Grace Morris was born 17 January 1903 in Queanbeyan (NSW BDM 6332/1903). She was the only child of Sarah Dibley and William Morris. After completing school she was a music/dance performer and teacher in Gulgong and Mudgee. She married Wilfred O'Brien in 1934 (NSW BDM 14987/1934) and they lived on the property, Goodiman. Their only surviving child was John Wilfred Eugene O'Brien (born 21 February 1940). Grace died 28 February 1973, aged 70, in Gulgong Hospital (NSW BDM 47311/1973). She is buried with Wilfred at Gulgong Cemetery.
See also:
Grace at the age of 1 or 2.
1909 - [AGE 6]
At the age of 6 Grace appeared in the newspapers listed as bridesmaid at two weddings in 1909.
SOCIAL ITEMS.At S.S. Michael and John's Cathedral, Bathurst, on January 6 James Mathew [KIRK], third son of Mr. and Mrs. James Kirk, of Balmain, was married to Hannah Mary [DIBLEY] second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Dibley, of Bathurst. Rev. E. J. Flanagan (administrator) officiated. Misses Grace Dibley and Grace Morris were bridesmaids, Mr. E. Farrell best man, and Mr. Jesse Dibley groomsman.
Source: Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931) Sat 9 Jan 1909 Page 14
SOCIAL.
On Saturday evening, December 4, a wedding took place at the residence of Mr. Phillip Harper, of Corney Town, Lithgow, the Rev. J. Oliver Dick, of St. Mary's Presbyterian Church. Lithgow, solemnising the marriage of Alice Florence Smith, youngest daughter of the late Mr. Andrew Smith, of Corrimal, South Coast, and adopted daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Philip Harper, of Corney Town, with Mr. George Edward Collidge, late of Hobart, Tasmania. The bride wore white silk, and a tulle veil and coronet of orange blossoms. An engraved ring and her shower bouquet wore gifts from the bridegroom. The bridesmaids were Miss Mabel Sarah and Miss Grace Queanbeyan Morris. Mr. James Jones acted as best man. After the ceremony a wedding tea was held.
1912 - [AGE 9]
From an early age, Grace excelled at music and dance.
Successful Dancing Teacher.Miss Mullampy deserves congratulation for the success of her pupils in the dancing competitions in connection with the Bathurst Jubilee celebrations. Three of them were successful, namely, Misses Ivy Mullampy, Philomena Raines, and Philomena Falvey. Miss Ivy Mullampy won the three competitions (Irish Jig, Highland Fling, and Sailors' Hornpipe) and secured three gold medals. Miss Raines was second in the Sailors' Hornpipe and Miss Falvey second in the Highland Fling. Miss Grace Morris (Lithgow), another of Miss Mullampy's pupils, was on equal terms with Miss Falvey for second place in the Highland Fling and was beaten by a narrow margin in the dance off.Source: National Advocate (Bathurst, NSW : 1889 - 1954) Tue 19 Nov 1912 Page 2
1913 - [AGE 10]
CONVENT CONCERT AT MUDGEE.There was a large gathering of parents and friends at the Catholic school-hall at Mudgee on Friday evening, 3rd inst., when a delightful entertainment was given by the boys of the school, assisted by others. The programme opened with a very amusing comedy, in which the characters were taken as follows:— School Inspector, Jack Edwards; his servant, Harold Young; school teacher, Wm. Dykes; General Fletcher, Carrie Wurth. Miss Mullamphy's clever, pupils, Misses Esme Kelly, Vera Kelly, Grace Morris, and Ivy Mullamphy, gave some exhibitions of step dancing, which were greatly appreciated by the gathering. The complete programme was made up as follows: — Comedy, the boys; pianoforte solo, Jack Edwards; recitation, 'Father Ritey's Horse,' E. English; song, 'The Pardon Came too Late,' Sylvester Garretty; Irish reel, Miss Mullampy; violin duet, Misses Kathleen Hickey and Modlie Harris; recitation, 'Mulga Bill's Bicycle,' Harold Young; comic song, 'In the Back of Grand Dad,' the boys; recitation, 'Wolsey's Farewell' (Henry VIII.), Jack Flannery; violin solo, Kathleen Hickey; sailor's hornpipe, Esme Kelly and Ivy Mullampy; comedy, senior boys; song, 'The Irish Jaunting Car,' Cyril Mahon; step dance, 'Shean Trews,' Grace Morris; recitation, Sylvester Garretty; comic song, 'After You With the Soap, Dear,' Masters Mahon and Casimir; recitation, Wm. Dykes; song, 'Father's Box of Tools,' Harry Byrnes; song, 'The Old Bark Hut,' Masters Mahon and Garretty; Irish jig, Miss Mullampy's pupils; chorus, 'Sons of Australia,' the boys.Source: Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932) Thu 16 Oct 1913 Page 36
Grace attended St Joseph's Convent. Lithgow.
