Stewart Robert Mcconachy 2016 – NO Unauthorised Use Or Reproduction Permitted 1 ONE MAN’S FAMILY Thomas & Margaret Mcconachy and Their Descendants

L.G. McConachy, J.B. Morris, D.J. Robinson Revised by - Andrea & Stewart McConachy in 2016.

Revised – 29th July 2019 – V15 SS

Stewart McConachy P O Box 2124, East Grovedale, VIC, 3216. [email protected] Copyright © - Stewart Robert McConachy 2016 – NO unauthorised use or reproduction permitted 2 DEDICATION Dedicated to the senior members of the family that so willingly shared their memories and experiences. Their encouragement and enthusiasm ensured this book was completed.

THE ORIGINAL COVER Was a lithograph of an engraving of Geelong viewed from the Township Reserve (now Eastern Park), circa 1840. Courtesy of Geelong Historical Centre. Thomas McConachy, as town herdsmen, grazed the town cattle on this site during the 1840s. This is also the site of the launching of this book on 17 November 1985. Photo: L. Addison.

THE TITLE PAGE Is a photograph of plaque placed on the grave site of Thomas and Margaret McConachy at the Eastern Cemetery, Geelong following the 1983 McConachy Reunion. Original Photo: L. Addison. Current Photo: Andrea McConachy.

National Library of Australia card number ISBN 0 9589608 0 1

Word Processing: Type-Rite Mitcham Preparing Photographs: Allan Hillier Rowville Typesetting: Supertype Burwood Printing: Printgraphics Pty Ltd Blackburn

Every line of the family reports of being told by previous generations that all ‘McConachy’s’ with the same spelling, are related. Two or three generations ago, all McConachy’s, in Victoria at least, knew exactly what that relationship was. By 1980, that knowledge was long lost. Clark McConachy (David line) and George McConachy (George line) decided to hold a reunion of all McConachy’s at Winchelsea Football Ground in March 1981. They enlisted the assistance of others and set about the huge task of contacting all McConachy’s and McConachy descendants. Over 400 people attended the 1981 reunion, many not knowing exactly where they fitted into the family.

Aided by information from certificates and the memories of older folk, the task continued of compiling a complete family tree of the descendants of Thomas and Margaret McConachy. This was truly a family effort, as one person passed the word to another. Wills, birth, death and marriage certificates, newspaper files, cemetery records, property sales, shipping records, government land grants, rate books, electoral rolls and old books were searched to put together a family history. This was presented at the second family reunion in March 1983, again at Winchelsea. Over 500 people attended, many having been ‘found’ since the 1981 reunion. Thomas and Margaret had a vision in coming to Australia in 1841, but it is doubtful they envisaged a family of 3,000 direct descendants.

Family members produced photographs, and the older members were quizzed once again. It was decided to write a book. As interest gained momentum, the original idea of a small duplicated book grew to become this publication.

Through the recording of our family history we have done more than just produce a book. Many have renewed old acquaintances, and met and made new friends. In collecting material for this book, we have shared in the experiences of our own family, the triumphs and the heartbreaks retold.

It is impossible to compile list of thanks to people who have helped, as this work has been truly a family effort. Without the cooperation and assistance of the whole family it could not have been completed. Everyone was willing to contribute with finance, photographs, information, anecdotes and even accommodation. Although few of our family have become famous, all contribute in the society to which they belong. One can be justly proud to be part of the McConachy family.

We wish to thank all those who have contributed, encouraged and assisted in any way during the preparation of this book. We would like to make special mention of a few. Clark and George McConachy who commenced the research and arranged the first reunion in 1981. Elly Morgan, the oldest family member, whose memory and early research have proved to be so accurate. Mary Cavigan, Lynette Clarke, Phyllis McConachy and David Morris for proof reading. Stuart McAdam and Norman Houghton for assistance with Barrabool Shire and Geelong history respectively. Jack Loney for advice regarding early shipping. Allan Hillier for preparation of photographs. The staff of the La Trobe Library and Public Records Offices who have consistently given advice and assistance. The typesetter and printer for their patience. Barry Lloyd of the Titles Office for his assistance. Without the help of many people we could not have been able to complete this task.

About those who compiled this book.

The three people who compiled this book come from different family lines. Lyle McConachy from the Robert line, is a farmer at Winchelsea. Janice Morris from the George line, is a primary school teacher, Doreen Robinson from the Eliza Jane line, has a word processing business at Mitcham. Lyle and Janice met at the 1981 reunion, and began tracing the descendants of Thomas McConachy. This search soon linked them with Doreen who has combined here interest in family history with her expertise in word processing. The three have worked closely together over the past four years in compiling this book. They hope that this work will encourage others to continue to add to, and expand the story.

The Next Generation - Stewart & Andrea McConachy

In consultation with the original authors of ‘One Man’s Family’ it was decided in mid-2016, to convert the paper version into an electronic version – ‘eBOOK’. The book is now complete with all original information and photos PLUS we have also started to include additional information from clan members wanting to update their family story.

All family tree information is available at www.themcconachyclan.com and as part of your purchase you will be sent passwords monthly, so you can download files at your leisure for any updates of the book and your clan.

Introduction

Chapter 1 - McConachy Roots

Chapter 2 - Settling in Port Phillip

Chapter 3 - John and his descendants

Chapter 4 - David and his descendants

Chapter 5 - Samuel and his descendants

Chapter 6 - Robert and his descendants

Chapter 7 - Margaret and her descendants

Chapter 8 - George and his descendants

Chapter 9 - Eliza Jane and her descendants

Bibliography

Abbreviations

Copyright © - Stewart Robert McConachy 2016 – NO unauthorised use or reproduction permitted 6 ONE MAN’S FAMILY One man, Thomas McConachy, took unto himself a wife, Margaret McComb in 1813. That one man’s family now consists of a family of over 4,000, including descendants and their spouses.

Both Thomas and Margaret were honoured by having descendants name after them. Of their grandchildren, five were named Thomas and eight were named Margaret. It is little wonder that they were often known by a descriptive term prefixing their name, life Big Tom, Tall Tom, Skinny Tom and Old Tom.

Four places bear the McConachy name. There is McConachy Street in Winchelsea, Victoria, McConachys Road at Patho, Victoria, McConachy Road at Three Bridges, Victoria and McConachy’s Road at Henty, Victoria.

THE NAME The name McConachy has been spelt in various ways over the centuries. In the early days in Ireland, when members of the family could neither read nor write, they were dependent on the clerks to spell the name and this they did – sometimes using two different spellings on the same document. So, we get McConochy, McConickie, and McConchy. When Elly Morgan (nee McConachy) visited Ireland in 1954 and to look up the old rate books in Belfast, she found that the rates were paid in the name of McConaghy as well as McConachy.

By the time the family migrated to Australia, they were all literate and the name has remained as McConachy since 1841. However, when written by other people the spelling continues to be as varied as it was several centuries ago.

GENERAL IDENTIFICATION To understand the generations of people mentioned in the text of this book, it is necessary to note the following generation identifications. ORIGINAL LAYOUT First generation (children of Thomas): each has a chapter heading. Second generation (grandchildren of Thomas): each has a heading as, Thomas Henry Pearse 1883-1960. Third generation (great grandchildren of Thomas): each is indicated by bold type as Mary. Fourth generation (great-great grandchildren of Thomas): each is indicated by medium bold type as Mary.

