Martin Casey O'Brien was the son of Sgt Thomas O'Brien and Ellen Roberts, born 1872 in Rylstone, NSW.
Martin was 19 when Sgt Thomas O'Brien was posted to Peak Hill.
His siblings were Annie (deceased), John Michael O'Brien (Education Department), William Roberts O'Brien (Education Department, W.A.), George Cashel O'Brien (Sydney), Sara Ellen O'Brien (Mrs. Sampson, Perth, W.A.). Mary Catherine O'Brien (Mrs. Mahoney, Temora), and Johanna (deceased).
Martin Casey O'Brien died 16 August 1936 and is buried at Rookwood with his father, Thomas O'Brien, and other family members.
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IRISH NATIONAL FORESTERS.A branch of the Irish National Foresters' Benefit Society was formally opened at Peak Hill on Thursday, April 16. The meeting was held at Stafford's Hotel, the chair having been taken by Dr. Richard Holmes. Mr. Sheehy, general secretary of the society in New South Wales, was present, and was in well-chosen words briefly introduced to the meeting by the chairman. Mr. Sheehy addressed the meeting, pointing out the object of the society and the benefits to derived by becoming members. The society was altogether non sectarian and non-political, thus embracing all Irishmen and their descendants, no matter what their religious or political creed might be. The only qualifications for membership were that the intending members should be of good moral character, Irish by birth or descent, and proud of their Irish blood. After a short discussion, it was unanimously decided, on the motion of Dr. Holmes, that the branch should be called the 'Tom Moore' branch. Mr. M. J. Horan, who was mainly instrumental in establishing the branch, was elected Chief Ranger; Mr. Stafford, Sub-Chief Ranger; Mr. Gibson, Treasurer; Mr. Martin O'Brien, Secretary; and Dr. Holmes was elected Medical Officer. Mr. Sheehy then formally declared the branch duly established, and installed the officers. Twenty-five members were initiated, and about 12 were proposed for membership. The branch has a brilliant future if the enthusiasm of those who have already joined is, as it must, be taken as a guarantee.
Source: Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932) Saturday 2 May 1896 p 14 Article
1897 - MARRIAGE
- 1898 - Leo Lesley Lyne O'BRIEN
- 1902 - Eric E E O'Brien
- 1906 - Jack O'Brien
- 1909 - Ellen I O'Brien
Martin Casey O'Brien was a tailor in Peak Hill for at least a decade. This ad is from 7 April 1905 and the following from 1915.
1906 - [TAILOR]Mr. Martin O'Brien, tailor, of Caswell Street, ia also a particularly busy man just now, owing to the many orders lodged by those who want to appear .dressed in their best at the forthcoming festivities [ie Xmas].Source: The Peak Hill Express (NSW : 1902 - 1952) Fri 21 Dec 1906
1908 - [ELECTION]There were two candidates for the municipal election in Peak Hill caused by the resignation of Alderman Davey. It resulted in Mr. Martin O'Brien being elected.
Source: The Australian Star (Sydney, NSW : 1887 - 1909) Tue 28 Apr 1908 Page 4
In 1911 a Proclamation was made that Martin Casey O'Brien was duly elected even though it happened outside the one month prescribed for filling a place vacated "by death, resignation, ouster, disqualification, or otherwise".
Source: Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001) Wed 15 Nov 1911 [Issue No.160] Page 6082
1914 - [RECOUNT]Ex-Alderman Martin Casey O'Brien, the guide, philosopher and friend of Labor here, has been seeking advice in Sydney "Truth" re the alleged plural voting in the present Municipal election. A recount is to be asked for in regard to the election in question.
Source: Lachlander and Condobolin and Western Districts Recorder (NSW : 1899 - 1952) Wed 4 Mar 1914 Page 2
1914 - ON HOLIDAYS.
Mr. Martin O'Brien, son of ex-Senior-sergeant O'Brien (one time stationed at Hargraves), and brother of Mr. George O'Brien (late of Dunedoo), and Mr. John O'Brien (school teacher, Tallewang), is holidaying at present. He came Mudgee way on Tuesday morning. Later on he intends to spend a few days with his relatives at Tallewang, where his father is also holidaying.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 6 Aug 1914 Page 26
1918 - [LABOUR CONFERENCE]
Mr. Martin O'Brien, of Peak Hill, has been elected delegate for Ashbumham to the forthcoming Labour Conference in Sydney.
