In 1890, William was a witness at John Michael's wedding to Julia O'Connell at Goodiman. In about 1896 he moved to Western Australia to continue in his profession as a teacher. It is possible this move was to escape from a scandal that had arisen from false accusations made by a female student in New South Wales.
In 1904, William married Mary Eileen Florence Ladden at Mount Magnet, Western Australia. They had two daughters: Sheelah (3 June 1905) and Colleen. In 1921, at the age of 52, William died of head injuries after an accident while working on the roof of a school hall (6 June 1921).
In 1904, William married Mary Eileen Florence Ladden at Mount Magnet, Western Australia. They had two daughters: Sheelah (3 June 1905) and Colleen. In 1921, at the age of 52, William died of head injuries after an accident while working on the roof of a school hall (6 June 1921).
From 1885, the following Gazette listings show Williams early teaching locations:
1885 - APPOINTMENT
Mr William O'Brien, Teacher, Half-time schools, Lincoln and Lower Spicer's Creek.1886 - APPOINTMENT
Mr William O'Brien, Teacher, Public School, Terra Bella1889 - PROMOTION BY EXAMINATION
Mr William R. O'Brien, Terra Bella, Class 3A1895 - APPOINTMENT
Mr William R. O'Brien, Teacher, Rouse Hill Rd Public School
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The following articles are from the TROVE archive.
1896
ANNAN GROVE SCHOOL
The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate (Parramatta, NSW : 1888 - 1950) Saturday 6 June 1896 p 10 Article
Annan Grove School.— Under the capable and popular teacher, Mr. O'Brien, the school is progressing favourably.
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The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate (Parramatta, NSW : 1888 - 1950) Saturday 10 October 1896 p 10 Article
The school, under the careful guidance of Mr. O'Brien, is progressing steadily but surely.
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The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate (Parramatta, NSW : 1888 - 1950) Saturday 19 December 1896 p 10 Article
ANNAN GROVE.
The public school is to be made a half-time school in accordance with the wish of the people of Nelson, who petitioned for half of Mr. O'Brien's services as teacher. The residents of Annan Grove are indignant, as the attendance here has averaged 14.9, and only 12 is the required number for a full time school.
On Monday Messrs. Verdon and Beard went across to Mr. Garrard's residence, but was unable to see him. Mr. Beard, however, intended interviewing the Minister on the first opportunity during the week to secure justice for the people here, as they consider they have not been fairly treated.
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1897
Sydney.—A warrant has been issued by the Central Police Bench for the arrest of William Robert O’Brien, charged with, then being a schoolmaster, did, on or about 4th instant, at Rouse Hill, unlawfully and carnally know Violet Beard, a girl then above the age of 10 years and under the age of 16 years, to wit, 15 years, then being a pupil of his. Description:—About 33 years of age, about 6 feet 7 inches high, stoutish build, dark complexion, and dark-brown beard. A Public School teacher at Annan Grove Public School, Rouse Hill. Arrest desirable.
Vide Police Gazette, 1897, page 18.William Roberts O’Brien, charged on warrant with then being a schoolmaster did unlawfully and carnally know Violet Beard, of the age of 15 years, then being his pupil, has been arrested by Sergeant Johnston and Constable Maunsell, Sydney Police. Discharged—no prosecution.
Source: New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime (Sydney : 1860 - 1930) Wed 3 Feb 1897 [Issue No.5] Page 45
It is interesting to note that Violet Beard (William's accuser) married Mr. W. R. Shield (the Annan Grove Public School teacher that replaced William Roberts) in 1902.
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1899
RESIGNATIONS OF TEACHERS.Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931) Tuesday 19 September 1899 p 7 Detailed Lists, Results, Guides
Mr. W. R. O'Brien, teacher. Annan Grove Public;
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1904
ROBERTS-O'BRIEN—LADDEN.
Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 - 1954) Saturday 13 August 1904 p 41 Article
ROBERTS-O'BRIEN-LADDEN.A correspondent writes:- Mount. Magnet was en fete on Saturday, July 16, when Mr. W. Roberts-O'Brien the second son of Mr. T. O'Brien, of Sydney, and popular headmaster of the local State School, was united in the bonds of holy matrimony with Miss Mary Florence Ladden, third daughter of the late James Ladden. Esq., of Melbourne. The ceremony took place in tho Roman Catholic Church, which was crowded with friends and well-wishers, his Lordship the Right Rev. Dr. Kelly Bishop of Geraldton, assisted by the Rev. Father Baudizzeno, officiating. The bride, who was given away by Mr. J. V. Bryant, was beautifully attired in a travelling frock of white cloth made with a very long basque, the corners of which were handsomely trimmed with rich velvet in a lovely shade of green and with motifs and silk scroll. The bodice had a front of delicately hand painted silk the revers being of cloth with green velvet and two large silver buttons, whilst a prettily designed cape was trim- med with motifs and extended into a deep fall over the shoulders. The bride's hat was a very sweet confection, harmonising in colour and style with the dress worn. It was of white ermine cloth turned up very high at back, and had two large beautifully shaded green feathers. She carried a muff of white cloth having a bow trimmed with green velvet and silver buckles; whilst two very deep white cloth frills lined with accordeon-pleated chiffon fell from the under edge. The petite bridesmaid, Miss Florence Bryant, looked sweetly pretty in a frock of white silk made with two deep frills trimmed with briar-stitch insertion, numerous tiny tucks forming the yoke, the sleeves being shirred. A lovely hat of fancy satin straw trimmed with white silk ribbon and lined with chiffon was worn; also a gold bamboo bracelet the gift of the bridegroom. After the ceremony the happy couple were driven from the church amid showers of confetti and cheers to the schoolroom, where a reception was held. It had been tastefully arranged as a drawing-room for the occasion. Mrs. J.V. Bryant, who made a charming hostess, received the guests to the number of about 80. After partaking of afternoon tea, his Lordship, Dr. Selly, proposed in very felicitous terms the health of thebride and bridegroom, which was enthusiastically drank with musical honours. Mr. Roberts-O'Brien feelingly responded, and then proposed the health of the bridegroom, to which toast Mr. Lyngberg, of Day Dawn, who acted in the capacity of best man, responded. After this the happy pair left amidst the cheers and good wishes of their many friends.
-----------------------------------------------------------William's first of two children, Sheelah, was born in 1905 followed by another daughter Colleen.
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Family Notices
The West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954) Thursday 15 June 1905 p 1 Family Notices
ROBERTS-O'BRIEN.- On June 3, at Mount Magnet, the wife of W. Roberts-O'Brien - a daughter.Birth records for Colleen prove elusive however the following article describes Colleen as a "tiny tot" in 1915 suggesting there was a considerable gap between the two girls.
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On 1910 William Roberts is listed on the electoral roll as living in Dongara (WA) with his wife Mary Florence O'Brien (he is listed as a teacher and she as "married"). By 1916 they are both listed as teachers living in Grass Valley (WA).
COUNTRY. GRASS VALLEY.
Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 - 1954) Friday 11 June 1915 p 17 Article
The following article describes a school fund raiser in Grass Valley at which William's daughters, Sheelah and Colleen both performed. Mrs O'Brien was involved in the organisation of the event.COUNTRY.GRASS VALLEY.The final meeting in connection with the fair held on Empire Day in aid of the Belgian Relief Fund was held at Mrs O'Brien's residence on Tuesday last. The fair was a great success, enabling the sum of £146 6s. 8d to be forwarded to the fund. Mrs. O'Brien, who took the initiative has every reason to be proud of the unselfish and energetic way in which the hon. secretaries. Mesdames O'Rourke and Weight, and the ladies' committee worked for the success of the movement. The fair was opened by Mr. J. W. Mitchell, M.L.A., who was accompanied by Mrs. and Miss Mitchell. Mrs. Mitchell was presented with a bouquet of roses by Miss Colleen O'Brien - a tiny tot of a few years. The spacious building, kindly lent by Mr. F. Roe, was admirably suited for the purpose, the numerous stalls and various attractions being shown to great advantage.
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GRASS VALLEY NOTES.