NEW LAYOUT – as per the Clan Tree’s on our website

Blue – 1st Green – 2rd Orange – 3rd Grey – 4th Purple – 5th Maroon – 6th Light Green – 7th Light Blue – 8th Brown – 9th Red Accent – 10th

The family tree chart for each line is at the end of the chapter. It is recommended that the text be read in conjunction with the family tree chart. The charts are compiled as at 1 January 1983. The charts are designed as a continuous line, one page following on from the next. The lines down the left-hand side of the page represent the generations. When you find your name, the lines of the left of your name show your direct lineage from Thomas Pearse. The names of brothers and sisters all touch the line coming directly under the names of their parents.

• 1788 Arrival of First Fleet at Sydney Cove. • 1839 David Clark first immigrant ship to Port Phillip. • 1789 French Revolution. • 1840 Introduction of penny postage. • 1792 Birth of Margaret McComb at Claudy, Northern Ireland. • 1841 Arrival of McConachy family at Port Phillip Bay. • 1793 Birth of Thomas McConachy at Claudy, Northern Ireland. • 1842 John McConachy appointed police constable at Portland. • 1802 Port Philip Bay first explored by Grant. • 1846 Thomas McConachy granted a pasture licence. • 1813 Marriage of Margaret McComb to Thomas McConachy. • 1848 McConachy & Crutch purchase 640 acres at Modewarre. • 1815 Battle of Waterloo. • 1851 Port Phillip district became the Colony of Victoria. • 1815 Birth of first child, John McConachy at Claudy. • 1853 First telegraph line, Melbourne to Williamstown. • 1818 Birth of son, David McConachy, at Claudy. • 1854 Eureka Stockade. • 1821 Death of Napoleon. • 1860 Melbourne to Geelong railway opened. • 1822 Birth of son, William McConachy at Claudy. • 1860 Death of Thomas McConachy at Geelong. • 1824 Hume & Hovell’s expedition to Port Phillip. • 1861 Burke & Wills expedition. • 1825 Birth of son, Thomas McConachy at Claudy. • 1862 Death of son, John McConachy at Hotspur. • 1827 Birth of son, Samuel McConachy at Claudy. • 1880 Ned Kelly hanged.

• 1829 Birth of son, Robert McConachy at Claudy. • 1880 Death of Margaret McConachy (nee McComb). • 1830 Coronation of William IV. • 1831 Birth of first daughter, Margaret McConachy at Claudy. • 1834 Hentys settle at Portland Bay. • 1835 Birth of son, George McConachy at Claudy. • 1837 Coronation of Queen Victoria. • 1838 Geelong surveyed and declared a town. • 1838 Birth of Eliza Jane McConachy at Claudy.

Copyright © - Stewart Robert McConachy 2016 – NO unauthorised use or reproduction permitted 8 1793 - 1860 Thomas McConachy 1813 married 1792 - 1880 Margaret McComb born Claudy, Ireland died - Geelong Claudy, Ireland born Claudy, Ireland died - Winchelsea Farmer – Claudy Herdsman and Squatter – Geelong Farmer – Modewarre 1822 William (research on Williams NZ McAnulty family required), 1825 Thomas & 1833 Henry – died without issue ______|______|______|______|______|______|______|______1815-62 1818-1901 1827-98 1829-1918 1831-1916 1835-1901 1838-1901 John David Samuel Robert Margaret George Eliza Jane m. m. m. m. m. m. m. Jane McGuinness Elizabeth Clark Isabella Reid Sarah Pearse Andrew Clark Elizabeth Ewart Samuel Lighton m. Mary Lancaster Policeman Limeburner Innkeeper Farmer Farmer Storekeeper Storekeeper Innkeeper Farmer Farmer Aireys Inlet Modewarre Farmer Farmer Portland Geelong Portland Winchelsea Milloo Modewarre Geelong Dartmoor Modewarre Goroke Cobden Patho Modewarre Hotspur Winchelsea Cobden Devenish ______|______|______|______|______|______|______|_____ 1838 Mary 1851 Annie 1854 Thomas 1861 Ellen 1855 Peter 1860 Thomas 1858 John m. H. McCombe m. T. Pearse m. S. Hutchinson m. G. Pilley 1856 Thomas m. M. Bail 1861 Margaret 1839 David 1853 Thomas m. M. Hamilton 1863 Thomas 1859 Margaret 1863 Annie 1863 Samuel 1844 Margaret m. E. Steel 1855 William m. H. Tilley m. T. Packham m. R. Silvester 1866 Eliza 1846 Margaret 1855 Peter m. B. Miller 1865 William 1861 Elizabeth 1864 Samuel m. C. Martin m. S. Condon m. F. Stead 1857 Ruth m. I. McKenzie m. W. Buckingham m. A. Collie 1868 Thomas 1857 Robert 1863 Margaret 1867 Samuel 1863 George 1868 Margaret m. E. Payne 1859 George 1867 Marion m. E. Oliffe 1864 William 1869 William 1870 Robert 1861 David 1869 Marion 1869 Bessie 1876 Isabella m. E. Collie m. E. Bennion m. K. Anderson 1877 Martha m. G. Taylor m. W. Marwood 1870 Eliza 1871 Isabella 1863 Margaret m. J. Pascoe 1871 Louisa m. F. Baker 1874 William m. J. Reynolds 1879 Samuel 1874 David 1873 Isabella m. E. Wallace 1866 Isabella m. M. Hocking m. A. Kilpatrick m. T. Tarrant 1875 Joseph m. W.G. Freeman 1880 Eva 1875 Robert 1875 G. Henry 1877 Walker 1868 Robert m. R. Kennedy 1877 Alfred 1876 Robert m. M. Hooper m. M. Parish 1881 Claudia 1879 Emma m. T. Court 1883 Albert 1871 Elizabeth m. C. Jackson m. G. Brown 1881 M. Evelyn m. E. Woods m. G. Freeman 1883 Edith 1881 Alexander m. R. Hammond 1873 Mary 1890 Gertrude 1883 Mary m. P. Morrison 1877 Jessie m. W. Schroeter m. T. Parish 1886 Edward m. F. Stiles m. E. Hall m. J. Prowse 1889 Albert 1891 Rebecca Copyright © - Stewart Robert McConachy 2016 – NO unauthorised use or reproduction permitted 9 MAP OF IRELAND MAP OF VICTORIA

VICTORIA - AUSTRALIA Melbourne - McConachy family arrive in 1841 and travel to Geelong. Modewarre – Thomas McConachy purchases Section 4. 1850. David, William, Margaret, George and Eliza Jane all settle there. Portland – John McConachy, Police Constable 1842. Sam McConachy – Innkeeper 1855. Hotspur – John McConachy – Innkeeper 1856 Goroke – Sam McConachy – Farmer 1886. Winchelsea - David McConachy – farmed. Robert McConachy – Farmer 1871 Aireys Inlet – Robert McConachy – Grazier 1852.

1. County Derry Cobden – Margaret & Andrew Clark – farmers 1882. George McConachy – farmer 1884. 2. County Antrim Wanurp – Margaret & Andrew Clark – farmers 1874. 3. County Tyrone Patho – George McConachy – farmer 1879. 4. County Down Creswick – Margaret Clark died 1916. 5. Lough (Lake) Neagh Devenish – Eliza Jane & Samuel Lighton – farmers 1874.

