Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 - 1953)(about) |
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Thursday 13 June 1940
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OBITUARY ---x-~--- PORTLAND'S OLDEST NATIVE PASSES. [Miss Ann Beglen, Portland's oldest native, passed away on 7th June at "Pioneer Cottage," the residence of her nieces, and formerly the home of her parents, where she was born. She was the youngest daughter of the late John and Margaret Beglen, who were amongst our earliest settlers. They were married In Dublin and left by the sailing ship Agricola on their honeymoon. They arrived at Williamstown in 1841, and transhipped to the ship, Francis 'Henty for Portland. Soon after their arrival here, Mr. Beglen started in the butchering busi ness in Bentinck street, where the Gordon Hotel now stands. Miss Beglen was baptized In the All Saints Church, which building is now the primary school. She was educated at Mrs. Dunbar's private school, and also at All Saints. She spent a greater part of her life in Melbourne, but re taining a great love for the old town, she returned and stayed. Throughout her long residence here she took a great interest in all movements for the welfare of the community. Pos sessed of a wonderfully retentive memory she could relate, right up to the time of her death, happenings of the early days. She remembered the building of "Burswood," the home of the late Mr. Edward HIenty, and of her playing around the foundations with other children. Miss Beglen was a devoted member of the All Saints Roman Catholic Church. Her remains were taken to the church, and at the morning Mass the Rev. Father Cain spoke with great feeling of her devotion and love for her religion, and expressed sym pathy with her relatives. The Rev Feather Cain also officiated at the burial service at the South Cemetery. The funeral arrangements were in the hands of Mr. B. L. Wilkins. Miss Beglen had reached the ripe age of 92 years and eleven months.