is now part of the Oarlsberg estate, Kilmore, died at Longwood on Friday last. The demise is announced in the daily papers of the gentleman named, aged 90 years, and, if we are correct in our surmise, Mr Becroft carried on business as a boot-maker at place named, prior to going to Longwood about 50 years ago.
• His obituary was published in the Euroa Advertiser on 16 Sep 1910. The early identities of Longwood are gradually thinning out, and by the death of Mr William Becroft on Friday week, the most interesting connection with the early days has passed away. The deceased was a colonist of many years standing, having arrived in Tasmania in 1844 and thence crossing to Victoria. Mr. Becroft had many incidents to tell of the old coaching days of the north east, and himself resided at Old Longwood for a lengthy period. He had been the mail constractor for Tarcombe distric, and for the mail between Long ... of many years back. Mr Becroft celebrated his golden wedding some time ago-- having been married in 1851, the year of Black Thursday-- but his wife died a short time ago. The deceased gentleman had been in frail health for some time, and passed away quietly at the residence of his daughter (Mrs. Geo. Jeans). The remains were interred in the Longwood East cemetery, the cortege being fairly lengthy and representative. The Rev. S. O. Seward officiated at the graveside, Mr. Becroft having been one of the oldest members of the local Church of England, and an interested supporter also before the railway township was even built. The morturary arrangements were in the hands of Mr. J. M. Grant. Out of a large family Mrs. Geo. Jeans is now the only survivor, and she has general sympathy for her many bereavements.
Wife Mary Ann May [9461] 1
Born: Abt 1830 - Templepatrick, Antrim, Ireland 1
Christened:
Died: 5 Aug 1908 - Longwood, Victoria, Australia 1
Buried: 7 Aug 1908 - Longwood Cemetery, Longwood, Strathbogie Shire, Victoria, Australia
FamilySearch ID: 9V6B-3LW
Find A Grave ID: 255628762
Father: William May [12107] ( - )
Mother:
Events
• Event: 25 Aug 1867. Illustrated Australian News for Home Readers, 20 Sep 1867
Family Notices.
...
Deaths.
...
May. On Sunday, the 25th ult., at the residence of his brother-in-law, Mr. William Becroft, Longwood, Samuel, the eldest son of Mr William May, late of Kilmore, aged thirty-five years.
• Her obituary was published in The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.) on 12 Aug 1908. BECROFT. - On the 5th August, 1908, at the residence of her son-in-law (Mr. G. Jeans), Longwood, Mary Ann, the beloved wife of Wm. Becroft, and dearly loved mother of Mrs. G. Jeans, Longwood, and grandmother of Mrs. A. Phillips, Springhurst, aged 78 years. A colonist of 71 years. (Interred on 7th August.).
• Her funeral was held Euroa Advertiser on 7 Aug 1908. FUNERAL NOTICE.
The friends of Mr. William Becroft are respectfully invited to follow the remains of his late WIFE to the place of interment, the Longwood Public Cemetery.
Funeral will leave the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Jeans, at 2 o'clock p.m. TO-DAY.
J.M. Grant, Undertaker.
• Her obituary was published in the Euroa Advertiser on 7 Aug 1908. DEATH.-- By the death of Mrs. W. Becroft Longwood has lost one of its earliest settlers, a resident of fully 50 years. Deceased was a most estimable character, and her passing-away is much regretted. The funeral will leave Mr. Jeans' residence to-day at 2 p.m.
• Her obituary was published in the Kilmore Free Press on 13 Aug 1908. Mrs W. Becroft, senr., died last week at Longwood, aged 78 years. Deceased was a resident of this district many years ago, and will be remembered by old residents as a kindly good woman. With Mr. Becroft, himself aged 88 years, and Mrs. Jeans, the only surviving child of eleven in family, there is much sympathy among neighbors.
• Her obituary was published in The Argus on 12 Aug 1908. DEATHS.
BECROFT. - On the 5th August, 1908, at the residence of her son-in-law (Mr. G. Jeans), Longwood, Mary Ann, the beloved wife of Wm. Becroft, and dearly loved mother of Mrs. G. Jeans, Longwood, and grandmother of Mrs. A. Phillips, Springhurst, aged 78 years. A colonist of 71 years. (Interred on 7th August.).
• Her funeral was held Euroa Advertiser on 14 Aug 1908. The funeral of the late Mrs. Becroft took place last Friday. The cortege first halted at St. Andrew's church, of which deceased was an old and regular attendant, where a part of the burial service was read by the Rev. W. P. Martin. A procession of over 20 vehicles, etc., followed the remains to the old Longwood cemetery, where so many of Mrs. Becroft's children are interred. Out of a large family mrs. Jeans is now the sole survivor. mr. and Mrs. W. Becroft lived first at Longwood est and were among the earliest inhabitants there, coming from Kilmore. General regret was expressed at the death of Mrs. Becroft. Her age was 78. The morturary arrangements were in Mr. Grant's capable hands.
Marriage Events
• Marriage: The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 18 Jun 1901. BECROFT-MAY. - [Golden Wedding.] - On the 18th June, 1851, at the residence of the bride's parents, Kilmore, Victoria, by the Rev. W. Singleton, William Becroft to Mary Ann May, only daughter of the late William May. Present address, Downs-street, Longwood.
• Event: Euroa Advertiser, 21 Jun 1901. Golden Wedding Celebration.
