Samuel May Becroft and Margaret Ailsa Edith "Elsa" Owens
Husband 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
Father: Robert William Becroft [9460] (Abt 1821-1910) 1 Mother: Mary Ann May [9461] (Abt 1830-1908) 1
Marriage: 19 Jun 1895Events
• Event: Euroa Advertiser, 7 Jun 1895. HANSEN, HARRISON, AND BROS. DISSOLUTION OF PARTNERSHIP. NOTICE is hereby given that the Partnership existing between Samuel May Becroft and Edward Henry Hexter, as Bootmakers, at Longwood, as Becroft and Hexter, is Dissolved by Mutual Consent, and the Business will be carried on by the said Samuel May. Becroft, who will pay and collect all Debts due by and owing to the said firm. Signed S. M. BECROFT
Signed . H. HEXTER.• Event: Euroa Advertiser, 1 Nov 1895. PRIZE.-Mr. S. M. Becroft's well known pony secured three prizes at the Seymour and Nagambie Agricultural Society's show, namely, for best 13 hands pony, best over case being little Annie Taylor, aged eight years.
• Event: Euroa Advertiser, 15 Dec 1899. PROTESTS. J. MecLeod's protest against award to Ayrshire bulls on the ground that same were under three years old. The secretary read a foot note appended in the judges' book--"We think in this class that the first and second prize bulls exhibited are not the specified age " The judges had told him (tile secretary) they were favorable to the award of the prize to the third animal (Mr Killeen's) if the other bulls were found to be disqualified. The President pointed out that Mr. Mackrell had bleen allowed one month to prove the age of the first prize bull, which had not been done. He moved that the prize be awarded to Mr. Killeen.-Seconded by Mr. Wakeneshaw and carried.
Mr. Leckie protested against award of pony over hurdles to Mr. S. Becroft, on the ground of rider being over age. Mr. Handbury moved that Mr Becroft be called upon to make a statutory declaration as to the rider's age.-Seconded by Mr. Melvor and carried. The meeting then adjourned.• Event: Euroa Advertiser, 16 Mar 1900. PROTEST.
The President explained that a prize (under protest) had been accidentally forwarded to Mr. Becroft, Longwood, who, had beens asked to make a declaration that the boy who rode a pony over hurdles at last show was not over the specified age. Mr. Becroft had since declined to supply the required declaration, and had been itnformed by the secretary that such must be done, or the money refunded, under possible penalty of disqualification. The secretary explained the position, saying that Becroft had declined to make the declaration, and had said that as the prize-money had been paid to him, he intended to take no action in the matter. Several letters from Mr. Becroft, explanatory of the circumstances, were read, which stated that he was not now in a position to prove the rider's age. Mr. D. McKernan said that money paid in error was recoverable. Mr. Hadbury thought the position very clear. It was everybody's duty to challenge what might be considered an infraction of the rules, and Mr. Leckio had been perfectly justified in protesting. Mr. Becroft to forward the declaration or return the money. The protester, Mr. Leekie, had assured him that he was prepared to prove that the boy-rider was over age. The President agreed that steps should be taken to compel Mr. Beeroft to comply with the rules. The fact that the prize money had been paid over in error was no defence to the protest. Considerable discussion having taken place on the matter, Mr. D. McKernan moved that the protest stand over for one month, and Mr. Becroft be asked to attend with Mr. Leckie. Mr. Lewis seconded the motion. Mr. Stribling suggested that the parties should be heard by the finance comnmittee, with a view to settlement, and this was adopted, Mr. Stribling seconding the motion in the room of Mr. Lewis, who disagreed.• Event: Euroa Advertiser, 13 Apr 1900. Election of Finance Committee (post poned from last meeting).-Mr. Garrett suggested that the finance committee report re Leckie-Becroft protest before election. The President reported that the protest had been considered by the finance committee. Messrs Leckie and Becroft had been written to asking them to attend the meeting. Mr. Leckie had attended, but Mr. Becroft wrote that he was unable to attend. It had been decided that Becroft should be given seven days to prove the rider's age. failing which the owner and pony to be disqualified and the prize money (paid over in error) to be refunded. The secretary read the minutes of the finance committee on the matter. Mr. Chanter thought it was the duty of the Society to decide it, and not to be referred to the finance committee. He wanted to know why the money had been paid to Becroft in face of a protest. The secretary explained the circumstances of the case. Mr. Sutherland pointed out that as the matter had been referred to the finance committee to deal with, the Society should not re-open the matter, which was only a trifling affair. The President said it was out of order to bring the case up again, as members who had attended the meetings were in full touch with all details. The finance committee's report was received and adopted. Mr. Sutherland suggested that, in future, all jockeys should be examined as to age by the stewards before they are allowed to start.
