William Cashel O'Brien, born in Ireland in about 1852, was a younger brother of Thomas O'Brien.
He travelled out to Australia from County Kerry in about 1867, some years after Thomas was established in Ilford as a police officer and found himself mining for gold in the Gulgong/Mudgee area nearby.
He later moved to Parkes and in 1877 William married Bridget O'Sullivan (also from Ireland, born in about 1849 in Gibbonsgrove, County Cork).
Together they had 3 children:
- JOHN PATRICK, born 1878 in DUBBO
- MARGARET MARY, born 1879 in PARKES
- WILLIAM JOSEPH, born 1882 in PARKES.
In later life William and Bridget moved to Annandale (102 Nelson Street) and William commenced a business and also became an Alderman of Annandale Council.
William died at the age of 60 in an accident involving the cart he was driving. Bridget died 7 years later at the age of 70.
- Their son, John Patrick died in 1921 in Newtown (aged 42).
- Their daughter, Margaret, died in 1949 in Drummoyne (aged 70).
- Their third child, William J O'Brien MLA, died in Leichhardt (aged 70).
All three children were unmarried and so this branch of the family tree stops here.
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1896 - MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.
1912 - [FUNERAL NOTICES]
BOROUGH OF ANNANDALE.ANNUAL ELECTION OF ALDERMEN AND AUDITORS.NOTICE is hereby given that the undermentioned Candidates have been duly Nominated for the office of Aldermen and Auditors respectively, viz.:—AS ALDERMEN:William Wells.Owen, Ridge.William Francis.Albert Guthrey.William Cashel O'Brien....There being more Candidates nominated than the number required to be elected, a POLL will be taken at the Council-chambers, Johnstone-street, on SATURDAY Next, the 8th instant, commencing at 8 a.m. and closing at 5 p.m.J. YOUNG,Mayor and Returning Officer. Council Chambers, Annandale, February 4th, 1896.
Source: The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930) Wed 5 Feb 1896 Page 3
1896 - SATURDAY'S POLLING.
Another large batch of municipal elections took place on Saturday. The results were:SUBURBAN. Annandale. — For aldermen: William. Welle, 464; Owen Ridge, 427; George Harry Smith, 407; William Norris Woods, 387 (elected); William Cashel O'Brien, 324; Charles Patrick Dwyer, 263; John Grant, 105. ...
1903 - MUNICIPAL NOMINATIONS.Source: Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931) Mon 13 Feb 1899 Page 6
Following are nominations, for the annual municipal elections, additional to those already published in the "Evening News": —SUBURBAN: Annandale.—Aldermen:. Isaiah Reginald Cohen, William Cashel O'Brien, Sydney Herbert Abrams, Thomas Edward Colebrook, Thomas Tennent, Archibald Maclean, George Lindley Marcroft, and Wiliiam George Lobb.
Source: Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931) Thu 29 Jan 1903 Page 7
1911 - [UNELECTED]
William Cashel O'Brien was among the "others" not elected.
1912 - DEATHSSource: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Mon 30 Jan 1911 Page 10
O'BRIEN. — April 4, 1912. William Cashel O'Brien, 102 Nelson-street, Annandale, aged 60 years. R.I.P.Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Fri 5 Apr 1912 Page 8
1912 - [FUNERAL NOTICES]
O'BRIEN. — The Friends of the late WILLIAM, CASHEL O'BRIEN (ex-Alderman) are kindly invited to attend his Funeral; to leave bis late residence, 102 Nelson street, Annandale, THIS (Saturday) AFTERNOON, at 1.15 o'clock, for Roman Catholic Cemetery, Rookwood, via Mortuary Station, P. BYRNES add CO., Funeral Directors. Phone, 203 Glebe.
O'BRIEN. — The Friends of Mrs. BRIDGET O'BRIEN are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of her dearly loved HUSBAND, William Cashel O'Brien (ex-Alderman); to leave his late residence, 102 Nelson street, Annandale, THIS (Saturday) AFTERNOON, at 1:15 o'clock, for R.C. Cemetery, Rookwood, via Mortuary Station. By request, no flowers. P. BYRNES and CO.. Funeral Directors. T., 203 Glebe.
O'BRIEN. — The Friends of Messrs. JOHN and WILLIAM O'BRIEN and Miss M. O'BRIEN are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of their dearly loved FATHER, William Cashel O'Brien (ex-Alderman); to leave his late residence, 102 Nelson-street, Annandale THIS (Saturday) AFTERNOON, at 1.15 p.m., for R.C. Cemetery, Rookwood, via Mortuary Station. By request, no flowers. P. BYRNES and CO.
O'BRIEN. — The Members of ANNANDALE P.L.L. are requested to attend the Funeral of WILLIAM O BRIEN, Senior, ex-President and a very old and esteemed Member of the Annandale P.L.L.; to leave his late residence, 102 Nelson-street, Annandale, at l.15 p.m., for the Mortuary. G. M. DAVIDSON.