Scottish Roots

The McConachy family did not originate in Ireland. It is not known exactly when they migrated there from Scotland. Records show that they were living in the Parish of Cumber, County Derry, by 1740 and that they probably settled in Ireland before 1663.

Between 1607 and 1640, many Scottish Protestant settlers moved to Northern Ireland when the English Government took possession of large areas of land in Ireland. Londonderry was seized by James 1 in 1607 and the land was made available for settlement to the English and Scottish. We believe our ancestors moved to Ireland as farm labourers for their Scottish landlords. Foster McConachy from the David live recalls his father passing on the story he had been taught, that the McConachy family came from Scottish roots.

Whenever they came, it was from the Robertson Clan of Scotland they originated. The Robertson Clan, or Clan Donnachaidh, takes its Gaelic name from Donnachadh Reamhar Duncan the Fat, who led the Clan in support of his kinsman, Robert the Bruce. The historian Skene, states that the Robertsons of Strowan in Perthshire, are the oldest family in Scotland, and are descended from the earliest Scottish kings. It was a Robertson of Strowan who captured the murderers of James 1. As a reward, he chose to have his lands of Strowan raised to a Barony and took for his motto ‘Glory, the Reward of Valour’. The Robertsons were intensely loyal to the House of Stuart. In 1652 the army of Oliver Cromwell attached and defeated Scottish royalists. For safety’s sake, many of the clan took other forms of their name, like Duncan, Connachie, MacConnachie, and McConachy. Some of the clan fled to Ireland.

Irish Roots

Thomas and Margaret lived in the village of Claudy in the Parish of Upper Cumber in County Londonderry, often referred to as County Derry. Lewis’s Topographical Dictionary of Ireland, (1838), describes Claudy as being ‘7½ miles E.S.E. of Derry en route to Belfast’. It contained eight cattle fairs, a Court of Petty Sessions and a Constabulary. The Presbyterians had a meeting house there. There were 180 inhabitants.

In the Parish Census of 1831, 10 years before the family migrated to Australia, they are shown as the household of Thomas McConachy Junior. Seven males and one female made up the household, there being six sons before their first daughter Margaret, was born later in 1831. His father Thomas McConachy Senior is shown as having one male and three females in his household. This was presumably himself, his wife and two unmarried daughters. Both households gave their religion as Presbyterian and both were in the Townland of Lettermuck.

Copyright © - Stewart Robert McConachy 2016 – NO unauthorised use or reproduction permitted 11 The Tithe Applotment Book for 1827 shows the property of Thomas McConachy as being 17 acres 3 rods and 11 perches. This was made up of 6.1.20 good arable, 2.1.12 bad arable, 1.2.21 pasture and 7.1.38 mountain. For this he paid a tithe or rate of 18 shillings and 87 pence. A little over six acres was suitable for growing potatoes, the staple crop. What future did this hold for six sons?

In 19th century Ireland, there was as much animosity between Catholic and Protestant as there is in Ireland today. In addition, the McConachy family, who were Presbyterians, would have suffered from discrimination in favour of the Church of Ireland which was the established church and supported by the English Government.

The Australian colonies were suffering from a chronic labour shortage in 1840. Wages were up to 1 pound 10 shillings per week for labourers. Most important of all, vast areas of land were available to new settlers at a token price. The opportunity of a Bounty passage was too good to refuse. Thomas and Margaret decided to migrate to Australia.

Other McConachy Families

The name McConachy is uncommon enough, that when one of us meets someone with the name, we enquire as to their r4elationship. There are, however, McConachys in Australia to whom we’re are not directly related. Our research has found three other McConachy families.

Rex McConachy from Lilydale in Victoria is descended from a McConachy family who migrated to Palmerston, New Zealand, from Campbelltown in Scotland. The family consisted of James McConachy, his wife Christina (nee Sinclair) and their 11 children. The children migrated to New Zealand over a period of 15 years and were all in New Zealand by 1930. Many descendants still live in New Zealand and some now reside in Australia too.

Donald McKerral McConachy migrated from Scotland about 1880 and resided in the Melbourne suburb of Brighton. He died in 1900 without issue, but other members of the McKerral McConachy family still live in Sydney.

Norman McConachy, with his business partner Clem Walton, discovered uranium at a site in Queensland in 1956. They renamed the site Mary Kathleen after Norman’s late wife, Mary Kathleen McConachy. The town was a busy mining site until 1963 when the mine was closed. Except for a short period when the mine was reopened, the town was cared for by caretakers until 1982 when all the buildings, including the community facilities, were sold. From our research, we believe Norman was descended from a family of McConachys who had come to Queensland from London. James McConachy and his wife Anne (nee James) migrated in the 1850s. His birth certificate shows the spelling of his name as McConechy. Many descendants of James live in Queensland today.

If we were to trace our roots back far enough in Scotland, no doubt we would establish our relationship to these families. However, the majority of McConachys in Australia are descendants of Thomas and Margaret McConachy who came to Port Phillip in 1841.

The Catherine Jamieson, a barque of 451 tons was the vessel chosen by the McConachy family on which to migrate to their new land, Australia in 1841. A barque was a sailing vessel of at least three masts. It was square-rigged, except for the after mast which was rigged fore-and-aft. When compared with other immigrant vessels of the time the Catherine Jamieson was not a large vessel.

Restored to first class four years before, and classified A1 for insurance purposes by Lloyds of London, she underwent a complete refit at Sunderland dock yards just prior to departure in May 1841. This was in stark contrast to some later immigrant ships dubbed ‘floating coffins’. The Catherine Jamieson was sheathed with a yellow, copper-based metal to prevent damage to the wood by worms which were very active in the tropical waters.

It may have been more correct to say that the Jamieson Shipping Line chose the McConachy family, for under the bounty system the shipping company selected the immigrants. The shipping company was then reimbursed by the Colony in the form of a bounty when the passengers were landed safely. The Jamieson Shipping Line supplied provisions, supervision and of course the passage. In return, the Colony of New South Wales paid:

38 pounds for each man and wife under the age of 40 15 pounds for each child over 15 10 pounds for each child aged 7-15 5 pounds for each child under 7

Also, a gratuity payment, per head was made to the crew:

10 shillings 6 pence to the Surgeon, Superintendent John McDonald 3 shillings to the Captain, William Hutchinson 1 shilling 6 pence to the First Mate, John Miller 1 shilling to the Third Mate, Robert Rilihir

Because of the age limit of 40 years for bounty passengers, Thomas and Margaret understated their age by 10 years. So, Thomas said he was 38 and Margaret said she was 39 years old. Their older children, also travelling on the Catherine Jamieson, distorted the spelling of their names as a flimsy disguise. John, his wife and their two children travelled under the name McConaghty. David as McConaghy and William as McAnulty. Misspelling was common, and sometimes it could be an advantage.

Copyright © - Stewart Robert McConachy 2016 – NO unauthorised use or reproduction permitted 13 The ship left Leith, the Port of Edinburgh in Scotland, so the family had come by a smaller boat from Belfast in Ireland to Leith. A railway from Glasgow to Leith was under construction, but did not open for another two years.

With a family of fourteen to look after on a trip lasting five-months, special preparations had to be made. They needed a good supply of oatmeal (the staple food for the voyage), as well as butter salted down in large stone jars, covered with layers of this cloth. This was to supplement the weekly rations provided on the ship. Immigrants were warned of the need to bring extra food as well as thick home-made blankets.