• Event: Euroa Advertiser, 24 May 1901. The A N.A. meeting last Wednesday night was very interesting. The election of officers for the next half-year took place and resulted as follows: President, Mr. A. Down; vice-president, Mr. A. McCooke; secretary, Mr. Treyvaud : assistant-secretary, Mr. J. Houston; treasurer, Mr. L Bethune ; auditors, Messrs. Jeans and Wallace; committee, Messrs. Brodie, Iodge, Withers, Cohbett, and Brennock. Mr. S. Becroft is the immediate ex-presi dent. The election of two new members was carried but, and then the secretary announced that the gold A.N.A. pendant, for the one who had proposed the most new members during the past six months, had been won by the donor himself, ex-president Becroft. That gentlemen refused to accept it, however, and offered it for the ensuing half-year on the same conditions. Mr. Beeroft was especially thanked for his energy during office, and his efforts to promote the society's welfare. During the meeting, it was decided to hold the annual ball on August 16th,. After the business part of the meeting had closed, an enjoyable social '"pound" night was spent by a fair assemblage of members and their friends.
• His obituary was published in The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.) on 19 Feb 1906. BECROFT. - On the 18th February, at Longwood, Samuel May, dearly loved husband of Margaret Ailsa Edith Becroft, and only son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Becroft, of Longwood, aged 44 years.
At Rest.• His obituary was published in the Killmore Free Press on 22 Feb 1906. Obituary
Mr Samuel May Becroft, who died at Longwood, on Sunday last, at the age of 44 years, was the only son of Mr W. Becroft, a resident of Kilmore in the fifties. Deceased was resident of Longwood for years and was much respected.• His obituary was published in the Euroa Advertiser on 23 Feb 1906. OBITUARY. Mr. S. M. Becroft.
Life's restless, fateful voyage o'er, What seest thou, O weary Soul. No billows tossing meet thee more But rest at last. Racking anguish gone for aye Friendships broken now awhile All these O Soul, passed on thy way To rest at last. Earthly loves receding fast at Death's dread call Heaven and God seem wondrous near Thy parting soul now finds it all Sweet rest at last.
After a lingering, and, at times, a painful illness, Mr. S. M. Becroft passed away early on Sunday morning last. General weakness, combined with the aggravating weather, told upon his health so that in the previous week it became inevitable that he could not survive, but still his death caused a profound feeling of general regret at the loss of so useful a citizen. Deceased was a native of Longwood East, and had practically lived his life in the district. He was the last surviving son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Becroft, who are still in our midst well and strong. Mr. Becroft had helped in-most of the local bodies, and at the- time of his decease was a member of St. Andrew's Board of Guardians, and of the A.N.A. (of. which he was also a past president), and secretary to the Water Trust. On the Saturday night previous to his death (in fact, just a few hours before that event), he resigned his position of secretary to the Racing and Sports Club, the resignation being most regrettfully accepted, as Mr. Becroft had proved a capable secretary. Wreathe were sent on behalf of the Guardians, the A.N.A.,and the Racing and Sports Club, and at the funeral on Tuesday members of these bodies walked to the cemetery, in front of the hearse, as a tribute of respect to the deceased. Previous to departure for the necropolis at the Old Town a short service was held at St. Andrew's. The funeral cortege was very lengthy, comprising 44 vehicles, nine horse men, etc., while there was also a number of friends from Longwood East at the cemetery. The Rev. A. A. Wiltshiro (Euroa), assisted by the Rev. P. Martin, conducted the funeral services in a most impressive manner. Besides the official wreaths, the coffin was covered with numerous other floral offerings. The mortuary arrangements were excellently attended to by Mr. J. M. Grant. At meetings held respectively by the Board of Guardians, A.N.A., Water Trust, and Sports and Racing Clubs, letters of sympathy, under the various seals of these bodies, were sent to Mrs. Becroft, for whom general genuine feeling was expressed in her great loss.• His obituary was published in the Euroa Advertiser on 23 Feb 1906. OBITUARY.