O'BRIEN. — The Major, Aldermen, and Officers of the Municipality of Annandale, are requested to attend the Funeral of the late Alderman W. CASSELL [sic] O'BRIEN. Meet at Council chambers at 1 o'clock.JAMES ROBERTSON, Mayor.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Sat 6 Apr 1912 Page 13
1912 - Sudden Death in Ex-Gulgong Resident.
Recently there appeared an account of the death of Mr. W. C. O'Brien, of Annandale. The late Mr. O'Brien was driving in George-street, West Sydney, when the vehicle struck the kerbing. He was thrown out, and his neck was broken. When quite a lad the late Mr. O'Brien came out from Ireland, and, as his brother (ex-Sergeant O'Brien) was at that time in Rylstone, the new arrival came to this district. For a time he was in Gulgong. This was the period of the big rush of 1870. Old hands — and there are still many of them — will remember the great step-dancing competition. Will O'Brien and a namesake, Mick O'Brien, were the final contestants, and to Will the honor was awarded.
Bush life had a fascination for him, and in every department he excelled. No man could possibly be more popular among his mates. He was of strong character, well read, and easy and graceful in speech. After settling in Parkes, he afterwards felt the call citywards. Here, also, we know he was highly respected.
His death was untimely, and most deeply regretted. His brother, our old friend 'the Sergeant,' went to Sydney on Good Friday night. The death of a good and true man is ever a loss; but, again, the loss has to come, and the knowledge that such men are ever prepared to go to the long home is in itself perhaps the truest course of consolation. To the widow and children as also to our old friend the 'Sergeant' and the members of the family generally we extend our deepest sympathy.
1912 - CORONER'S INQUESTS.
At the George-street North Court yesterday the City Coroner, Mr. Hawkins, conducted an inquiry into the death of William Cashel O'Brien, 60, which took place at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital on April 4. The Coroner found that the deceased man died from the effects of injuries accidentally received through falling from and being partly run over by a cart which he had been driving.Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Wed 10 Apr 1912 Page 8
1912 - AN INSECURE SEAT.
An inquest was held by the City Coroner (Mr. Hawkins) this morning, into the death of William Cashel O'Brien, 60, who died at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital on Thursday, after having been run over by a cart from which he fell, in George-street.Albert Griffith Charlton, who was riding with O'Brien in the cart at the time of the accident, said deceased was driving on his right side of the road in George-street West when the cart bumped something. Charlton looked round and saw O'Brien's shoulders disappearing over one of the wheels. The seat of the cart was projecting over the wheels, and it had hit a verandah post. O'Brien was picked up bleeding from the mouth and nose, and was unconscious. The coroner's finding was that death was due to injuries accidentally received through falling from and being run over by a cart.
1912 - FATALITIES AND ACCIDENTS
RUN OVER BY A CART.The City Coroner, Mr. H. S. Hawkins, held an inquest on the body of William Cashel O'Brien at the Coroner's Court yesterday morning. Deceased, it appears, was driving a cart on April 4 when one of the wheels bumped the kerbing. O'Brien was thrown out, striking the roadway heavily, while the cart also passed over him. He was picked up unconscious and taken to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. On arriving there life was found to be extinct. A verdict of accidental death was returned.
1912 - THE LATE W. C. O'BRIENSource: The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930) Wed 10 Apr 1912 Page 10
(To the Editor. "Freeman's Journal.")Sir, — Will you kindly permit me to pay a poor tribute to the late William Cashel O'Brien, whose sad death accidentally occur red towards the close of last week, of which fact and of whose funeral arrangements I was at the time unaware?This tribute is due in particular from me, not the less that he was a true man and an unpurchasable Nationalist, but more because of the claims of compatriotship during the six or seven years' operations of the United Irish League, which rehabilitaited the intellectual phase of Nationalism, and conjured into eventual concert the distracted forces of the Irish in Australia.The late Mr. O'Brien was a, loyal, active and unostentatious member of the League from its inception to its demise, and was one of those who were not terrorised or cajoled by the envious enmities which dogged the League during its latter years. He was an O'Brien of the true Dal Gas ilk; and he was as solid as that venerable rock whose name he bore. I can well remember that during the whole period of the operations of the League, notwithstanding the ambitious and responsible efforts undertaken by that body, he was never, known to throw one word of dissent in the road, and, though able to lead, put as much enthusiasm into the general cause he had at heart as an ordinary member, as if he were enjoying the affluence of the limelight. His loyalty and sterling worth were early recognised by members, who elected him to the position of vice-president, and afterwards to that of president, in both of which he acquitted himself as was anticipated. He was a tower of strength, to me and the other self-sacrificing members in the inauguration and conduct of that far-reaching scheme for the encouragement of the study of Irish history and language in the schools, and was himself more than a tyro in the latter. Some folks weigh the importance and claims of men by their wealth or social standing — both being mostly the result of accident. Those who realise what human qualities are necessary to rob the grave of victory in the cause of a nation's freedom, know who are truly great — and these alone they honour and acknowledge — these alone perpetuate the spirit of the race, and save it from the demoralisation consequent upon self-seeking and self-extolling, and the recreancy of so-called diplomacy on principles that permit of no compromise.William Cashel O'Brien was one of these, and that is also the opinion of every member of the U.I.L. who had the pleasure of his co-operation. May he rest in peace. — Yours,M. C. O'HALLORAN, First President, 1900-1903.