SYDNEY COLLEGE OF MUSIC
EXAMINATION RESULTS.— CONVENT SUCCESSES., 1913.
St. Joseph's Convent. Lithgow. — Piano-forte: junior pass, lower division, Grace Morris.
Source: Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932) Thursday 22 January 1914 p 22 Article
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1914 - [AGE 11]
Sydney College of Music. JUNE EXAMINATIONS. CONVENT SUCCESSES.St. Joseph's Convent, Lithgow. — Theory of music: Initiatory honours, Mary Mooney, Nellie Vought, Annie Armour; pianoforte, advanced honours, lower division, Philomena Grady; advanced pass, lower, Esme Kelly; junior honours, higher division, Grace Morris.Source: The Catholic Press (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1942) Thu 16 Jul 1914 Page 29
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Sydney College of Music
ST. JOSEPH'S CONVENT, LITHGOW. Theory of Music, Initiatory Honours: Mary Mooney, Nellie Vought, Annie Armour. Pianoforte, Advanced Honours, lower division: Philomena Gray. Advanced Pass, lower: Esme Kelly. Junior Honours, higher division: Grace Morris.
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Sydney College of Music.
St. Joseph's Convent, Lithgow. — Junior Pass (lower division), Annie Armour, Maggie Poole, Nellie Vought, Mary Mooney. Initiatory Honours, Kathleen Harris. Intermediate Pass (lower division), Pianoforte, Grace Morris.
Source: Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932) Thu 21 Jan 1915 Page 32
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1914 - Honours Division of the Junior Grade - Pianoforte Playing.
NB: The two colours in this certificate occurred from digital scanning in two sections.
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1915 - [AGE 12]
Sydney College of Music. CONVENT SUCCESSES, 1915.
St. Joseph's Convent, Lithgow. — Silver badge, Philomena Grady. Pianoforte: Advanced pass, higher, Philomena Grady, Esme Kelly; intermediate pass, higher, Jean Musgrave, Kathleen Harris, Grace Morris; junior pass, higher, Nellie Vought. Violin : junior pass, higher, Netta Hunt; initiatory pass, higher, Ita Harris, Vera Kelly.
Source: Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932) Thu 24 Feb 1916 Page 4 
This photograph was in a folder full of clippings that Grace kept.
It is not clear whether she competed or was a spectator at this event in 1916.
It is not clear whether she competed or was a spectator at this event in 1916.
IRELAND'S DAY. "COMING INTO HER OWN."Lord mayor's speech.The Agricultural Ground was, on Saturday last, the Moore towards which all good Irish heads were turned, for were not the St. Patrick's Day celebrations being held there. Sprigs of shamrock, real and artificial, and fluttering green ribbons were to be seen everywhere. With true Gaelic abandon the crowd present gave themselves up to enjoyment. It was their day, and they had made up their minds to make the most of it. What mattered it that their numbers were noticeably fewer than in the past, that there were fewer young men present than ever before— well, what of it— weren't those same young men fighting for their country on overseas battlefields, and what better could they be doing?The crowd was, perhaps, a trifle more subdued than usual, but that, too, was not strange, seeing that numerous competitors in the military events could not fail to remind them of the grim struggle in which our Empire is at present engaged.Still, all things considered, it was a great day, and everyone went home dog-tired and satisfied....