- Northam Courier (WA : 1909 - 1922) Friday 21 April 1916 p 3 Article
GRASS VALLEY NOTES. (By a Correspondent.)The concert given by the pupils of the Grass Valley State school on the 14th inst., in the interest of the Farmers' Queen (Mrs. Maud Dempster) proved & great success.As the local Agricultural Hall is on the condemned list, and the grain shed full of wheat, Mrs. O'Brien and the senior pupils converted the pavillion school room into a veritable fairy bower, by means of artistically arranged flags, pot plants, and shrubs. As the evening was warm, the large audience fully appreciated the open air arrangements. Mr. P. O'Driscoll ably filled the chair. The duet, which was skilfully rendered by Misses Kathleen Sermon and Sheelah O'Brien; nursery songs by the infants, who were charmingly attired in crinkled paper to represent the character depicted; Barbara Sermon, "Bo Peep"; Colleen O'Brien, "Twinkle Little Star"; Jean McGeachin, "Milkmaid" ; Myrtle Hooperi "Polly Put the Kettle On"; Pat Frost, "Jack Horner" ; Wynell Forward, "'Tommy Tucker"; Harry Hooper, "There was a Little Man" ; Barney ---man, "Humpty Dumpty." An action song, "Raindrops," by the junior pupils, was well given. A humorous monologue, "Auctioneer," was rendered in line style by Master R. Lehman; the "swagger" of the performer would do credit to anAmerican Cheap Jack. Song, "When Father laid the Carpet on the Stairs,'' by Misses Frost, O'Driscoll and McGeachin, and Masters H. Sermon, E. Matthews and P. Frost, caused much amusement. The acting and singing of the performers was highly creditable. "Old Age," by Misses Lehman(2), Sermon, Wenlock, O'Brien, Messrs. Frost, and Brennan was delightfully amusing, the transformation of the four juveniles into old dames being skilfully accomplished, ---- drill, when eighteen girls, each holding a scarf of the queen's colors, entered and dexterously and gracefully performed, their drill, singing sweetly in harmony with their actions. They were loudly applauded. Song, 'A Little Child Shall Lead Them," was capably rendered by Miss M. Meeres and Master J. Forward. Song, "Please, Mr. Conductor," by Miss K. Sermon and Master Leslie Sermon, was given with much pathos. The gem of the evening, "Irish Eyes," by Miss M. Lehman, delighted the audience, and in response to an encore she sang "Look out, Mother, when the Band Begins to Play." The little girl has a remarkably sweet, well-trained voice. Song, "Come back to Erin" by the senior pupils. Recitation, "Wishing Gate," by Miss Janet Meeres, was a good elocutionary ef fort. "The Sleigh Song" by the junior pupils, was ably rendered."We Parted on the Shore," by Miss Mona and Master R. Lehman was greeted with applause." "The Strife is not our Seeking*' was given in fine style by Masters O'Driscoll, Gale and Meeres. The concert concluded with the drama "'Cinderella," each character being cleverly portrayed.Those taking part were A. Gale, M. O'Driscoll, K. Sermon, S. O'Brien, G. Gale, L. Enright, J. Wenlock, L. Sermon, R. Lehman, L. Forward, J. Meeres, P. Frost, A. Meeres, F. Frost.A well-attended dance followed to the excellent music played by Miss Christmass. A silver bread server, donated by Mrs. Barclay, of Southern Brook, brought through Miss Meeres' efforts, £3 10s. Messrs Boan Bros.' clock (per Mrs. O'Brien) £2; Foy and Gibson's oak butter dish (per Mrs. O'Brien), £1; Charles Moore and Co.'s large box of chocolates (per Mrs. O'Brien), 12/6; H, , Carter and Co.'s rose bowl per Mrs McEvoy), £1 2s ; Messrs. Golding and Co.'s salad bowl (per Mrs McEvoy), 10/-; Mr. Longhurst's bag of wheat (per Mr. Weight), 10/-; Mrs. Dennis' crochet 2s ; Mrs. McEvoy's bag of flour. 10/-; Mrs. O'Brien's tin of tea, 10/-; Mr. F. Meeres' skinless barley, 15/-: Mr. Burgess' donation (per Miss Dennis), 5/>; sale of tickets (school children), £1 5s ; Miss Thackrah, 11s, Miss D. Sermon 8/-, Miss Dennis 3/-. Miss Grace Sermon 10/- ; tea stalls, £1 13s 6d; sale of colors (Miss Meeres) 4/- ; gate £1 10/-. Miss Meeres kindly took charge of the refreshment stall, and was ably assisted by Mesdames Ferguson and Dennis. Mesdames Christmass, Mc Evoy, Dennis and O'Brien, and Misses Meeres and Dennis attended to the art unions.
Mrs O'Brien most gratefully thanks the parents of the school children for their generous donations of dainty refreshments, also all who so kindly disposed of tickets, and the accompanists, Misses Lehman and Brennan.
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In 1916 Sheelah wrote a letter to the children's column of the Daily News, Perth.
MY LETTER BAG, 62 St. Leonards-avenue, West Leederville.
The Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 - 1950) Saturday 26 August 1916 p 3 Article
Grass Valley.