Another family on the ship, and from County Derry, were eleven members of the Bell family on their way to settle in the Portland district. It is from the descendants of this family we obtained the words of the some sung by the immigrants as they sailed to the ‘promised land’.

It was on the 20th of May From Leith, we did set sail On board the Catherine Jamieson With a fine and pleasant gale. We left our friends and parents Behind us to deplore We bade farewell to all that dwell Within our native shore.

In attempting to picture conditions on the ship we are fortunate to have the reminiscences of Alexander Nicholson, who account of the voyage is recorded in the Sydney Truth, 60 years later (1905). He recalled leaving the Port of Leith and sailing down the Firth of Forth in the North Sea. Here the breeze veered southward, so the Captain ‘Bully’ Hutchinson decided to take the less usual route around the north of Scotland and down the west coast of Ireland.

The first leg of the long voyage passed quickly. Running before a favourable wind, the vessel was soon entering Pentland Forth, at the northern tip of Scotland. Here a strong adverse current usually hindered progress, but on this occasion the narrow strait was soon traversed. Turning southward past the Hebrides the immigrants needed to gain their sea legs quickly to cope with the continual rolling motion of the Atlantic.

Ireland was soon left behind. Onwards past the coast of Spain at a steady rate they sailed on reaching the equator, calmer water and a lack of wind becalmed them in the tropics. The family now had time to reflect on the magnitude on their decision to leave Ireland.

It is hard for us to imagine the cramped conditions for the 158 immigrants, 5 saloon passengers (whose lot was very different and far more comfortable than that of the immigrants), crew and cargo all in a small sailing ship 140 feet long. How to fill in time, care for the children and keep good relationships between everyone was quite a task.

Slowly the ship sailed onwards, until at last favourable winds saw them approaching the coast of Brazil. Here the Captain decided to put in to Bahia (now Salvador) to take on water. Most ships of this era called at either Bahia, Rio de Janeiro or Capetown. Doubtless the immigrants took the opportunity to go ashore, as they had been at sea for 74 days.

Fears of seasickness, shipwreck and the unknown were compounded by the danger of attack by pirates. The ‘Slave Traders’ taking their human cargo from Africa to the Americas were known to pirate immigrant ships if the opportunity arose. Nicholson, in his article ‘To Australia in the Forties, in the Good Ship Catherine Jamieson’, tells how they encountered one of these ‘Slavers’ about a week after leaving Bahia.

When the ‘Slaver’ pulled up on the weather side, Captain Hutchinson immediately armed his crew with blunderbusses and the male passengers with pikes (long pointed sticks). Excitement ran high as the women envisaged their menfolk walking the plank, and themselves being taken captive by a pirate crew. The anxious immigrants remained on deck all night, pikes in hand, peering into the darkness and getting an occasional glimpse of the ‘Slaver’ in the moonlight. Luckily, the breeze strengthened and the Catherine Jamieson having more sail, could escape in the darkness. Both crew and passengers were thankful when they had cleared the route frequented by these slave boats. On past Tristan da Cunha they journeyed, passing well south of Capetown. There picking up the winds of the Roaring Forties the pace quickened. Continuing across the Southern Ocean, they passed south of Western Australia towards Bass Strait. The most hazardous part of the voyage was negotiating Bass Strait. It was to be 1848 before a lighthouse was erected at Cape Otway. On clearing the Strait, they passed through the rip into the safety of Port Phillip Bay.

On route three babies were born, one being named Catherine Jamieson King. Only one child died, a much lower death rate than on most immigrant ships.

Arrival in Port Phillip

On 22 October 1841, after 141 days of confinement on board ship, they gazed on Williamstown with its neat cottages, stone jetty and long clean beach. This was the new land of which they had dreamed. Landing at Sandridge (Port Melbourne) they made their way through the tea-trees to the Yarra River. As it was impossible for the hotels of Melbourne to cater for immigrants, they joined the camp set up on the south bank of the river. It was spring, and the weather

Copyright © - Stewart Robert McConachy 2016 – NO unauthorised use or reproduction permitted 15 was good. The camp had a carnival atmosphere. The new settlers discussed and planned their future and eagerly listened to the advice and news from those who had come before them.

A list of immigrants and a report of the voyage was forwarded to His Honour C.J. La Trobe Esq. Superintendent, Melbourne. On this list, Thomas McConachy gives his trade as labourer, the family religion as Protestant and all members of the family, including three-year-old Eliza Jane, are said to be able to read and write. The report states: We beg to inform you that conformably with your directions we proceed on board the Immigrant ship, ‘Catherine Jamieson’, brought to this colony by Messrs Robert Howe & Co. of Sydney and which sailed from Leith, 29/5/1841 and arrived Port Phillip, 22/10/1841, and we certify that the parties enumerated in the margin, whose names ages and descriptions and amount of Bounty payable for each as inserted in the accompanying lists have been examined by us.

They have all produced the certificate of character required by us and from a careful perusal of the same, as well as from personal observation, we have reason to believe they are of the trade, ages, etc. herein described and as the agents for the vessel have likewise produced the necessary certificates for the Government agent at Leith, we are of the opinion that Messrs. Robt. Howe & Co. are entitled to receive the sum of 2154-pounds sterling.

We also beg to state that the immigrants in question have reached the colony in very good health and express themselves perfectly satisfied with the treatment they experienced on board during the voyage.

Margaret McConachy 1792 - 1880 1983 the first two Eighth Generation Descendants Bible Christian Church – Modewarre – erected 1858 1981 - McConachy Reunion. Clark McConachy makes a Kelli & Belinda Young – John Line presentation to the - Allan McConachy and Ella Morgan holding the youngest Natalie Brown

Thomas McConachy - Settler, Geelong

Although the entire family came to Port Phillip, it was not long before the sons started to go their separate ways. First, John went to the Portland Bay settlement and the remainder of the family travelled by schooner to Geelong. Most immigrants of the time were brought to Geelong by the Lapwing a schooner of 93 tons. Only small boats such as the Lapwing could cross the sandbar off Point Henry. They landed on the newly constructed jetty, where their first glimpse of Geelong revealed few buildings. Except for the town’s two stores and two hotels, buildings were of slab construction. The more populated area of South Geelong lay hidden from sight by the Moorabool Street hill. Thomas and his family, like most settlers, took advantage of the only fresh water available, siting their home close to the Barwon River. A breakwater had recently been constructed by Police Magistrate, Foster Fyans: this ensured that adequate water was available during the summer months and prevented contamination by tidal waters. Before the construction of this breakwater, the waters of the Barwon were affected by salt as far upstream as Buckley’s Fall’s.

When the McConachy family arrived in Geelong, the population of 454 was governed by the Police Magistrate, Nicholas Fenwick who had replaced Foster Fyans in 1840. It was just 3 years since Geelong had been proclaimed a town. The two parts of the settlement, namely South Geelong by the Barwon and North Geelong by the bay, were surveyed and proclaimed the township of Geelong on 26 October 1838. The land was then called Coraiyo by the Aborigines and the bay Jillong, meaning ‘a place of seabird over the white cliffs’. The first address for Thomas McConachy was South Corio, known also as South Geelong.

The early 1840s were significant years for Geelong. The first shipload of wool was sent from Geelong direct to England. Geelong’s first church (Presbyterian) was opened. The first race meeting was held, the first library opened and the first newspaper, the Geelong Advertiser was published.

