BACKGROUND
Michael Morony was born 6 September 1837 in MILTOWN CLARE IRELAND, to Thomas Lot Morony, a farmer, and Mary Malone/Mulloon. He travelled to Australia in about 1856. He worked as a storekeeper and miner and was the postmaster at Home Rule for 20 years.
At the age of 27, Michael Morony married Catherine Philomena Higgins in Araluen/Braidwood (NSW BDM 1819/1865). Their children included:
- THOMAS St VINCENT - born 1866 in Braidwood (NSW BDM 6672/1866); Married Catherine M Anglim in Paddington (NSW BDM 3771/1896); died 1952 in Burwood (NSW BDM 16638/1952)
- Gerald T - born 1903 in Ashfield (NSW BDM 9891/1903); died 1927 in Penrith (NSW BDM 22762/1927)
- Thomas Anglim - died 1987 (NSW BDM 17839/1987) John A - born 1906 in Ashfield (NSW BDM 31880/1906)
- JOHN BEDE - born 1869 in Braidwood (NSW BDM 7842/1869); married Agnes Donoghue in Gulgong in 1904 (NSW BDM 6574/1904)
- John C - born 1912 in Gulgong (NSW BDM 16959/1912)
- Agnes - born 1909; died 1909 within 5 mins of birth from "heart failure" (NSW BDM 9457/1909)
- Hubert John - died 1954 (NSW BDM 29023/1954)
- Thomas William - born 1907 in Gulgong (NSW BDM 24535/1907); died 1989 (NSW BDM 16652/1989)
- Michael B - born 1905 in Gulgong (NSW BDM 13539/1905)
- Francis G - born 1915 in Goulburn (NSW BDM 24245/1915)
- Burdett L - born 1917 in Goulburn (NSW BDM 31386/1917)
- ADELAIDE M J - born 1871 in Parramatta (NSW BDM 15537/1871); marrried Leonard Williams (NSW BDM 3492/1917)
- FRANCIS PATRICK - born 1875 at Home Rule (NSW BDM 15064/1875); died at Home Rule on 14 August 1875, aged 6 months, from "bronchitis" of 7 days' duration (NSW BDM 7979/1875)
- MARY PHILOMENA - born 1876 in Gulgong (NSW BDM 15620/1876); died in Chatswood in 1957 (NSW BDM 10340/1957)
- BRIDGET MARGARET - born 1879 in Gulgong (NSW BDM 18060/1879); died 1946 in North Sydney (NSW BDM 29358/1946)
- ELIZABETH ANNE - born 1881 in Gulgong (NSW BDM 21369/1881); married Albert E Webb (NSW BDM 10078/1920); died 1979.
- MICHAEL CYRIL - born 1883 in Gulgong (NSW BDM 24076/1883); married Adelaide C Pike in Marrickville (NSW BDM 10376/1912)
- Eeleen M - born 1913 in Ashfield (NSW BDM 15245/1913)
- Austyn B - born 1922 in Ashfield (NSW BDM 30358/1922)
Michael Morony's, children as listed at the time of his death, were: THOMAS V (32 YRS); JOHN (29 YRS); ADELAIDE (26 YRS); MARY (22 YRS); BRIDGET (19 YRS); ELIZABETH (17 YR); CYRIL (15 YRS)
Michael died at Home Rule, aged 60, on 14 July 1898 from "cancer of the bowel, terminal exhaustion" (NSW BDM 9614/1898). He had been ill for 3 years. He was last treated by Dr JLM McCreadie on 27 June 1898. Two of his sons pre-deceased him.
Catherine Morony nee Higgins died in May 1923 at Walmer Private Hospital/Matron Garvey's Private Hospital, late of Dulwich Hill.
Source: Sydney Morning Herald 12, 14 May 1923 via Ryerson's Index
NEWS ITEMS
1871 - MARRIAGE - LIZZIE MORONY]
On the 20th of April, at St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral, by the Rev. P. Welsh, Patrick, third son of Francis Griffin, of Armagh, county Clare, Ireland, to Lizzie [Michael's sister], third eldest daughter of the late Thomas Lot Morony, of Dough Milltown Malbay, county Clare, Ireland.
Source: Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1875) Thu 4 May 1871 Page 11875 - [HOME RULE MINING]
1876 - [GRAND SPORTS]
Creek or sluicing claims are beginning to attract the attention of some miners here. Morony and Avery constructed a water-race some short time ago at Gee’s Point and are now sluicing that part of the creek which is said to be paying them handsomely.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 13 October 1875
The committee for the Grand Sports to be held at the above place on St Patrick’s Day in aid of the Gulgong Hospital is as follows:- Messrs R Adam, R Kirkpatrick, M Moroney, G Ramsay, P Dwyer, J Moverly, P Belcher, C Courts, J Bennett, W Kelly, D McGuire, G Smith, P Allen, G Hawkins, W Spence, J heard, F Walton, J Parkes and N Watt.