Dear Auntie Nell,— I would like to become one of your nieces. I have often read the Children's Column, and I have taken a great interest in it. We have a tennis court, and we are going to start playing again now the fine weather is coming. I am going in for the Word Square puzzle; my answer is: Solid, opera, legal, irate, dales. Three stamps for Cot Fund.— I remain, your loving niece, SHEELAH O'BRIEN, Aged 11 years and 2 months.
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- When Sheelah was 16 years old, her father died in a tragic accident
FATALITY AT GRASS VALLEY. MR. W. ROBERTS O BRIEN KILLED.
Northam Courier (WA : 1909 - 1922) Friday 10 June 1921 p 3 Article
Quite a gloom was cast over the Grass Valley district on Monday, when it became known that Mr. Roberts O'Brien, head teacher at the Grass Valley School, had been killed that morning as the result of an accident. The deceased gentleman for some time past had been one of the active workersin the movement to procure a hall for the district, and it was due to their efforts that sufficient funds had been raised to enable the contract for the erection of the hall to be let.On Monday Mr. O'Brien was assisting in hauling a piece of timber to the roof by means of a block and tackle when the pole to which the tackle was attached gave way and fell with great force upon Mr. O'Brien's head, fracturing the skull, and he expired within a quarter of an hour. The deceased gentleman was a native of Ilford, New South Wales, and was 52 years of age. Some 25 years ago he came to this State and joined the Education Department. He had been at Grass Valley for about eight years, and had previously been head master at Mount Magnet, Dongarra, Mundaring, and other schools. During his residence in Grass Valley he took a keen and active interest in all public movements. He was held in high esteem by the whole of the residents of the district, and his untimely death came as a great shock to all, and profound sympathy goes out to his widow and two daughters, who are left to mourn his death. The funeral took place on Tuesday and was largely attended, there being present representatives of nearly every family in the district. The cortege proceeded to St. Joseph's Church, where a short service was held, and an impressive address delivered by the Rev. Father O'Donnell. The "Dead March" was played by the Church Organist (Miss Walsh). The remains were buried in the Roman Catholic portion of the Northam Cemetery, the Rev, Father O'Donnell officiating at the graveside. The chief mourners were Mrs. Roberts O'Brien (widow), Miss Shielah O'Brien (daughter), Mrs. Sampson (sister), Mr. P. J. Ladden (brother-in-law), and Mr. Noel Sampson (nephew). The pall bearers were Messrs, W. Roe, J. Matthews, M. Sermon, R. H. Frost, and F. Meeres.The funeral arrangements were in the hands of Mr. J. Purslowe.
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The death is reported from Grass Valley, on 6th inst., of Mr. William Roberts O'Brien. It will be remembered that Mr. O'Brien was head teacher at the local State School some years ago. He leaves a widow and two daughters to mourn their loss. It appears that deceased was assisting in decorating the public hall when a beam fell on him, death being almost instantaneous.
- Mount Magnet Miner and Lennonville Leader (WA : 1896 - 1926) Saturday 18 June 1921 p 2 Article
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- Family Notices
- Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 - 1954) Thursday 16 June 1921 p 27 Family Notices
O'BRIEN. On June 6 at Grass Valley, William Roberts O'Brien, dearly beloved husband of Mary and fond father of Sheilah and Colleen and brother of Mrs. Sampson, Perth.R.I.P.
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LOST POLICY.The National Mutual Life Association of Australia Limited, whose office in Western Australasia, Limited, situated in St. George's Terrace, Perth, hereby gives notice that it intends, after the lapse of one month from this date, to issue a special policy in lieu of the original Policy No. 263770 on the life of WILLIAM ROBERTS O'BRIEN, deceased, late of GRASS VALLEY which original policy is alleged to have been lost or destroyed.
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The following probates and letters of administration were dealt with during the week: —
- WILLS OF THE WEEK A BIG LIST.
- The Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 - 1950) Monday 12 September 1921 p 5 Detailed Lists, Results, Guides
William Roberts O'Brien, late of Grass Valley (died June 6, 1921), to Mary Ellen? O'Brien, of Grass Valley.
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- Accidental Death. OF FORMER MUDGEEITE.
- Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Monday 4 July 1921 p 7 Article
Mr. W. R. O'Brien head teacher of the [Grass] Valley State School, Western Australia, was accidentally killed on June 6. As reported in a Western Australian paper that as Mr. O'Brien was watching a building in course of erection the pulley used to place a large piece of timber slipped. The timber in falling struck Mr. O'Brien on the head, and he was killed almost instantaneously. Mr. O'Brien was born in Rylstone nearly 51 years since. He was the second son of the late Police Sergeant O'Brien. His own early years were spent at Hargraves and in Mudgee. He was a pupil of Mr. Greenwood. It is some 25 years since he accepted an appointment in Western Australia. Mr. O'Brien was a student. He read extremely, and was blessed with a marvellous memory and wielded a most ready pen. On many occasions he was complimented for scholastic articles.
He spent some years around Wellington and Dubbo, and his name is held in the highest esteem by many old time pupils. Mr. O'Brien devoted almost all his time to his school, but was an enthusiastic war worker and supporter of the Red Cross work.
He leaves a widow and two children. In Western Australia there is a sister (Mrs. Sampson) while in this State the brothers are John, George and Martin, and the sister Mrs. Mahony. Old Hargraves has (writes a correspondent) provided many men and women who have made good, but never a greater student nor a more kindly disposed man than Will O'Brien.-----------------------------------------------------------
An article in the following paper largely repeats the Mudgee Guardian article but adds "He spent many years, as a teacher in the Wellington and Dubbo districts."
- PERSONAL PARS.
- Wellington Times (NSW : 1899 - 1954) Thursday 7 July 1921 p 4 Article
- The West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954) Tuesday 6 June 1922 p 1 Family Notices
ROBERTS-O'BRIEN. - In loving memory of William Roberts O'Brien, late headmaster Grass Valley School, accidentally killed June 6, 1921, loved husband of Mary, and fond father of Sheila and Colleen. To live in hearts that knew your worth is not to die. Inserted by one who knew his worth, F.A. Lion Mill.
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Thirteen prizes at the Southern Brook Show and five at the Jennapullin Show were awarded to Rockvale school children. These children were taught by Mrs. O'Brien, the head teacher of theRockvale School.
Source: The West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954) Tue 14 Oct 1924 Page 4
1925
In 1925 and 1931 (after William Roberts' death) Mary Florence O'Brien is listed as a teacher in Southern Brook (which is the area in which the Rockvale school was located) and then in 1936, 1937 and 1943 as a teacher at Stratherne.
Note: The WA Schools Gazeteer lists:
- the Rockvale School [Northam] as: "Established in 1920. Closed in 1930".
- the Stratherne School was originally named the Aldinga School. It was established in 1905. Renamed to Stratherne School in 1928 and closed in 1936. The address was Cnr Wickepin-Pingelly & Kerruish Rds Stratherne WA.
So Mary must have taught at another school in the Stratherne area after 1936.
Other electoral roll listings for Mary Florence O'Brien show her at different addresses with the description "home duties". It could be that she had retired from teaching. If so, she enjoyed a very long retirement!
1928
In 1928, Sheelah O'Brien married George James Holman. It was not a happy marriage. Having promised her a home in the gold fields he soon changed his mind and wanted to be free. He left her to raise their son and she returned to work as a school teacher to support the family.
- Meanwhile her younger sister, Colleen, was still in school.
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Sunday Times (Perth, WA : 1902 - 1954) Sunday 30 December 1928 p 4 ArticleFourth prize is awarded to Miss Colleen O'Brien, Rockvale School, Northam, for HOLLANDAISE (COLD PUDDING).Any kind of cold sponge cake, any kind of dried fruit, milk, sherry, and gelatine. Mode: Rinse a mould out with cold water, arrange the cake in any design with the cold fruit. Soak ½oz. of gelatine in ¾ pint of milk, 1 tablespoonful sugar. Put over the fire until it dissolves, then add a little coloring, orange for preference. Fill up the mould with the mixture, and set aside till cold.-----------------------------------------------------------Sunday Times (Perth, WA : 1902 - 1954) Sunday 10 March 1929 p 4 ArticleCelery Savory.-Boil three pieces ofcelery until tender, drain and mince finely. Mix with it two tablespoonfuls of grated cheese, one dessertspoonful of butter, quarter saltspoonful of cayenne pepper. Heat thoroughly in saucepan and serve on buttered toast, cut into fingers. - Miss Colleen O'Brien, State School, Rockvale, Northam.-----------------------------------------------------------Sunday Times (Perth, WA : 1902 - 1954) Sunday 3 August 1930 p 6 ArticleAccompanied by her daughter. Miss Colleen O'Brien, Mrs. M. E. [sic?] Roberts O'Brien, teacher in charge of the Rockvale school, left on Tuesday for her new home in Pingelly. During her nine years' residence in the district she has made many friends, and much regret is felt at her departure, especially amongst the children and their parents. As a parting gift Rockvale friends presented her with a travelling rug.