Struggle for Land

Thomas, having sold his farm in Ireland, was anxious to purchase land in his new home. However, he was disappointed to find it was not readily available. To buy land in Geelong, one had to travel to Sydney where the early land sales were held. Consequently, most of the lots released were sold to Sydney speculators. Absentee landlords and influential squatters made local government an almost impossible task. The first attempt at local government began with the formation of the District Council of Grant in 1843. The area under the control of the council was vast, and the unwieldiness of the large area proved to be its downfall. By 1848 the Council had become ineffective. Geelong had come into existence mainly to service the needs of the squatters, who had taken up large runs to the west. These squatters resisted control from any local body. Wool exports from Geelong in 1844 realised a total of 175,000 pounds. This gave the squatters considerable influence over commercial interests in the town.

1983 – McConachy Reunion at Winchelsea. George McConachy unveils the commemorative stone which was later placed on the grave of Margaret McConachy at East Geelong Cemetery. Lyle McConachy (Centre) and Rev. GA Wood.

Current – Main street in Claudy, County Derry. Ella Morgan visited Ireland McConachy Rd, Three Bridges.

Education

The earliest reference to the McConachy children is in 1845. Teacher Mr J. Lee, in the school return for the Geelong Wesleyan Methodist School, claims government assistance for the payment of their fees. The standard fee being 1 penny per child per day. Margaret 13, George 10, and Eliza Jane 7, attended school being joined later in the year by Robert 16, and Samuel 18. The family is listed as unable to pay school fees, therefore requiring the government to pay. Even though there were no government-run schools in the colony, the Irish, having been accustomed to free education, were known for their unwillingness to pay fees. Education was free in Ireland, and they considered it should be the same in Australia. Samuel and Robert’s education had been interrupted by the family’s migration to Australia. Their parents were not satisfied with the boys’ standard of literacy and considered they needed further schooling so, despite their ages being beyond that normally accepted for schooling, the boys were sent to school again.

Thomas McConachy - Squatter to Land Owner

Thomas McConachy was granted a Pasture Licence in 1845, his occupation being herdsman and squatter, North Geelong. As herdsman, he was responsible for the safety of the cattle, collection of fees, and ensuring no unlicensed stock was included in the herd. Thomas grazed the herd on the township reserve, an area which now includes Eastern Park and is bounded by Garden Street, Fellmongers Road and Boundary Road. The Port Phillip Directory of 1847 still lists Thomas as a squatter at North Geelong and his place of abode, South Geelong. His home in Richmond Place was alongside the Common where he worked.

Copyright © - Stewart Robert McConachy 2016 – NO unauthorised use or reproduction permitted 18 Squatters had no real right of tenure. Runs were held on a year-to-year basis, on payment of an annual licence fee. In 1848, with the introduction of the Pre- emptive Right, the opportunity arose for Thomas to become a landowner. The Pre-emptive Right was a system whereby applicants were entitled to purchase up to 640 acres at a set price of 1 pound per acre. Thomas’s application, in conjunction with John Crutch, was for 3, 640 acre sections at Modewarre, Sections 3, 4 and 5. The success of his application for Section 4 changed his status from that of leaseholder to landowner.

Modewarre - Section 4

It seems clear that from the outset his purpose in buying land at Modewarre was twofold. It was both a speculative venture, and a means of concentrating the efforts of his sons close to one another. This was, if not essential, certainly desirable, as the hard work of clearing and bringing the land into production called for a co-operative effort. Crutch and McConachy took possession of Section 4 on the 21 March 1850 with the payment of 640 pounds at Geelong.

Early Modewarre

Prior to 1850, the Modewarre area consisted of three runs: William Hindhaugh’s Forest Station, John Raven’s Raven Creek and Henry Hopkins’s Wormbete run near Lake Modewarre. Squatters resented settlers taking over crown lands previously available for squatting. When settlers acquired blocks, they began fencing them, and traffic was therefore confined to the surveyed but unmade roads. Previously, traffic had been free to use the best route. The carting of bluestone and freestone from the Modewarre quarries added to the road problem.

In 1858, 47 landholders of Modewarre petitioned the government to be included in the newly formed roads board. Their petition stated ‘…that they are desirous of saving the wear and tear to their cattle and vehicles caused by the deplorable state of the roads, which are for some months of the year almost impassable…’. The petition was successful, but improvement to the roads was extremely slow.

By 1860, Modewarre had a hotel, the Bridge Inn, a general store, a Bible Christian Church and a National School. The notebook of Mr Inspector Gilbert Wilson Brown dated 29 March 1860 casts grave doubts on the standard of education ‘… youngsters galloping up and down … children playing outside … 2 boys fighting … boys rise from their seats and go to the door to see drays go past …’. It is little wonder several small schools opened in the area. Known as the cattle station schools, several were open for only a few years.

Copyright © - Stewart Robert McConachy 2016 – NO unauthorised use or reproduction permitted 19 Subdivision of Section 4, Modewarre The first subdivision of the Crutch and McConachy land took place in 1852. As partners, Thomas McConachy and John Crutch sold two blocks in the northeast corner; Lot F to Samuel Harber for 84 pounds 6 shillings, and Lot E to Thomas Yates for the same price. In February 1853, Thomas McConachy and John Crutch dissolved partnership, dividing the remainder of Section 4 between them, Thomas taking the western portion consisting of 200 acres (see map). Immediately after this, Thomas sold Lot A to James Hamilton, taking as part payment, land in Oxford Street, East Geelong. Later in 1853, Peter Clark, father-in-law of David and Margaret McConachy, purchased Lot D for 100 pounds. The next transaction was between Thomas and his son, David. In 1854, David bought Lot C for 118 pounds.

By 1863, Thomas Smallwood (son of Mary McConachy) owned a farm in the area, the northwest corner of Section 3, adjoining Lot D of Section 4. This was a block he purchased from William McMullen who some years earlier had bought it from Peter Clark, the innkeeper. Thus, we see several settlers tied together by family bonds, McConachys, Clarks, Ewarts, Smallwoods and Sam Lighton, who leased land nearby and owned land by the lake. William McConachy owned land in the area too. He acquired Lot A from James Hamilton and in addition obtained Lot B through the will of his father, Thomas. William sold Lot A to James Crutch (son of John Crutch) for 185 pounds in 1869.

George McConachy by this time was adding regularly to his holdings around Modewarre. He purchased Lot B from his brother William for 170 pounds. This ended William’s connection with the area, leaving David and George as landowners in Section 4.

1865 - ploughing competition at McConachy's Bridge Inn Paddock, Modewarre

Copyright © - Stewart Robert McConachy 2016 – NO unauthorised use or reproduction permitted 20 George sold his holding in Section 4 in 1885. David, who had moved to Wensleydale in 1867, retained Lot C until his death in 1901. His eldest son, Tom was the occupier until the late 1880s. The McConachy connection with Section 4 was finally severed in 1907 when the executors of David’s will, sold Lot C to William Crutch.

Significance of Section 4, Modewarre

Section 4 played an important role in the fortunes of Thomas and his family. This purchase presented the long-awaited opportunity for Thomas and his sons to become farmers, farming their own land.

Eight years had passed since their arrival in Geelong and their efforts to become landowners had been unsuccessful. Although land was available for lease in small areas close to Geelong, real security and prosperity could not come until they were established on their own property.