J A OSBORNE & E W STOPFORD. Joint Sec.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 9 February 1876
1877 - [POSTMASTER DWYER's RESIGNATION]
1877 - [POSTMASTER DWYER's RESIGNATION]
To the Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney from Patrick Dwyer, Postmaster at Home Rule
Post Office Home Rule
1st February 1877SirAs I purpose leaving here soon and having disposed of my premises and business I do myself the honor to tender my resignation of the office of Postmaster at Home Rule.Of course I will hold office until such time as my successor is appointed.I would strongly recommend as mu successor Mr Michael Morony, a Gentleman of probity and intelligence, and whose fitness I am sure is calculated to give satisfaction both to the Department and the Public.I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient servantP Dwyer PM
Source: National Archives of Australia, Home Rule Post Office file, page 79-80
1877 - [APPLICATION BY MORONY]
Home Rule
1st February 1877SirThrough the resignation of Mr. Dwyer Post Master of this place the office becomes vacant. I therefore do myself the honour to make application for the appointment. Having purchased Mr. Dwyer’s business and premises which I intend to enlarge, the duties of the office would still be carried on in the premises as at present. Should my application be granted I am prepared to offer as a guarantee of my identity the Victoria Insurance and Guarantee Society.I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient servant, Michael Morony
Source: National Archives of Australia, Home Rule Post Office file, page 78
Source: National Archives of Australia, Home Rule Post Office file. page 74
1877 - [CONFUSION]
April 10 1877
Home Rule Post OfficeSirI do myself the honor to comply with the instructions received by me this evening from the Secretary relative to filling up registered forms forwarded to me from the head office on the 9th March last. In doing so I beg to offer an explanation. The memo pointing to the matter and written with red ink on the back of my communications after taking office. I did not notice until this evening. I trust that I shall not be considered wilfully negligent of so gross a breach of the regulations and common courtesy.I beg to state for the information of the Secretary that the postage stamps handed over to me by my predecessor was sold by me without commission from him he said he would allow me the usual commission when the matter of his resigning was first mentioned between us but when taking stock here for the first time he, Mr Dwyer, alluded to the head office allowing me the usual discount. I did not pay for them. I hold debited to the head office for the amount as per registered form. The matter two weeks salary was of the same nature. I was promised that I should compensated for two weeks as per agreement when at last moment Mr Dwyer said he would direct that if be deducted from him when his salary was being paid.I have the honor to be, Sir, your obedient servant, Michael Morony, Postmaster, Home Rule.
Source: National Archives of Australia, Home Rule Post Office file, page 65-67
1885 - [REMUNERATION QUERIED]
1885 - [REMUNERATION QUERIED]
Source: National Archives of Australia, Home Rule Post Office file, page 61
Post Office Home RuleMay 2 1885SirI do myself the honor to inform you that in consequence of the unseasonable arrival of mails since the latest alteration of the Time Table the work in this office is much more than it formerly used, and physically impossible for one person to do all the work.
The hours of arrivals aer from Mudgee 11-10pm, from Gulgong at 4am and to the Canadian 8.30am, it will be seen from this that the work of receiving and dispatching and with the exception of Canadian Lead all at night and in consequence my son, who has performed this portion of the work and is still doing so had little time for rest, of course the every day work of the office must be attended to as usual which necessitates one of us to the nightwork and the other perform the duties of the office throughout the day. Under the present circumstances I would respectfully request your favourable consideration in the case. As my son is tolerably well acquainted with the post office work a reasonable remuneration during the present time as per Time Table may I beg to suggest be allowed him. Your obedient servantM Morony Postmaster.
Source: National Archives of Australia, Home Rule Post Office file, page 61
1879 - [MAIL TENDERS]
General Post Office, Sydney, 25th October, 1879
IT is hereby notified that the following tenders for the Conveyance of Mails from the 1st January next have been accepted...
WESTERN ROADS.
16. Home Rule and Canadian Lead, six times a week- Michael Morony, horseback, 1 year, £25.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Mon 27 Oct 1879 Page 9 1896 - FAMILY NOTICES
MORONY—ANGLIM.—April 6, at St. Francis of Assisi, Paddington, by the Rev. Father Lawler, O.S.F., Thomas Morony to Catherine Anglim.