Everybody who has come in contrct with the genial old gent who carries His Majesty's mails from Longwood East, Tarrcombe, and Ruffy, will be pleased to hear that Tuesday last saw the fiftieth anniversary of his wedding day, and that his "golden" wedding was accordingly honored to the full. Mr. W. Becroft (senior) and Mrs. Becroft are among the oldest residents of Longwood, and so, of ceurse, they received local congratulations on all sides, and also, good wishes from friends who are at present living in distant towns, but who were at one time their neighbors. During the evening the aged couple's children, Messrs. W. S. Becroft and Mrs. Jeans, entertained a large psrty of their parents friends in, the Mechanics' Institute, which had been beautifully decorated for the occasion. A merry evening was spent by the guests, young and old, although the night itself was the reverse of inviting on account if the wintry weather. In the early part of the night a programme of songs was gone through, and then refreshments were served. It was during this stage that a purse of sovereigns, subscribed by Mr. and Mrs. Becroft's friends, was presented to the two, who had weathered lifes rough seas for half a century together. Mr. Tubb handed the testimonial to the recipients, at the same time expressing the feelings of the guests in an able and sympathetic manner. Other gentlemren spoke also, eulogising Mr. and Mrs. Becroft's good qualities, and then Mr Becroft responded most suitably, and Mr. F. Beeroft thanked the donors as well for their unexpected kindness towards his parents. After a pause for social chat, dancing was indulged in by the younger guests, and the wedding closed at an early hour. Besides congratulations, many little gifts were sent to the celebrants of the golden wedding, so that all honor was paid to, our worthy citizens' parents. Mr and Mrs. Becroft are very old colonists indeed, and it is close upon half a century since they first settled in what is now the Old Township, but what was then the flourishing coaching station of Longwood. Many are the interesting stories of the early days related by Mr. Becroft. Of Mr. and Mrs. Becroft's surviving children, those resident in Longwood are Mrs Jean and Mr. S. Becroft who feel, with their brother, extremely pleased with the good will extended to their father and mother at the close of their long-extender and useful life.
• Event: Euroa Advertiser, 28 Jun 1901. In my report of the Becroft golden wedding last week I should have mentioned that the guests were entertained by Messrs S. and F. Becroft (sons), Mrs. Jeans (daughter), and Mr. A. Bethune (son-in-law).
Children
1 F Maria Susannah Becroft [9463] 1
Born: 1852 - Kilmore, Victoria, Australia 1
Christened:
Died: 1853 - Kilmore, Victoria, Australia 1
Buried: - Longwood Cemetery, Longwood, Strathbogie Shire, Victoria, Australia 2
Find A Grave ID: 255628978
Spouse: Did Not Marry
2 F Susan Becroft [12109]
Born: 1854
Christened:
Died: 23 Jan 1886 - Longwood, Victoria, Australia
Buried: - Longwood Cemetery, Longwood, Strathbogie Shire, Victoria, Australia 2
FamilySearch ID: GM12-N4V
Find A Grave ID: 255628897
Spouse: Alexander Matheson [12110] (1850-1887)
Marr: 1875 - Victoria, Australia 3
3 F Maria Becroft [9464] 1
Born: 1855 - Kilmore, Victoria, Australia 1
Christened:
Died: 31 Dec 1875 - Longwood, Victoria, Australia
Buried: - Longwood Cemetery, Longwood, Strathbogie Shire, Victoria, Australia 2
Find A Grave ID: 255629138
Spouse: Did Not Marry
4 F Marian Becroft [9465] 1
Born: Abt 1857 - Kilmore, Victoria, Australia 1
Christened:
Died: 1884 - Longwood, Victoria, Australia 1
Buried:
Spouse: Alfred A Bethune [12108] ( - )
5 M William May Becroft [9466] 1
Born: 1858 - Kilmore, Victoria, Australia 1
Christened:
Died: 17 Dec 1901 - Longwood, Victoria, Australia 1
Buried:
Spouse: Clara McGeorge [10395] ( -1929)
6 M Frank May Becroft [9467] 1
Born: 9 Dec 1859 - Reed, , Victoria, Australia 1
Christened:
Died: 3 Dec 1904 - Nine Mile Creek, Victoria, Australia 1
Cause of Death: phthisis
Buried: - Wunghnu Civil Cemetery, Wunghu, Moira Shire, Victoria, Australia 2
FamilySearch ID: 9VXN-89G
Find A Grave ID: 194399863
Spouse: Christine Frances "Fanny" Gardner [10386] (1865-1947)
Marr: 5 Nov 1889 - Milawa, Victoria, Australia
7 M Samuel May Becroft [9468] 1
Born: 18 Aug 1861 - Longwood, Victoria, Australia 1
Christened:
Died: 18 Feb 1906 - Longwood, Victoria, Australia 1
Buried: 20 Feb 1906
FamilySearch ID: 9VXN-895
Spouse: Margaret Ailsa Edith "Elsa" Owens [12114] (1869-1907)
Marr: 19 Jun 1895
8 F Margaret Charlotte Becroft [9462] 1
Born: 25 Apr 1864 - Longwood, Victoria, Australia 1 4
Christened:
Died: 24 May 1890 - Longwood, Victoria, Australia 1
Cause of Death: influenza
Buried:
FamilySearch ID: 9VXN-89R
Spouse: Did Not Marry
9 F Carrie Becroft [12112]
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: George A J Jeans [12113] ( - )
Marr: 8 Sep 1891
10 M Robert Henry May Becroft [9469] 1
Born: 1868 - Longwood, Victoria, Australia 1
Christened:
Died: 1869 - Longwood, Victoria, Australia 1
Buried: - Longwood Cemetery, Longwood, Strathbogie Shire, Victoria, Australia 2
Find A Grave ID: 255629115
Spouse: Did Not Marry
11 F Lilian Florence Adeline "Lilly" Becroft [9470] 1
Born: Abt 1873 - Longwood, Victoria, Australia 1
Christened:
Died: 27 Dec 1893 - Longwood, Victoria, Australia 1
Buried:
FamilySearch ID: 9VXN-89Y
Spouse: Did Not Marry