Death of Mr. John Begg

Northland Age, Volume 1, Issue 9, 4 December 1931, Page 6

Death of Mr. John Begg

On Saturday, November 28th, at his late residence, 2 Ngapuhi Road, Remuera, Auckland, John Begg, another of our early pioneering settlers, passed to his long rest in his 91st year. The burial took place at the family’s private cemetery, Waitangi Bay, Whangaroa, on Tuesday afternoon, the Rev. Mr. Clarke conducting the service. The late Mr. Begg was born in Glasgow in 1841, and commenced his business career in a law office. This legal training he turned to good account later, for when he settled at Whangaroa he was called upon by his neighbours, far and near, to act as arbitrator in any disputes that arose between the settlers, his impartial judgment and kindly nature reconciling many to resume friendships that had been broken.

On May 26, 1862, the late Mr. Begg arrived at Auckland, leaving England on Christmas day. He came out in an old Indian merchant ship the “Nimrod.” On arriving, after a few days in Auckland, Mr. Begg left for Whangaroa where he settled, later on marrying Miss Elizabeth Shepherd, daughter of one of the early Church of England missionaries, Mr. James Shepherd. For many years Mr. Begg acted as County Clerk and Engineer for the district. Eleven years ago he retired and went to reside in Remuera, Auckland, where he gained many friends. He was predeceased by his wife 18 years ago. His family numbered seven, five of whom are still living, Messrs. John and David Begg, of Whangaroa, Mrs. Hows, Kaikohe, Mrs. Williams, Okaihau, and Miss Begg, Ngapuhi road, Remuera, are left to mourn their loss. A kindly, courteous, Christian gentleman, the late Mr. Begg gained and maintained the affectionate regard of a wide circle of friends, and even those who knew him even but slightly will feel his passing as a personal loss.