1898 - [NOTIFICATION OF DEATH]
Source: National Archives of Australia, Home Rule Post Office file, page 60
Post Office Home Rule15 July 1898SirI beg leave to report for your information that the Postmaster here (M Morony) died at 6pm yesterday – Thursday.And I beg specifically that you will favorably consider my appreciation to be appointed in his stead.My husband (M Morony) has been postmaster here for over a period of 21 years – I am fully acquainted with the duties appertaining to this office, as I have been his assistant for the above mentioned term and can confidently say they will be performed in the same manner as heretofore.Praying that my application will meet with your approval.I have the honor to be, Sir, your obedient servant, C Morony
Source: National Archives of Australia, Home Rule Post Office file, page 60
1898 - OBITUARY.
In the death, on the 14th. instant, of Mr. Michael Morony, Home Rule, a sterling Irishman, and a fervent Catholic passed away. Mr. Morony, who was born at Milltown Malbay, County Clare, Ireland, came to Australia in the early sixties. He first tried his luck at Geelong, then came to Araluen, and finally settled at Home Rule, where he occupied the position of postmaster for over 20 years. In all Irish matters he was an enthusiast, and the Freeman had no more sincere friend and helper in the colony. For some two years Mr. Morony had been in failing health, but aided by his good wife in conducting the Post-office, he was able to remain 'in harness' almost to the very last.
He was well prepared for the end by Fathers Barry and Long, and no form of consolation was wanting. On Saturday the remains were taken to the church, and after prayers the funeral moved to the Gulgong cemetery where Father Barry performed the solemn offices of Catholic burial. Although it was a wet day, an immense number of people followed the hearse to the grave, the long train of sympathizers including one hundred horsemen. The widow, the three sons (Messrs, Thomas, John, and Cyril) and the four daughters of the deceased, with Mr. Owen Quigley* (brother-in-law), were the chief mourners. Among the old friends who joined in the tribute of reverence and regret were Mr. Hamilton (late of the Public school), Mr. Courts, Mr. Williams, Mr. Wells, and Mr. Dunne.
Source: Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932) Sat 23 Jul 1898 Page 20 * Michael's sister, Bedelia Morony, married Owen Quigley in Sydney in 1881 (NSW BDM 619/1881); She died in 1916 in Stanmore:
1916 - QUIGLEY.—In memory of Bidelia, wife of Owen Quigley, daughter of late Thomas Lott Morony, Milltown, Malbay, Co. Clare, Ireland, who died at her residence, Stanmore, August 17, 1916. Lord have mercy on her soul.
1898 - [DEATHS]
MORONY.—Of your charity pray for the soul of Michael Morony, who died 14th instant. Late Postmaster, Home Rule, and eldest son of the late Thomas L. Morony, Milltown Malbay, Clare, Ireland.—R.I.P.
Source: Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932) Sat 23 Jul 1898 Page 12
Source: National Archives of Australia, Home Rule Post Office file. page 59
Mudgee July 1898The Honorable The Postmaster GeneralDear SirThrough the death of Mr M Morony, late Postmaster at Home Rule, a vacany occurs which I hope can be given to his widow. The office is a non official one, and Mrs Morony and the Daughter has for some time been conducting the office which they are competent to continue. They are very respectable people.Yours faithfully, Robert JonesSource: National Archives of Australia, Home Rule Post Office file. page 59
Note: Mrs C Morony was appointed postmistress at £30 per annum, a considerable reduction on the salary her husband was paid.
1898 - [DELAY]
A letter from Bridget Morony on behalf of her mother to the Deputy Postmaster General, Sydney
Post OfficeHome Rule25th July ‘98SirI have the honor to acknowledge (for my mother) the receipt of your favour re her appointment as Postmistress etc of Home Rule, for which she begs to tender her sincere thanks.As there are no magistrates residing within a distance of about 7 miles, she will be obliged to journey to Gulgong to sign the necessary forms (which were sent her).It is impossible for her to go to Gulgong before 27th inst. on which date she will sign the declaration etc. and forward same to you.Praying that you will be pleased to excuse this inevitable delay.I have the honor to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, B H Morony
Source: National Archives of Australia, Home Rule Post Office file. page 56
1898 - [SALARY CUT]
Catherine's son, John Bede Morony wrote to Robert Jones in 1898 who forwarded the information to the Deputy Postmaster General.
