Eugene O'Connell

Eugene O'Connell was born in 1856 in the Bathurst district, probably in Hargraves. He was the son of of Terence O'Connell and Margaret (McConnell) O'Connell.

His siblings included James D. O'Connell, Patrick O'Connell, Margaret O'Connell and Julia T. O'Connell, Annie Penelope and Bridget O'Connell.

In 1904, Eugene married Rosina Williardt in Gulgong. They did not have any children.

  
Eugene and his brother Patrick were successful graziers and owned a farm called "Goodiman" and further land at Cudgebegong. 

Eugene's nephew, Wilfred O'Brien, (son of John Michael O'Brien and Julia T. O'Connell) came to Goodiman as a young adult to help with farming. Wilfred later inherited Goodiman which belongs to his granddaughter (Michaeley O'Brien) today.

 

This is one of very few photos of Eugene O'Connell that I have seen. It is cropped from a photo of a wedding party taken at Beryl in 1912.

Eugene at Greenhalgh wedding, Beryl, 1912

Mrs Rose O'Connell nee Williardt

At the Greenhalgh wedding, Beryl, 1912

This photo is from a group photo of the Gulgong [Civilian] Rifle Association taken in 1905. While Eugene is not labeled, his brother Patrick is. There are strong similarities in facial features between this man in the Rifle Association photo and the image of Eugene, above.

It seems likely that this is also Eugene, with that distinctive rounded brow. This photo is cropped from the one below depicting the Gulgong Church Committee in 1909.

[1909] Gulgong Church Committee with Bishop Dunne, Monsignor O'Donovan and Father O'Donnell.

This is a photo of Joseph Williardt and Eugene O'Connell.

Joseph was Magdelena and Christian Williardt’s son. They lived at Hilltops towards Canadian Lead.

Joseph's sister, Rosina, was Eugene O'Connell's wife.

Eugene was also involved in the gold rush that swept the district. Some info here.

Further information about Eugene's life on the land can be found in the newspaper articles collated in Patrick's profile here.

Eugene died in 1930 in Gulgong and is buried in the town cemetery with his mother and brother, Patrick.

1930 – [DEATH]
GULGONG – The death has occurred of Mr Eugene O’Connell, 69 [sic], a prominent district grazier.
Source: SMH - Wednesday 8 October 1930

1930 – [DEATH]
O’CONNELL. – October 5, at District Hospital, Gulgong, Eugene, beloved husband of Rosemia O’Connell, Goodiman, Gulgong. RIP.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald Saturday 11 October 1930

1930 – GRAZIER’S DEATH
Mr Eugene O’Connell, well known and popular grazier, of Goodiman, passed away at his home on October 5.
Source: Mudgee Guardian Thursday 9 October 1930

1930 – AN APPRECIATION - THE LATE MR. EUGENE O’CONNELL 
(By Arthur Croft)

There passed away on Sunday, October 5, one of the pioneers of the Gulgong district— Mr. Eugene O'Connell, of Goodiman. The deceased gentleman was 74 years of age. Starting life as a shearer, he finished, up as the owner, of one of the most comfortable little properties in the central west— a property which he won, by hard toil from the box and ironbark hills of the Goodiman Range. I first met him exactly 36 years ago, and ever since that day we have been the closest of friends. During these long years I have always found him the ideal living man. He made a lifelong joy of giving. He seemed to revel in giving— as Mother Earth revels in giving grain and grass in a drooping season. His purse or his flock was at the mercy of every collector and cadger. During the long years of the war, when so many calls were made on every man, woman and child in the country, Eugene was always on the list — mostly first. And his name was on the very last list taken around — the presentation to our old friend, Mr. J. D. Gormly, on the eve of his departure. Indeed it was at this function that the Squire of Goodiman made his last public speech. About three months ago he gave me a ring up. He wanted some more Hospital art union tickets. As the books had to be in that evening I ran up to his house. He made me draw a ticket for each of his nieces and nephews, and when these did not exhaust the book, I had to fill in the names of his good wife and himself. We drank tea together and Eugene mentioned that there seemed to be a good deal of want around the town. I told him that the townspeople had been "listed" and that about £14 handed to the Country Women's Association to purchase blankets and food for the sufferers. He immediately called for his cheque book. I refused his subscription, and told him he could help much more by quartering a fat sheep or two and leaving it at the depot. He agreed and Mrs. O'Connell set to work at once making clothes for children. He was a familiar figure at the hospital on Sunday afternoons; generally with a basket of fruit to be distributed. When we heard the news of his demise on Sunday my wife remarked, "If any man goes to Heaven it will be Eugene;" a remark which will be echoed by everyone who knew him — and their name is legion.

Source: MG – Monday Oct 13, 1930

1930 – WORTHY PIONEER - LATE EUGENE O’CONNELL

By the death of Mr. Eugene O'Connell, who died at Goodiman on Sunday week, aged 73 years, the Mudgee district has lost one of its most worthy pioneers. With his mother and brother, Patrick, he went to Goodiman about half a century ago, and, after following farming pursuits for a considerable period, acquired a fine property of 5000 acres, on which he established a high class flock, the clip from which always commanded good prices in the Sydney market. The very first consignment of wool from Goodiman was handled by John. Bridge and Co., and that well-known firm and its successors (the Farmers' and Graziers' Co.) acted for the late Mr. O'Connell in all the years which have intervened. Deceased, who was held in the highest esteem by all classes of the community, took a keen interest in everything which stood for advancement. In sporting circles he was well-known, while the Gulgong Agricultural Society and Hospital found in him a warm supporter, always ready to extend a helping hand when occasion arose. The funeral took place to the Gulgong cemetery on Monday, October 6, and was attended by friends from Mudgee, Dunedoo, and other surrounding centres. As a mark of respect, the Wyaldra Shire Councillors adjourned their monthly meeting in order to be present at the graveside.

Source: MG - Monday 13 October 1930

1930 – GOODIMAN

Mrs E O’Connell, of Goodiman, and relatives desire to express their thanks to all those persons who forwarded letters and expressions of sympathy and floral tributes in connection with the death of the late Mr. O’Connell.

Source: Mudgee Guardian - Thursday 23 October 1930