DANCING.
Irish Jig (best exhibition of 8 Colleens).— St. Francis School, Paddington
Irish Jig and Reel (boys and girls under 10).— Nellie Guilfoyle, 1; Nellie Kennedy, 2.
Irish Jig (boys and girls under 12).— Martin Guilfoyle, 1; Essie Fratus, 2.
Irish Reel (boys and girls under 12),— Essie Fratus, 1; Mary Moore, 2.
Irish Jig (for boys and girls under 16).— Mary Dell, 1; Lizzie Feathestone, 2; Josic McCabe, 3.
Irish Reel (for boys and girls under 16).— Lizzie Featherstone, 1; Josie McCabe, 2.
Irish Hornpipe. — Mollie McCabe.
Source: The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930) Mon 20 Mar 1916 Page 7
1917 - [AGE 14]
ST. JOSEPH'S CONVENT, LITHGOW.At the recent music examinations, held at St. Joseph's Convent, Lithgow, in connection with the Sydney College of Music (examiner, Mr. A. Pisher, A.Mus., T.C.L.), the following candidates were successful:Practical. — Certificated pianists: Mena Grady, honours; Esme Kelly, honours. Advanced grade, higher division: Grace Morris, honours. Intermediate grade, higher division: Hilda Taylor, honours; Freda Tartakover, pass; Annie Armour, pass; Joyce Cockerton, pass; Nellie Parker, pass. Junior grade, higher division: Vera Kelly (violin), honours; Rita Lawless (piano), pass. Initiatory grade, higher division: Jean Tartakover (violin), honours; Irene Field (piano), honours; Lily Boon (piano), honours; Alma Lyons (piano), pass.Theoretical. — Intermediate grade, higher division: Mena Grady, honours; Esme Kelly, first-class pass. Junior grade, higher division: Stella Stewell, honours; Hilda Taylor, honours; Mary Mooney, honours; Eileen Funnel, honours; Annie Armour, honours. Junior grade, lower division: Myra Basser, honours; Vera Kelly, first-class pass; Jean Musgrave, first-class pass; Joyce Cockerton, first-class pass; Grace Morris, pass.
Source: The Catholic Press (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1942) Thu 4 Jan 1917 Page 50 and Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932) Thursday 11 January 1917 p 35 Article
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PERSONAL
Miss Nina Dibley, with her sister Mrs. Withers and their niece Miss Grace Morris (Lithgow) are on a visit to Melbourne and intend to see many inland towns of Victoria before returning to Bathurst.
Source: National Advocate (Bathurst, NSW : 1889 - 1954) Mon 22 Jan 1917 Page 2
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ST. PATRICK'S DAY MUSICAL COMPETITIONS. THE ARCHBISHOP DISTRIBUTES THE PRIZES. REPORT OF THE ADJUDICATORS.
Considerable enthusiasm was manifest at the distribution of prizes in connection with the Catholic schools' musical competitions this year in the Southern Cross Hail by the Archbishop of Sydney on Thursday evening. There was a large gathering of the parents, and friends of the prizewinners, and as each favourite contributed to the musical programme arranged by the Rev. Father J. Meany the outburst of applause was very gratifying:. Of course, it was not possible to stage all the winners in the various sections of the competitions, but the committee endeavoured to give representation to most of the successful schools…Piano Solo. — Senior: … Grace Morris (Lithgow), 89Source: Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932) Thu 5 Apr 1917 Page 38
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PERSONAL NOTES.At the musical competitions held in Sydney during the month of March, under the adjudication of Mr. A. W. Juncker, Misses Esme Kelly and Mena Grady, of the Lithgow Convent, were awarded medals for the senior pianoforte duet, having secured 96 marks out of a possible 100.The other pupils were awarded honour certificates in the instrumental section, which require 80 per cent, as follows: Senior piano solo, Mena Grady (94 marks); intermediate piano duet, Mena Grady and Grace Morris (93 marks); intermediate piano solo, Mena Grady (92 marks), Grace Morris (89 marks), Addie Baxter (88 marks); junior piano duet, Joyce Cockerton and Vera Kelly (87 marks); junior piano solo, Joyce Cockerton (87 marks); preparatory piano solo, Joyce Cockerton (90 marks).
