Lot 1 – Furneaux Estate
Alex "Lex" and Eve Dalgleish
War Service Land Settlement Scheme
Farm gate memorial sign
Lex Dalgleish was one of the first settlers of the Furneaux Estate, War Service Land Settlement scheme on Flinders Island. He and his wife Eve decided to move to Flinders Island from another Soldier Settlement Scheme in Hamilton, Tasmania. They had 2 children Penny (8 years old) and Ross (5).
After working for the Agricultural Bank for about 3 years and helping develop the estate from 1954, he was granted first choice of the initial settlement blocks and selected Lot 1, naming the property “Dallen.” A former naval navigation officer, he contributed to the estate’s development through road construction, pasture establishment, surveying and charting work. Lex built a successful Corriedale sheep enterprise, ran Angus cattle, and became active in community organisations. He and his family farmed the property until 1973 before retiring to Hobart.
Alex "Lex" Dalgleish
Military Service
Lex Dalgleish’s military service is recorded as Navy, with the service number xxxxx. Further details of his wartime service are still being researched and may be added as additional records become available.
Recorded details: Navy · Service number xxxxxx
Property History
The Dalgleish family moved to Lot 1 Furneaux Estate in mid 1950's naming the farm "Dallen" being the first syllable of Lex's surname, and the last syllable of Eve's maiden name - Allen. By 1958 the family were all settled in, sheep and cattle, chooks, ducks and snakes everywhere. They ran Corriedale and Polwarth ewes, the latter for fat lambs and the Corriedale for wool. Both were crossed with Romney Marsh rams. Cattle were Aberdeen Angus. After many years farming successfully, raising a family and getting into community life they sold on 30th June 1973 to their neighbours.
Subsequent owners include:
- Bob and Rhonda Besanvale
- Jimmy Besanvale
- Peter and Pip Frost
- Grant and Robyn Hall
The house and 1 acre has since been divided off and freeholded for sale as a residential property.
Maps and Location
Lot 1 Furneaux Estate was part of the Furneaux Estate, the largest soldier settlement area developed on Flinders Island.
Historical maps and current location images will be added as research continues. Lot boundaries, house sites and later property changes may require further verification.
Photographs and Records
Photographs, maps, service records, family documents and newspaper items relating to Lot 1 Furneaux Estate are being collected.
Can You Help?
The Furneaux Museum is continuing to document the history of each soldier settlement lot.
If you have photographs, family stories, military service records, farm records, maps, newspaper articles or corrections relating to Lot 1 Furneaux Estate, or its owners over time, we would be pleased to hear from you.
Your contribution will help preserve the history of the Soldier Settlement Scheme on Flinders Island.
Sources and Research Notes
Information on this page has been compiled from local soldier settlement records, family and community contributions, and ongoing research by the Furneaux Museum Soldier Settlement Scheme Working Group.
Some details may be incomplete or subject to correction as further information becomes available.