Mr. S. M. Becroft.
Life's restless, fateful voyage o'er, What seest thou, O'weary Soul ? No billows tossing meet thee more But rest at last. Racking anguish gone for aye Friendships broken now awhile All these? O Soul, passed on thy way To rest at last. Earthly loves receding.fast at Death's dread call Heaven and God seem wondrous near Thy parting soul now fnds it~ all Sweet rest at last.
After a lingering, and, at times, a painful illness, Mr. S. M. Becroft passed away early on Sunday morning last. General weakness, combined with the aggravating weather, told upon his health so that in the previous week it became inevitable that he could not survive, but still his death caused a profound feeling of general regret at the loss of so useful a citizen. Deceased was a native of Longwood East, and had practically lived his life in the district. He was the last surviving son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Becroft, who.are still in our midst well and strong. Mr. Becroft had helped in-most of the local bodies, and at the- time of his decease was a member of St. Andrew's Board of Guardians, and of the A.N.A. (of. which he was also a past president), and secretary to the Water Trust. On the Saturday night previous to his death (in fact, just a few hours before that event), he resigned his position of secretary to the Racing and Sports Club, the resignation being most regrettfully accepted, as Mr. Becroft had proved a capable secretary. Wreaths were sent on behalf of the Guardians, the A.N.A.,and the Racing and Sports Club, and at the funeral on Tuesday members of these bodies walked to the cemetery, in front of the hearse, as a tribute of respect to the deceased. Previous to departure for the necropolis at the Old Town a short service was held at St. Andrew's. The funeral cortege was very lengthy, comprising 44 vehicles, nine horse men, etc., while there was also a number of friends from Longwood East at the cemetery. The Rev. A. A. Wiltshiro (Euroa), assisted by the Rev. P. Martin, conducted the funeral services in a n.ost impressive manner. Besides the official wreaths, the coffin was covered with numerous other floral offerings. The mortuary arrange ments were excellently attended to by Mr. J. M. Grant. At meetings held respectively by the Board of Guardians, A.N.A., Water Trust, and Sports and Racing Clubs, letters of sympathy, under the various seals of these bodies, were sent to Mrs. Becroft, for whom general genuine feeling was expressed in her great loss.
.• Memoriam: The Argus, 19 Feb 1907. IN MEMORIAM.
BECROFT - In sad and loving memory of our dearly loved son and brother, Samuel May, husband of the late M. A. F. Becroft, who died at his residence, Longwood, February 18, 1906. Inserted by his loving parents, sister, and brother-in-law.).• Estate: Eurora Advertiser, 20 Mar 1908. TOWNSHIP PROPERTY AT LONGWOOD
E. STREBLING is instructed by the Executors of the late S. M. Becroft to offer at "The Mart," Euroa, on
THURSDAY, 2nd APRIL,
Quarter Acre of Land in Down-street, Longwood, with Bootmaker's shop and dwelling.
TERMS - Half Cash, Balance at 5 percent.
E. STREBLING,
Euroa and Violet Town.
Wife Margaret Ailsa Edith "Elsa" Owens [12114]
Born: 1869 - Williamstown, Victoria, Australia 2 Christened: Died: 6 Jan 1907 - Williamstown, Victoria, Australia Buried: 8 Jan 1907 - Williamstown Cemetery, Williamstown, Victoria, Australia 3 FamilySearch ID: GZXL-FMC Find A Grave ID: 153396014
Father: Evan Owens [12128] (1838-1913) Mother: Mary McGillivray [12129] (1839-1915) 4
Events
• Her obituary was published in the Euroa Advertiser on 11 Jan 1907. Longwood.