See also: The Late Mr. M. C. O'Halloran VETERAN JOURNALIST AND LABOR PIONEER.
1912 - Mr. W. C. O'Brien.
The funeral of the late Mr. William Cashel O'Brien, who was killed by the collision of the lorry he was driving with a verandah post in George-street West on the 3rd inst., took place from his residence, 102 Nelson-street, Annandale, on the 6th.isnt. Mr. O'Brien, who was a native of Ballysheen, County Kerry, Ireland, was in his (60th year, and arrived in Australia some 45 years ago. For a time he devoted his energies to mining on the Mudgee and Lachlan gold fields. He then removed to Parkes, and 25 years since commenced business in Annandale. He served that municipality as alderman for seven or eight yoars, was an active member of the Separation League, which achieved its separation from the Leichhardt Municipality, a member of the local progress Association, and for many years president of the Annandale Political Labour League.He married in Orange 34 years ago, and is survived by his widow (Mrs. Bridget O'Brien), two sons (John and William), one daughter (Miss Margaret O'Brien), and three brothers, one only of whom is resident in Australia. Amongst those who attended his funeral, in addition to the members of his family, were Aldermen James Robertson (Mayor), Owen Ridge, Thomas Coyle, E. A. Packer, James Cummings, F. E. W. Smith and Messrs, A. T. Campbell (acting Town Clerk), J. Sheridan (overseer), W. G. Winton (auditor), and W. Cuthbert (caretaker), representing the Annandale Municipal Council, together with a large number of private and business friends. The interment took place in the Rookwood Cemetery, the Rev. Father M. Kirby officiating. R.I.P.
Source: The Catholic Press (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1942) Thu 18 Apr 1912 Page 33
1912 - An Old Mudgee Miner Killed in Sydney.
The funeral of the late Mr. William Cashel O'Brien, who was killed by the collision of the lorry he was driving with a verandah post in George-street West on the 3rd instant, took place from his residence, 102 Nelson-street, Annandale, on the 6th instant. Mr. O'Brien, who was a native of Ballysheen, county Kerry, Ireland, was in his 60th year, and arrived in Australia some 45 years ago. For a time he devoted his energy to mining on the Mudgee and Lachlan goldfiefds.. He then removed to Parkes, and 25 years since commenced business in Annandale.He served that municipality as alderman for seven or eight years, was an active member of the Separation League, which achieved its separation from the Leichhardt Municipality, a member of the local Progress Association, and for many years president of the Annandale Political Labor League. He married in Orange 34 years ago, and is survived by his widow (Mrs. Bridget O'Brien), two sons (John and William), one daughter (Miss Margaret O'Brien), and three brothers, one only of whom is resident in Australia.Amongst those who attended his funeral, in addition to the members of his family, were Aldermen James Robertson (Mayor), Owen Ridge, Thomas Coyle, E. A. Packer, Jas. Cummings, F. E. W. Smith, and Messrs. A. T. Campbell (acting Town Clerk), J. Sheridan (overseer), W. G. Winton (auditor), and W. Cuthbert (caretaker), representing the Annandale Municipal Council, together with a large number of private and business friends. The interment took place in the Rookwood Cemetery.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 25 Apr 1912 Page 31
1919 - [WIDOW'S DEATH]
O'BRIEN.—November 25, 1919, at her residence, 207 Nelson-street, Annandale, Bridget, relict of the late William Cashel O'Brien, and mother of John Patrick, Margaret, and W. J. O'Brien, M.L.A., native of Gibbonsgrove, Co. Cork, Ireland, aged 70 years. By request no flowers. R.I.P.
1919 - [WIDOW'S DEATH]
Mrs. W. C. O'Brien [Bridget O'Sullivan], sister of. Mrs. John McGirr [formerly Mary O'Sullivan], died at her residence, Annandale, on the 25th ult. The deceased lady, who was a native of Gibbonsgrove, county Cork, Ireland, was 70 years of age. Two sons and a daughter survive her, one of the former being Mr. W. J. O'Brien M.L.A.
1921 - [SON'S DEATH]
O'BRIEN.— March 8 1921, John Patrick O'Brien, dearly beloved son of the late Mr. and Mrs. W. C. O'Brien and dearly loved brother of W. J. O'Brien, M.L.A., and Miss M. O'Brien, aged 42 years. R.I.P.
102 Nelson Street, Annandale. Home of William and Bridget O'Brien
207 Nelson Street, Annandale. Home of the widowed Bridget O'Brien
William Cashel and Bridget O'Brien are buried together at Rookwood, SEC*M2*C**1441.