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St. Joseph's Convent, Lithgow. MUSIC SUCCESSES.The following pupils of: St. Joseph’s Convent, Lithgow, were successful at the recent examinations conducted by the Sydney College of Music: Diplomas of Licentiate, pianists, Esme Kelly, Mena Grady. Diplomas of Associate pianists, Mena Grady, Esme Kelly. Certificated pianists, honours, Lilian Hunt; pass Grace Morris.Musical competitions: silver medals and certificates. senior piano duet, Esme Kelly, Mena, Grady. Honour certificates, senior piano solo. Mena Grady. Intermediate piano solo, Mena Grady, Grace Morris, Adeline Baxter. Intermediate piano duet, Mene Grady and Grace Morris.
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Lithgow.An exceptionally large crowd gathered at the convent school on Wednesday week. The entertainment was announced as an "All Irish" Night, and consisted mainly of dancing, supported by some songs. A feature of the evening was the music supplied…Musical competitions. — Senior piano duet: Silver medals, Esme Kelly, Mena Grady. Honour certificates: Senior piano solo, Mena Grady; intermediate piano solo, Mena Grady, Grace Morris, Adeline Baxter; intermediate piano duet, M. Grady, G. Morris; junior piano solo, Joyce Cockerton; junior piano duet, Joyce Cocerton, Vera Kelly; preparatory piano solo, Joyce Cockerton.
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1918 - [AGE 15]
Grace in a fur coat, 1918
Grace in swimming costume, 1918
Eight Hours Day - YESTERDAY'S CELEBRATIONS SUCCESS AND ENJOYMENT INTERESTING PROCESSION
Eight Hours Day was celebrated in Bathurst by a Public Holiday and the Sports and Band Contests. The day was opened by a procession to the Show Ground …
Dancing. —Irish Jig: Cassie Newton 1, Grace Morris 2.Highland Fling: Grace Morris 1, Cassie Newton 2.A special prize was awarded Beulah Phillips, a little girl of seven, for her excellent dancing in this competition.
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ST. JOSEPH'S CONVENT, LITHGOWThe following musical successes were obtained by pupils from St. Joseph 's Convent, Lithgow, in the recent examinations: Diploma of Fellowship: Esme Kelly. Diplomas of Associate Pianistes: Lillian Hunt. Maisie Ottcy, Hilda Taylor. Certificated Pianists; Honours, Grace Morris, Maisie Ottcy, Jean Musgrave, Hilda Taylor, Mary Lynch.
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CITY BAND CONTINENTAL.Arrangements are complete for making a great success of the annual continental in aid of the funds of the City Band, which takes place in Machattie Park on New Year's night (January 1 1919). The programme is attractive and includes band selection, "Lurline'' (Wallace), "I Puritani' (Bellini), "Gems of Scotland" (Rimmer), and Hibernian Melodies" (Greenwood). Vocal solos by Mr. H. McKay, comic songs by Mr. Dave Keane, step dancing by Misses Grace Morris and Beulah Phillips to the accompaniment of the bagpipes played by Mr. Lindsay of Lithgow. There will also be cool drinks, ice cream, sweets, flowers, and hoop-la. Ample seating will be provided and the promoters pay the tax.