Source: Western Champion (Parkes, NSW : 1898 - 1934) Thu 16 May 1918 Page 5
Note: As an adolescent, Nellie wrote letters that were published in the "Children's Page" of The Albury Banner and Wodonga Express. She was an excellent writer for her age.
1906 - DESCRIPTION OF JINGELLIE.Dear Uncle Jeff, [name of the author of the Children's page]— I live on a prettily situated spot on Jingellie Creek, on the main Germanton to Jingellie road, and six miles from the Jingellie Post Office. This creek is a never-failing stream, and abounds in fish. It is spanned by two fine bridges— one here at this spot and one near the mouth of the creek, on the main Upper Murray road. The creek is surrounded on all sides by beautiful hills, and in the gullies are to be found waterfalls and beautiful ferns. The soil along the creek is very fertile, and well adapted for gardening and fruit-growing. We have the mail six times a week to and from Germanton. The town-ship itself is situated on both banks of the Murray River about 63 miles from Albury. It consists of a police station, two hotels, church, Public school, post and telephone office and a few private buildings. The river at this spot is spanned by a beautiful bridge. The mail comes twice a week from Albury, and twice from Wodonga, and is the terminus of the Germanton mail coach. The chief industries in this locality are grazing and farming. —NELLIE C. GERMER (aged 13 years).
Source: The Albury Banner and Wodonga Express (NSW : 1871 - 1938) Fri 14 Dec 1906 Page 11
1928 - [ANOTHER MARRIAGE]
In 1928 Jack O'Brien married Ruby Butler at Bulli.
WEDDING.Miss Ruby Butler, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Butler of Rawson Street, Coledale, was married last Saturday to Mr. Jack O'Brien of Sydney, in All Saints C. of E., Austinmer, the Rev. L. Parsons officiating.The bride was given away by her father and was attended by Miss Maud Butler and Miss Nellie O'Brien, the former being in white crepe de chene and hat to tone, and the latter in green crepe de chene with hat to tone. Mr. Jack Matheson acted as best man. The wedding breakfast was partaken of at the residence of the bride's parents, and the usual toasts were honoured. A very fine selection of wedding presents were on view. The newly married couple left on the afternoon train for Katoomba, where the honeymoon will be spent.
Source: Illawarra Mercury (Wollongong, NSW : 1856 - 1950) Fri 6 Jul 1928 Page 3
1929 - SOCIAL. SILVER WEDDING.Mr. and Mrs. J. Butler, of Rawson Street, Coledale, celebrated the silver anniversary of their wedding at their residence last Saturday. Prior to the celebration the christening of their grand child, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. O'Brien, took place in the Austinmer C. of E. Mr. D. Morgan presided at the breakfast, which was held at the home Mr. and Mrs. Butler, where the customary toasts were honoured, and several congratulatory speeches were made.After the breakfast, dancing was indulged in until midnight when the singing of Auld Lang Syne terminated an enjoyable evening.
Source: Illawarra Mercury (Wollongong, NSW : 1856 - 1950) Fri 31 May 1929 Page 12
1930 - [CONSOLIDATION]
In the 1930 electoral roll, Martin Casey, now a labourer, was living in Bellevue Hill electorate at 59 Carlotta Road, Edgecliff, with Jack and Leo Leslie Lyne O'Brien (hairdressers) and Ruby and Sarah Grace O'Brien (home duties).
It's possible the Great Depression caused the adult children, Leo and Jack (including Jack's wife Ruby and their baby) to live with Martin Casey and Sarah.
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| Electoral Roll - Bellevue Hill, 1930 |
1943 - PROBATE
IN THE WILL of JACK O'BRIEN late of Double Bay in the State of New South Wales Hairdresser deceased. APPLICATION will be made after 14 days from the publication hereof that Probate of the last Will and Testament dated the 29th of November 1943 of the abovenamed deceased may be granted to RUBY O'BRIEN and LEO LESLIE, LYNE O'BRIEN the Executors named in the said Will and all notices may be served at the undermentioned address.All creditors in the Estate of the deceased are hereby required to send in particulars of their claims to the undersigned. NICHOLL & HICKS Proctors for the Executors 56 Hunter Street Sydney.Source: The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 - 1954) Tue 10 Jun 1947 Page 20