Land for selection at Modewarre in 1849 was in a quantity undreamt of in Ireland. Whilst 640 acres is not considered a large amount by Australian standards, it would have seemed huge to Thomas. To share with John Crutch, such an area must have been the fulfilment of all the hopes that emigration had promised. Although Thomas never lived at Modewarre, three of his sons, David, William and George, and both of his daughters, Margaret and Eliza, did. They were to disperse during the 1860s and 1870s to various parts of Victoria, using the experience gained on Section 4 as a basis for their future farming.

Early Farming at Modewarre

At Modewarre in the 1850s, farming was primitive. Immigrant settlers were still trying to apply or adapt the methods used in the country of their origin. Our family, no doubt anxious to take advantage of the high prices for farm produce resulting from the gold rush, needed to bring their land into production quickly. To do this, certain basic equipment would have been required.

Working bullocks were used. All, ploughing at that stage was done with bullock teams. In addition, there were cows, yokes, chains and wooden ploughs. These ploughs required constant repair as grubbing of stumps was not resorted to in those days.

Ploughing was very rough. Bullock teams were difficult to drive straight, as they did not follow the furrow like horses did. Wooden harrows were used to break the clods down. Drays (wagons) and a couple of working horses were also essential for cropping purposes.

Sown by hand, the crops responded well to the virgin soil, despite of the rough cultivation. Crops such as oats and wheat were reaped with a sickle, while hay was mown with a scythe. All carting was done with bullock drays. Threshing was hard, tiring work. Small farmers used a flail. Steam-driven threshers were unheard of. The refuse straw was always burnt, as there was no way of turning it into money. The 1860s saw a rapid change in farming methods. Many

Copyright © - Stewart Robert McConachy 2016 – NO unauthorised use or reproduction permitted 21 inventions eased the burden of the farmer. The reaper, horse, or steam-driven thresher, early seed drills improved ploughs with steel moldboards and a furrow wheel at the front combined to make farming less arduous.

Life at Modewarre

When our family first moved to Modewarre, the men camped in tents until they built a hut ready for the first winter. William Hammond describes the type of dwelling constructed in his memoirs published in the Geelong Advertiser in 1898. Hammond was a contemporary of the McConachy family at Modewarre, selecting the adjoining property, Section 3. Hammond recalls: The buildings were made of sods, about 10 feet by 10 feet in size, 5 to 6 feet in height, a sod chimney and a thatched roof. The window was a small hole filled with sheepskin, the door constructed from a sheet of bark with a few palings. Board floors were unknown. The huts were of only one room which served as bedroom and kitchen. Married couples usually lived in a hut slightly larger in size. As the family prospered, they replaced these huts with more comfortable weatherboard homes.

The Bridge Inn, Modewarre The original Bridge Inn, a wooden structure, was erected sometime during the 3 years between 1850 and 1853. It was built on the northern boundary of John Crutch and Thomas McConachy’s grant, Section 4. In July 1853, John Crutch sold the inn and three acres to John Clydesdale for 450 pounds. This was a high price for the time and reflects the belief that the area would prosper. In fact, it did for a time; John Clydesdale resold the property 4 years later to Peter Clark for 669 pounds. Peter Cark, a stonemason, replaced the wooden building with a 12-roomed, slate roofed, two-storey hotel of brick and bluestone.

Clark was the father-in-law of both David and Margaret McConachy. Like so many places in those early days, the Bridge Inn did not continue to flourish.

1872 - George McConachy and family outside the Bridge Inn, Modewarre that was the being used as a General Store.

Copyright © - Stewart Robert McConachy 2016 – NO unauthorised use or reproduction permitted 22 The main road did not go past, and business was affected by the appearance of the local Temperance Society. By 1861 business had declined and Peter Clark mortgaged the inn and the adjacent 33 acres to William McMullen for 400 pounds. Two years later in 1863, after repaying that mortgage, Clark disappeared. The Geelong Advertiser reported that the local magistrate had cancelled the Bridge Inn licence, Peter Clark having disappeared to parts unknown. William McMullen, a Geelong spirit merchant, then became owner, reviving the licence in 1864, with Thomas Cameron as licensee.

The Bridge Inn at Modewarre was the local meeting place, following the tradition of the homeland. One of the social events was the local ploughing competition using a single furrow plough with a pair of horses or a team of bullocks. Ploughing matches were popular in the 1860s, encouraging skill in farming. In many places, they were the forerunner of the agricultural show. The Geelong Advertiser of 1865 tells of the Modewarre Ploughing Competition held at McConachy’s paddock beside the Bridge Inn. The competitors worked with either Hornsby or Sellers ploughs, competing for cash prizes. Other sporting events were also organised, and a dinner was held in the evening at the Lady of the Lake Hotel.

Cameron’s efforts to carry on the inn as a licensed hotel were unsuccessful, and the licence lapsed once again. George McConachy, the local storekeeper, leased the premises from William McMullen and transferred his business to the Bridge Inn. He purchased the property in 1872 for 340 pounds, and continued trading there until his departure for Echuca in 1879. George then leased the inn to Mrs E. Wright until its eventual sale in 1885 to William Crutch for 371 pounds. This sale was the final chapter in the Clark & McConachy association with the Bridge Inn. It also completed a full circle in that the Crutch family once again became owners of the block they had sold in 1853.

Geelong - Before the Gold Rush

The Geelong that Thomas and his family knew was a thriving, bustling settlement. By 1850 the town had recovered from the depression which gripped the entire colony during the 1840s. Development in South Geelong came to a standstill. The bay area was now the focal point for business. Market Square, the centre of business interests, was situated at the bottom of Moorabool Street hill. During the winter, the square became a quagmire, almost impossible to cross on foot. Despite repeated petitions on this subject, it was to be the middle of the 1850s before the Town Council could carry out a satisfactory street programme.

Thomas and Margaret, coming from crowded Ireland, preferred the ‘other side of town’. Their Oxford Street block was in a rural setting, and even the Richmond Place area was relatively undeveloped. Geelong gained some measure of independence in 1850 when the Corporation of Geelong was formed. At the council elections James Harrison, editor of the Geelong Advertiser recorded the most votes, but when the council held its first meeting Alexander Thomson was elected mayor. These two men were bitter rivals. Their opinions differed on almost all issues. There was also rivalry between Melbourne and Geelong for the honour or leading town in the colony. By 1848 Geelong had outstripped Melbourne in the value of exports, 339,000 pounds compared with 230,000 pounds. In 1848, the Geelong Advertiser declared that Geelong was ‘the commercial capital and therefore must be regarded as the pivot on which the commercial world turned’.

1. Richmond Place – home of Thomas & Margaret McConachy – 1856 to 60 2. Oxford Street – home of Thomas & Margaret McConachy – 1854 to 55 3. Fyans Street – five houses owned by Thomas McConachy 4. Corio Street – site of Lighton Brothers grocery store 5. The first St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church completed in 1842 6. Wesleyan school attended by the McConachy family – 1845 7. Limeburner’s Point 8. Three houses purchased by Lavinia Lighton – 1854 9. Breakwater - constructed – 1840 10. Eastern Cemetery – burial site of Thomas and Margaret McConachy

Away from the town proper, the suburbs of Newtown and Ashby which had been in existence since 1841 became more densely populated. This led to the development of Chilwell and Little Scotland. Construction of the Barwon Bridge, opened the area to the south. Alexander Thomson subdivided his Belmont estate, and John Highett offered lots in the village of Highton. Between 1846 and 1851 the population increased fourfold from 2,065 to 8,291.

