The following extract is from the book, published in 1870, titled "A visit to Sydney and the Cudgegong diamond mines" by Angus Mackay. They describe the region of Wialdra Creek between Two Mile Flat and Reedy Creek at a time when Gulgong wasn't even listed on the map!
We also get a description of Guntawang before Rouse had built his homestead.
STRANGE GAME OF ROULETTEThe first election in which the Waratah Fund operated took place in 1925. Labor won. Only one member was entitled to collect. He took out his full £600. The lucky — or unlucky— member in this strange game of political Russian roulette was William Joseph O'Brien, who represented Murray with headquarters in Albury. His place was taken by Vernon Goodin, a school teacher, very prominent in the 1927 split. The Waratah Fund worked very well after Labor won the election. But when it lost, the story was altogether different. In 1930 it was a great success. In 1932 it was a debacle. That Parliament had lasted 20 months, so each member had paid in £20. There were 56 Labor members in the Parliament, so the total contributions amounted to £1120. There was a landslide against Labor, and after May, 1932, only 24 members returned. So 32 members had to collect from the Waratah Fund. They received £38 2s 6d each, which was not very much with which to face the economic blizzard raging outside.Source:Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954) Sun 15 Aug 1954 Page 34
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
