Hidden Gold

Historical research is like detective work, and we are continually finding additional pieces of information to add to the lives of the Notables we’ve covered so far.  Recently a fascinating aspect to one of our most notable Notables, Charles Begg, came to light when it was revealed that prior to emigrating to New Zealand in 1861 he had previously spent two years on the goldfields of Victoria.  Charles accompanied his half-brother John and his family when they sailed from Liverpool on the Thorwaldsen, which landed at Port Phillip Bay, Victoria in November 1852.  In 1854, after two years mining at Ballarat and Forest Creek, Charles returned to England on the gold transport ship Marian Moore.   Back in Scotland the profits from his prospecting enabled Charles to marry his cousin, Jessie Milne and open a workshop where he manufactured pianos.  A fascinating addition to an already colourful history.