The term ‘pivot’ lingers on in Geelong to this day. For Geelong exports to exceed those of Melbourne, despite two drawbacks was a remarkable achievement. These were the absence of customs facilities and the presence of a sandbar at Point Henry which prevented large ships from docking in Geelong. This made the shipping of wool difficult. During the wool season, long lines of drays could be seen lining the Point Henry road. Customs had to be cleared through Williamstown until 1848. In 1856 a new and larger Customs House was built in Geelong. For the restoration of this customs house 127 years later, Alan Willingham (Margaret line) received the 1983 Royal Australia Institute of Architects Award for outstanding architecture in the field of Restoration. Thomas and his family attended St Andrew’s Church. The Presbyterians in Geelong had completed their own church in Yarra Street in 1842. Parts of this building, the oldest work of masonry in Geelong, are still in use today as St John’s Lutheran Church. It is situated opposite the Geelong Fire Station in Yarra Street. Andrew Love was the first resident clergyman in the town. It was he who officiated at the marriages of David, Robert, Margaret, George and Eliza Jane.

Separation of Victoria

November 1850 was a great time of rejoicing in Victoria. The Act of Parliament allowing for the formation of Victoria as a separate colony from New South Wales had been passed. The date set for the declaration of the colony of Victoria was 1 January 1851. Celebrations were held in Geelong. Homes and businesses were illuminated, special sports meetings, horse races and street parades were held. The Geelong Advertiser, Thursday 21 November 1850, records the celebration Sports and Games held two days previously. Included was a report of the men’s hurdle race.

The sixth event was the Hurdle Race – eight leaps, once around the Cricket Ground, a distance of 500 yards. Some of the leaps were ‘raspers’, particularly the one at coming in, which was approached by an ascent, and was the most difficult leap of the whole. The prize for this event was 3 pounds, and the entrance 3 shillings. There were four competitors, three of whom took the first four leaps abreast, thus making the affair very interesting; at the fifth leap, they fell; but McConachy took it cleverly, as also the remainder, and won the race without showing the least distress. In fact, he ran the course in a fairer manner than any of the others and appeared to be playing himself the whole time, for after jumping the fifth hurdle, he saluted one or two of his friends as he passed them.

Just who was this McConachy? Our ancestors were the only McConachy family in or near Geelong at that time. John was 34, David 32 and George only 15. The athlete was either Samuel, or maybe Robert.

Geelong in the 1850s was a town caught up in gold rush fever. Despite many citizens leaving for the gold fields, there was still a population explosion during the remainder of the decade. The census of 1854 shows the inhabitants numbered 20,106 compared to 8,291 in 1851. Several members of our family went to the diggings but like thousands of other, lack of ‘find’ forced them to return to their secure occupations. Because of the gold rush, wages trebled between 1851 and 1853 and labourers were in short supply, particularly for harvest. It was in this climate that Thomas and his sons moved onto the land at Modewarre and beyond.

Thomas in South Geelong

During the late 1840s, the first register of householders and their dwellings appeared. This was the local government Burgess Roll, listing those men eligible to vote. It was many years before women were given the vote. It is in these rolls we can pick up the story of Thomas and the location of his home in South Geelong. No street name is given. In 1854 he moved to Breakwater. This was to Oxford Street blocks which he had exchanged with Hamilton for part of Section 4, Modewarre in 1853. Life in Oxford Street was removed from the life that Thomas and Margaret had become accustomed to during the 15 years they had been in South Geelong. With advancing age, they missed the community involvement which had become part of their lives. Within 2 years they moved back to South Geelong although still retaining the Oxford Street property.

During these years, Thomas’s income was partly derived from the five houses which he owned and rented on the corner of Fyans and Victoria Streets. This block of houses commenced on that corner and extended down Victoria Street in the direction of the Barwon River. They were paling houses built on blocks with a frontage of 25 feet each and a depth of 56 feet. They were typical of suburban dwellings built during the 1850s. Despite land being plentiful, these small dwellings reflected the thinking and lifestyle of the old world.

On his return to South Geelong, Thomas lived on 3 acres near Richmond Place (see map). The site is also described in the Burgess Rolls as off Verner Street. The Geelong City Council rate books show the house as a four-roomed weatherboard dwelling. The rates of 15 shillings per annum were payable half yearly. Thomas remained here until his death in 1860 from colonial fever. He was buried at the Geelong Eastern Cemetery. The grave site was at one-time market by

Copyright © - Stewart Robert McConachy 2016 – NO unauthorised use or reproduction permitted 26 an iron fence and headstone. Over the years, this headstone was destroyed, and descendants became unsure of the actual grave site. Fortunately, in 1982 the sexton, Fred Warren (Robert line), discovered Presbyterian Church record cards in the ceiling of the cemetery lodge. Among them was the original card relating to Thomas and Margaret’s grave, giving the exact location. At the 1983 McConachy Reunion, a bronze plaque giving details of their lives was unveiled by George McConachy and dedicated by the Rev. G.A. Wood. The plaque securely affixed to a stone from the Winchelsea area, now marks the grave site. Let solidly into concrete, it should remain a lasting memorial to our common ancestors (see Page iii at beginning of this book).

Will of Thomas McConachy - died 11 May 1860

I, Thomas McConachy of South Geelong in the County of Grant and Colony of Victoria, Gentleman of sound and disposing mind and do hereby make and declare this to be my last Will and Testament in the manner following that is to say in the first place fully paid and satisfied. And after payment thereof I give and bequeath unto my lawful and beloved wife Margaret McConachy all my goods, chattels ready money effects and other my estate whatsoever and wheresoever both real and personal for the term of her natural live to enjoy the same without molestation or hindrance and after he decease I give and bequeath unto my son William McConachy his Administrators Executors or Assigns all my land situate at Modewarre in the County of Grant, Colony of Victoria being portion of land consisting of Fifty four acres being the same more or less.

I also give and bequeath unto my sons John McConachy, David McConachy, Samuel McConachy, Robert McConachy, and George McConachy, and also my daughters Margaret Clark and Eliza Jane Lighton their Administrators Executors or Assigns, all my property consisting of five houses and land in Fyans Street South Geelong, County of Grant, Colony of Victoria. Also, all my property consisting three acres of land more or less. Also, dwelling house situate Oxford Street, East Geelong. Parish of Moolap, County of Grant, Colony of Victoria. The above-named properties to be sold after the decease of my wife Margaret McConachy and the proceeds thereof equally divided among my sons and daughters John McConachy, David McConachy, Samuel McConachy, Robert McConachy and George McConachy also Margaret Clark and Eliza Jane Lighton their Administrators, Executors or Assigns.

And I do hereby nominate, constitute and appoint Mr. Richard Coverdale, farmer near Cowies Creek and Mr Samuel Lighton of Corio Street, Geelong, Grocer, Executors of this my Will hereby revoking and making void all former and other Wills by me at any time herefore made to declare this Will to be my last Will and Testament.

None of Thomas’s holdings were disposed of immediately after his death as his wife Margaret was left a life interest in them. However, in 1869, with the permission of Margaret, the executors of the will sold the Oxford Street property. It was not until after her death in 1880 that the Fyans and Victoria Streets houses were sold.

Margaret, widowed at 68, apparently lived on in Geelong. She died at Mirnee at the home of her son Robert in 1880. Aged 88, she was believed to be the oldest women in Victoria.