Local and district residents will have noticed with regret that the death of Mrs. S. M. Becroft occurred at Williamstown last Sunday. Deceased patiently helped to nurse her husband through his last long illness, but her own health broke down, and since she returned to her parents' residence she had practically been an invalid. It was expected that the change would do Mrs. Becroft good, but death released her from her affliction at the untimely age of 37. Mrs. S. Becroft wals formerly a district school teacher of ability, and an 'energetic worker in " the local Church of England. Three children are now left orphans, and general sympathy is extended to them and Mr. and Mrs. Queens and family in their bereavement.• Her obituary was published in the Williamstown Chronicle on 12 Jan 1907. There died on Sunday last at the residence of her parents (Mr and Mrs E. Owens), Ferguson-street, Mrs Becroft, widow of the late Mr Samuel May Becroft, aged 37 years. Her remains were interred in the Williamstown Cemetery on Tuesday.
• Memoriam: Euroa Advertiser, 18 Jan 1907. AT REST.
(The Late Mrs.- S. M. Becroft)
In patient toil. 'mong childhood's studious ways,
Thine early womanhlood was happy spent.
E'en then thy need not only earthly praise,
As filled were all the calls that duty set.
When Fate unceasing, longer threads did spin,
New useful spheres came rolling into view,
And sped thy life, essaying life to win;
Yet, wife and mother, didst all duty do.
And great in faith (alas! through weak in strength),
The battle fought, till, like a tired child,
Thou reached thy mother's arms, in them to find
Sweet rest for wearied limbs until God smiled.
With fight of days, so passes thy life
Wearing weakniss in flesh, yet spirit bright;
Christian calmness conquering the strife;
Of parting soul, hevenwards it fligiht.
Devoted love so nobly shown as thine,
Closing here, yet shows a way-.
For mortals seeking love Divine
That brings at last eternal day.
In life but one-in death now one,
Yet living stilll -to live for aye \\
Angels pity, yet, "Thy will be done,"
Seems surely best for us to say,
From suffering mortals in this world around,
The Christ be as peace and paradox never,
And, losing all, then new at last hat found
Rest with thy Lord - sweet rest for ever.
G.
Longwood, 15|1|07.
.• Her obituary was published in The Argus on 7 Jan 1907. BECROFT. -- On the 6th January 1907, at her parents' residence, 179 Ferguson-street, Williamstown, Margaret Ailsa Edith, widow of the late Samuel May Becroft, and eldest beloved daughter of Evan and Mary Owens, and beloved sister of Marion, Charles, Archibald, George, and Hubert Owens, late of Longwood, aged 37 years.
"At rest."Marriage Events
• Marriage: Euroa Advertiser, 5 Jul 1895. Wedding .
The marriage of Miss Oweus to Mr. S. M. Becroft, of Longwood, was celebrated on the 19th ult., at the residence of the bride's parents, Ferguson-street, North Williamstown, by the Rcv. John Clark, of the Presbyterian Church. After the coremony the guests partook of the usual wedding breakfast. The room, which was so tastefully decorated, presented a most festive appearance. At the closing of the repast the Rev. J. Clark proposed the health of the bride and bridegroomn which was suitably responded to. Mr. M. Gilihvray, uncle of the bride, proposed to the health of the parents of the bride and bridegroom. Other toasts followed. In the evening a large party was invited to celebrate the auspicious event. Dancing was kept up until an early hour. The bride and bridegroom withdrew, amid showers of rice and other good wishes, earlier in the night en route for Melbourne, where they proposed to spend the honey moon. The bride was beautifully attired in a trained gown of cream serge, profusely trimmed with duchesse lace, satin ribbon, and spray of orange blossom, with the usual wreath and veil, and carried a choice bouquet of flowers, the gift of Mrs. Jeans, sister of the bridegroom. The two brides maids were Miss Meagher (Miepoll) and Miss Owens, sister of the bride. The former