-----------------------------------------------------------The West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954) Saturday 2 January 1932 p 8 ArticleFrocks and Their Wearers.Among those on the lawns at head quarters during the afternoon were noted the following: —Miss Colleen Roberts-O'Brien, black lace with hat en suite;-----------------------------------------------------------Sunday Times (Perth, WA : 1902 - 1954) Sunday 23 October 1932 p 3 ArticleMrs. G. J. Holman, of Strathmore, accompanied by her small son Lawson, and her sister Miss Colleen Roberts O'Brien, journed to the city recently, and renewed many old friendships.-----------------------------------------------------------The West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954) Wednesday 5 July 1933 p 1 Family NoticesLADDEN. — On July 2, 1933, at Perth, Sarah Catherine, of Burton-street, Cannington, and late Stratherne State School, loving sister of Mrs. Mary O'Brien and Patrick Ladden (State School, Stratherne); fond aunt of Colleen O'Brien and Sheila Holman. Privately interred in the Roman Catholic Cemetery, Karrakatta, July 4, by Messrs. Prosser, Scott and Co. Ltd. R.I.P.-----------------------------------------------------------The West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954) Wednesday 26 July 1933 p 3 ArticlePeople familiar with the Wimmera will learn with regret of the death of Miss Sarah Ladden, which took place at Perth on July 2. She was a daughter of Mr. James Ladden, of The Oaklands, Warracknabeal, Victoria, and came about twelve years ago to live in Western Australia with her sister, Mrs. M. E. Roberts-O'Brien, and her daughter, Miss Colleen Roberts O'Brien, who cared for her during the years she was an invalid. Her funeral took place privately in the Roman Catholic portion of the Karrakatta Cemetery on July 4.-----------------------------------------------------------The West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954) Wednesday 3 May 1939 p 18 ArticleNISI PRIUS.--At 10.30 a.m., before Mr. Justice Wolff: (1) Petitions for dissolution of marriage:
Sheelah Holman v. George J. HolmanThe Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 - 1950) Wednesday 3 May 1939 p 13 ArticleWorked To Keep ChildForced to return to her profession as a schoolteacher to help the family, Sheelah Mary Holman did not earn much gratitude from her husband. Although the husband, George James Holman, now of Black Flag, near Kalgoorlie, promised to provide a home for his wife on the gold fields, he changed his mind and told her that he had decided since it would be better if he were free. Mrs. Holman made these allegations in the Divorce Court today, when she was granted a dissolution of her marriage. The period of the decree was fixed at three months. She was allowed costs. She told the Court that she had supported their child for some years out of her earnings as a teacher. The Holmans were married in 1928.-----------------------------------------------------------The West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954) Thursday 4 May 1939 p 12 ArticleSheelah Mary Holman from George James Holman. Ground: Desertion. Counsel: Mr. F. Curran (instructed by Messrs. Curran and Corser). Decree returnable in three months.-----------------------------------------------------------Sunday Times (Perth, WA : 1902 - 1954) Sunday 10 January 1943 p 5 Article IllustratedMrs. Sheelah Holman's mother and sister (Mrs. M. E. Roberts O'Brien and Miss O'Brien) are staying with her at the school house, Ludlow.* * *Lawson Holman, son of Mrs. Sheelah Holman, of Ludlow, is staying at home after a successful year at Bunbury High School. At the recent theory of music examination held by the University, Lawson gained honors in grade VI.-----------------------------------------------------------The South-Western News (Busselton, WA : 1903 - 1949) Thursday 14 January 1943 p 2 ArticleLUDLOW SCHOOL NOTES.(Contributed).A most happy and successful school year has just been brought to a close. The children's examination results were most pleasing...Mrs. Sheelah Holman (the head teacher) and the children have every reason to be proud of the year's activities.-----------------------------------------------------------
The West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954) Thursday 2 December 1948 p 13 ArticleMrs. M. E. Roberts O'Brien and her daughter, Miss Colleen O'Brien, who spent a holiday in Perth, have returned to their home at Bunbury.-----------------------------------------------------------The West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954) Thursday 26 January 1950 p 24 ArticleMrs. M. E. Roberts-O'Brien and Miss Colleen Roberts-O'Brien, who have been spending six weeks in Perth, have returned to their home in Bunbury.-----------------------------------------------------------