Source: The Bathurst Times (NSW : 1909 - 1925) Mon 30 Dec 1918 Page 2
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CITY BAND CONTINENTAL.The annual continental of the Bathurst City Band will be held in Machattie Park, on Wednesday night (New Year's Night) and should be a pleasant function. The programme is well selected and varicd, comprising selections by the band, including "Lurline" (Wallace), "I Puritani" (Bellini) "Hibernian Melodies" (Greenwood) and "Gems of Scotland" (Rimmer) and a lovely waltz, "Shades of Evening" (Rimmer). Vocal solos by Mr.H. McKay, comic songs by Mr. Dave Keane, and step-dancing by Miss Grace Morris and little Beulah Phillips to the accompaniment of the bag-pipes, played by Mr. Lindsay, of Lithgow. The stalls will include cool drinks, ice cream, sweets, flowers, and hoop-la. The band pays the tax, and there will be ample seating.Source: National Advocate (Bathurst, NSW : 1889 - 1954) Tue 31 Dec 1918 Page 2
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Grace dressed as a man called "Billy" Morris, just for fun. 1918.
Another man's outfit
1919 - [AGE 16]
New Loco. Chargeman for Mudgee.Mr. William Morris has taken up duty in Mudgee as locomotive charge man, after being in charge at Eskbank for about 14 years. His wife and family will not leave Lithgow for Mudgee until the winter of next year on account of not being used to the warm climate. It will be remembered that Mr. Morris' daughter, Grace, visited Mudgee some time ago to dance at several entertainments. Since then she has won many more medals.
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PersonalMr. William Morris, who for the past 14 years has been in the Railway Department at Eskbank has taken up his duties as chargeman at the Mudgee loco. shed, to which he has been transferred. His wife and family are not expected to arrive in Mudgee till the winter as they are in love with the hot weather in the west Miss Grace Morris, the well-known dance prize winner, and daughter of Mr. W. Morris, is already well-known to Mudgee people.
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ST. JOSEPH'S CONVENT, LITHGOW.The following pupils were successful at the Sydney College of Music examinations:
Practical.— Diploma of Fellowship, Mena Grady; Diploma of Licentiate Pianiste, Lillian Hunt, Grace Morris; Diploma of Associate. Pianiste, Grace Morris, Jean Musgrave, Joyce Cockerton; Certificated Pianiste, Joyce Cockerton (honors), Eileen Funnell (pass), Mary Mooney (pass); advanced grade higher division, Ivy Nicholls (first-class pass), Annie Sedger (pass), Irene Field (pass) ; intermediate grade higher division, Jessie Scotcher (violin, first-class pass) ; junior grade high er division, Margery Clifton (first-class pass), Lillian Morgan (pass), Patricia Gallagher (pass), Sadie Hodge (violin, pass) ; initiatory grade higher division, Phyllis Watson (honors), Olive Poole (honors), Thelma Morton (pass). Theory of music. — Advanced grade: Eileen Funnell (first-class honors), Ivy Nicholls (first-class honors), Joyce Cockerton (honors), Grace Morris (honors), Jean Musgrave (honors), Frances Hunt (pass). State Conservatorium of Music.Theory of Music: Grade III., Vera Kelly.Source: Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932) Thu 11 Dec 1919 Page 25 and The Catholic Press (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1942) Thursday 18 December 1919 p 6 Article
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Grace and Ve in Japanese dress, year unknown.
Grace and friend (possibly Ve) dressed for a Japanese tea party, 1919
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1920 - [AGE 17]
Miss Grace Morris HolidayingMiss Grace Morris, daughter of Mr. W. Morris, now residing in Mudgee, spent half of her Christmas school vacation at Bathurst. The balance of the vacation is to be spent at the seaside, at Manly. Miss Morris holds diplomas of A.S.C.M. and L.S.C.M. She also gained the gold medal in competition open in Sydney to the State in March 1914, also gold medal for theory in 1915.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thursday 8 January 1920 p 16 Article
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1921 - [AGED 18]
ST. JOSEPH'S CONVENT, LITHGOWMusical successes, Sydney College of Music:— Honours: Diploma of Fellowship, Lilian Hunt and Grace Morris;Source: Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932) Thu 23 Jun 1921 Page 14
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Grace at the beach
Graduated