was tastefully attired in olive green cloth and velvet, the latter in ruby cashmere and velvet. Both carried bouquets of choice flowers, gifts of the bride groom. The following is a list of the presents : -Rev. J. Clark, pocket bible atnd gold coin; parents of the bride, house linen, sofa, breakfast set; Mr. antd Mrs. Becroft, pair of large ruby specimen glasses ; Miss Owens, kitchen and cooking utensils, toilet set; Miss Meagher, beautiful hand painted opal, tea cosy; Mr. and Mrs. Jeans, handsome silver butter dish ; Mr. and Mrs. M'Gillivray, lovely silver cruet, Lr pair oak salts and spoons; Misses k M'Gillivray, music stand ; Mr. and Mrs. Becroft (North Melbourne), large oil painting; Mr. C. Owens, carving knife and fork, dinner knives; Mr. and Mrs. Y Hill, pair decanters and wine glasses ; Mr. and Mrs. Williams, beautiful velvet pile table cover, large fruit stand, pair ruby a butter dishes, silver spoon ; Mrs. Fraser, knitted quilt, pair feather pillows, tray, clothes basket; Mr. and Mrs. Spillane and family, handsome tea service ; Mr. and Mrs. Tubb, cheque ; Mr. and Mrs. M'Gillivray (Boort), tray cloth ; Mrs. and Miss Johnston, silver butter dish ; Mr. C. of 'OGillivray, beautiful linen table cloth and serviettes ; Mr. D. M'Gillivray, ivory handled breakfast knives; Messrs. M'Gillivray Blros., cheque ; Miss O'Brien, ie ruby butter dish, cream jug and basin; Miss Tempany, silver breakfast cruet; fl, Misses Corrigan, large glass jug ; Misses i Snmall, handsome card tray and ornaments; Miss Howell, lovely cushion ; Mrs. Seibert, og pair specimen glasses; Mrs. Beach, glass i, jug; Mrs. Poyner, pretty cake dish; a tliss M. Hill, lovely pair glass candle aff sticks ; Miss W. Hill, pair fancy pillow nd shams M; iss E. Bethune, cake dish and is ornament ; Master C. Jeans, cake dish h. and ornament ; Master C. Beach, glass sugar basin ; Master E. Hill, pretty tea ds pot; Master WV. Hill, pair trays ; Master G. Owens, pair crystal salts and spoons; he Master H. Owens, pair glass dishes and butter dish.
.• Marriage: Euroa Advertiser, 5 Jul 1895. BECROFT - OWENS. - On the 19th June, at the residence of thie bride's parents, by the Rev. J. Clark, Samuel May, youngest son of William Becroft, of Longwood, to Margaret A. E. (Elsa), eldest daughter of Evan Owens, of Williamstown.
Children
1 F Maggie Evina Alma Becroft [12121]
Born: 1901 - Longwood, Victoria, Australia Christened: Died: 26 Oct 1980 - Melbourne East, Victoria, Australia Buried: 29 Oct 1980 - Altona Memorial Park, Altona, Hobsons Bay City, Victoria, Australia FamilySearch ID: GZXL-XK6 Find A Grave ID: 212048147Spouse: John Henry Barber [12132] (1899-1976) Marr: 1930 - Victoria, Australia
2 F Florence Mary Rosalie Becroft [12118]
Born: 1903 - Longwood, Victoria, Australia Christened: Died: Jun 1905 - Longwood, Victoria, Australia Buried: 8 Jun 1905 FamilySearch ID: GZXL-632Spouse: Did Not Marry
3 F Marion May Becroft [12119]
Born: 1896 Christened: Died: 13 Sep 1945 - Newport, Victoria, Australia Buried: 15 Sep 1945 - Williamstown Cemetery, Williamstown, Victoria, Australia FamilySearch ID: GZXL-FVGSpouse: Thomas John Roberts [12131] ( - )
4 M Frank William Becroft [12120]
Born: 13 Feb 1898 - Longwood, Victoria, Australia Christened: Died: 30 Jun 1977 - Williamstown, Victoria, Australia Buried: 4 Jul 1977 - Altona Memorial Park, Altona, Hobsons Bay City, Victoria, Australia 3 FamilySearch ID: GW13-DHZ Find A Grave ID: 212020819Spouse: Edith Emily Isabel Sinclair [16486] (1902-1986)
1 LDS - IGI Index (familysearch.org).
2 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "FamilySearch Family Tree," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org : accessed 22 Nov 2025), entry for Margaret Ailsa Edith "Elsa" Owens, person ID GZXL-FMC.
3 Findagrave.com.
4
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "FamilySearch Family Tree," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org : accessed 22 Nov 2025), entry for Mary, person ID 9S29-FGW.
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