Letter from John Bede Morony
Source: National Archives of Australia, Home Rule Post Office file. page 55
Home Rule27 July 1898Dear Mr JonesThough in a very busy time with you, I dare to address you on the subject of cash, ie the retrenching of the salary of my mother as PM here. Of course Mr Jones you will, I hope, not think I am doing this for myself, but for my mother.My poor father wanted me to try and get the appointment for myself. Recognising that there was not enough to be made at home for the girls, my young brother & my mother, even if the salary was kept up to its usual standard, I got my mother to seek the appointment and you know what they did? Brought the salary from £66-10-0 to £30 in one jump. I think if justice were done my mother would at least get the salary my father had got. For she needs it more now than during his life time.I am sending in an appeal to the Dept which I know you will help us in. And if you would kindly send also a note from yourself to put the matter fairly before the Dept you will confer a great favor on my mother & family for which I know we will always feel deeply grateful.My mother also desires me to thank you for her for what you have already done for her & also for your kind expression of sympathy & I hope you will be again what you were in the past…J B Morony
Source: National Archives of Australia, Home Rule Post Office file. page 55
Mr Bossley of the GPO wrote the following comments on the letter:
Mr Bossley of the GPO wrote the following comments on the letter:
I regret that I cannot see any justification to increase this salary. When the salary was granted great consideration was shown. According to the usual scale the salary should be 24 a year whereas Mrs Morony has been granted 30 a year and under those circumstances I think that she should be well satisfied with the pay for the extremely light work she has in connection with the Postal duties.Mr R Jones might be informed for the information of Mrs Morony to the above effect.Mr Bossley, Inspector 30/8/98
Catherine Morony also wrote to head office on 27 July to plead the case for receiving the same salary as her husband had been paid. They noted that she was being overpaid as "according to the usual scale the salary should be £24 a year whereas Mrs Morony had been granted £30".
Source: National Archives of Australia, Home Rule Post Office file. page 49-51
Catherine wrote again in December explaining how onerous the duties were for so little money. She must have separately written to the Minister, E Richards Esq to act on her behalf in requesting the salary be improved.
Source: National Archives of Australia, Home Rule Post Office file. page 47-48
On 12 December 1899, E Richards MP wrote to the Department urging that the husband's salary be restored.
Source: National Archives of Australia, Home Rule Post Office file. page 44
Source: National Archives of Australia, Home Rule Post Office file. page 44Dec 12th 1899SirSome year or more ago, a Mr Morony, Postmaster for many years at a place called Home Rule, died leaving a wife & some family to take up his duties, per appointment, of course.Your Department acted most unkindly in docking the salary, cutting it down a good few pounds. I ask that you restore the former salary to the Postmistress immediately.The town of Home Rule is in the heart of a large, well-populated agricultural district, and a growing one. The Morony family have had twenty-five years connection with the Home Rule office, and conducted the business for months during the father’s serious illness.Your intimation that my request will be complied with will be a welcome Xmas Box.Thankfully yours, E Richards
The Department noted in response to this letter on 4 January 1990:
On the Home Rule office becoming vacant in July 1898, through the death of the Postmaster the usual return was prepared which showed that the salary that was being paid was in excess of the scale allowance and his widow was appointed at the reduced salary of £30 per annum – £6 more that the scale justified, but £26.10/ per annum less than her husband received. The business has since declined, and now only justifies a salary of £23 per annum while £30 is still being paid. ... Appointment Clerk8-1-00Matter might be explained to Mr. Richards MP who evidently doesn’t understand the principle on which non-official [PMS?] salaries are adjusted. This PM is now getting £7 a year more than the business warrants.
Source: National Archives of Australia, Home Rule Post Office file. page 45-46
1899 - [IN MEMORIAM]
MORONY— In sad and loving memory of Michael Morony, who departed this life July 14, 1898. Inserted by his loving wife and children. R.I.P.
Source: Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932) Sat 15 Jul 1899 Page 13
1900 - [IN MEMORIAM]
MORONY— In sad and loving memory of Michael Morony, who departed this life July 14, 1898. Inserted by his loving wife and children. R.I.P.
Source: Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932) Sat 14 Jul 1900 Page 13
Source: Austcemindex
1903 - [FAMILY NOTICES]
ANGLIM.—The friends of Mr. and Mrs. THOMAS ST. V. MORONY are respectfully invited to attend
the Funeral of their late beloved FATHER, Thomas Anglim; to move from his late residence, Kincora, 26 Dulwich-street, Dulwich Hill, TO-MORROW (Saturday) AFT., 1.45, for Lewisham stn., Necropolis. J. BRAUER
1944 - [FAMILY NOTICES]
MORONY.—August 10, 1944, at Parramatta, Catherine Mary [nee Anglim], loved wife of Thomas Morony, of Harold Street, Parramatta, and late of Haberfield and Springwood, and devoted mother of Gerald (deceased), John (Strathfield), and Thomas (Springwood), fond grandmother of Elizabeth, Dick, and Barry. R.I.P.
MORONY.—August 10, 1944, at Parramatta, Catherine Mary Morony, loved sister of Anne, Tom (deceased), Dolly (deceased), Jim, and Ciss.