Copyright © - Stewart Robert McConachy 2016 – NO unauthorised use or reproduction permitted 27 South Geelong can be said to be the home of the McConachy family in Australia. It was here that Thomas bought his family in the early days when the settlement was in its infancy. From here is sons and daughters branched out and went their separate ways. During the entire history of our family there have always been close ties with South Geelong. A glance at the map shows the proximity to one another of the Fyans Street blocks, Richmond Place and even Oxford Street. Many years after the death of Thomas and Margaret, the corners of Bellerine and Balliang Streets in the heart of South Geelong became a community of McConachys. In the photograph shown, we can see the shop owned by Bessie McConachy (daughter of Robert) in 1912. To the right of the picture is the home where David McConachy (son of Robert) reared his family. The vacant blocks in the background were built on, and David’s two sons Jack and Allan lived there. Not shown in the picture are the other two corners, owned by Bessie McConachy, one of which was occupied by Les and Lena Pilley. The shop itself was later owned by Roy Pilley (Robert line).

Bellerine Street was also the home of the Lighton family.

Samuel Lighton lived here prior to his marriage to Eliza Jane McConachy. The Lighton property later became part of the ‘Comunn Na Feinne Hotel’. The Comunn Na Feinne Club was formed in 1856 by a group of people of Scottish origin. Its activities were numerous, including the annual Highland Gathering at Richmond Place.

Many of the streets of South Geelong at one time or another housed the descendants of Thomas and Margaret, Foster, Maude, Mundy, Bellerine, Balliang, Fyans and Verner are all names with which the family are familiar.

Bellerine street was also the home of the Lighton family.

William and Thomas

Thomas McConachy (Junior) was 16 when he arrived in Australia. No record can be found of him after his arrival. He was not eligible to vote and was too old to attend school. Compulsory registration of deaths did not occur until 1851. He is listed as deceased on his father’s death certificate of 1860. As no death certificate exists for him we conclude he died prior to 1851.

The Portland Guardian of 29 December 1848 reports:

Copyright © - Stewart Robert McConachy 2016 – NO unauthorised use or reproduction permitted 28 FATAL ACCIDENT – We regret to hear that a young lad, employed as a stockkeeper on the station of Mr Munro, in riding after cattle, a day or two since, received such a contusion, by his horse clashing him against a tree, that, on arriving at the station, he soon afterwards died. His name we understand is McChonocie.

(The spelling of the name does not appear on any records. It is obviously misspelt). Is this our Thomas? Munro’s station, known as the Crawford Run, was along the Crawford Rover. John, eldest brother of Thomas moved from Portland to the Woodford Inn in 1849. He gave his address as ‘care of Munro’s’. The Woodford Inn was on the Glenelg River and adjoined Crawford Station. Another newspaper of the time, the Portland Gazette gives a similar report but adds that the accident happened near the Woodford Inn (John McConachy’s hotel). This death was not recorded nor was any inquest held. If the report did refer to our Thomas, he would have been 23 years old.

William (born 1820) has also been the reason for much research with inconclusive results. In his father’s will, he was singled out to inherit the 54 acres of land at Modewarre. The other children were to share equally the money from the sale of his houses and town blocks in Geelong. We wonder why William received land and not money. Perhaps his father was concerned that William, unlike his brothers, was not continually increasing his holdings of land. As well as 54 acres, William owned an additional 50 acres at Modewarre. It appears William didn’t live on this land continually as rate records from the Barrabool Shire show the rates as being paid for by either George or David, his brothers, or a Mrs McConachy who could have been his mother, or his wife if he was married.

There is no entry in old church records of William marrying. Government records from 1851, when registration of marriages became compulsory, show no entry for William either. He has no known descendants and there are no references to him in old birthday books which have been passed down from generation to generation.

A death certificate was issued in the name of William McConachy (alias Bill the Bruiser) for a shearer who died following a drunken fight over a nobbler of whisky in Camperdown on 11 July 1864. Strangely, all the witnesses were too far away to stop the fight but close enough to distinctly see the deceased ‘trip and hit his head on a stone’ thus clearing the accused. He was identified by William Butters, also a shearer, who had worked with him at the property of Mr Neil Black (M.L.C. who owned several properties in the Camperdown district), 14 years previously. This does not seem a very positive identification. After 14 years, William Butters could easily have been confused. The death certificate does not give any details of parents, children, place of birth or state of marriage.

It seems certain that his William McConachy is NOT our William. Three years later in 1867, William signed a petition requesting an extension of the railway from Geelong to Colac. In 1869 he signed for stock he collected from the Barrabool Shire pound.

William sold both of his Modewarre blocks, one to James Crutch (son of John Crutch) on 8 May 1869 for 185 pounds, of which 140 pounds was paid to his brother George, and the other on 13 March 1875 to George for 170 pounds of which 10 pounds was paid to his mother, thus clearing his mortgages. The 1875 sale is the last definite placement of William we have found.

Copyright © - Stewart Robert McConachy 2016 – NO unauthorised use or reproduction permitted 29 Why did ‘Bill the Bruiser’ have the name ‘McConachy’ when our family was the only McConachy family in Victoria? Perhaps it was convenient for ‘Our William’ to give his identity to a corpse and take the name of a dead man. This is only supposition, but whatever happened to ‘Our William’, he was not buried under his correct name in any of the eastern states of Australia.

The only other reference to a William McConachy is in 1862 when he was licensee of the Albion Hotel at 46 Sturt Street, Ballarat. Gold fever was still running high in Ballarat in 1860, although everything was much more orderly than ten years earlier and the ‘canvas hotels’ had closed down. However, there were still far too many hotels for the population, there being seven in Ballarat with the name Albion. William advertises as providing a home delivery service with the best beers, wines and spirits.

Perhaps one day, as more old records are released, further research may fill our scant picture of the life of Thomas and Margaret’s third son.

Based on current research, William travelled to New Zealand under the name he used when he came to Australia – ‘William McAnulty’. This has come to light from George McConachy (David Line) based in Palmerston NZ, who knows Colleen Strawbridge, who is a descendant of William. We have spoken with Colleen and she confirms the story about her ancestor ‘William McAnulty’ who was originally a McConachy that travelled to Geelong from Ireland under an assumed name. He told his family that he never changed his name back to McConachy prior to moving to New Zealand. WATCH THIS SPACE

The Smallwood Connection – updated family tree on our website

Mary Smallwood (nee McConachy) was accidentally burned to death at Devenish, near Benalla, on 19 February 1889. At the Coronial Inquiry, it was revealed “Mary aged 89 was in the habit of using tobacco”. It was thought her cap caught fire after lighting her pipe. Evidence was given that screams were heard from her room when the family were in the dairy. By the time, they got to her, it was too late. She was engulfed by flames and died.

Who was Mary Smallwood? Members of the McConachy family knew the Smallwoods were their relatives. The exact relationship is uncertain but it seems likely Mary was a sister of our Thomas.

Mary Smallwood and her three children, Thomas, John and Mary, came from the Parish of Cumber, County Derry, Northern Ireland, arriving in Melbourne on 4 January 1854 on board the ‘Birmingham’. They were unassisted migrants, therefore paid their own passage. It appears Mary was widowed prior to 1854. This would account for her migrating to Australia to be with her relatives.

On arrival in Victoria, Thomas and Mary Smallwood went to Modewarre with their mother. This was of course where some of the McConachy sons were farming. John Smallwood went to Aireys Inlet and worked on the station there with Robert McConachy.

Copyright © - Stewart Robert McConachy 2016 – NO unauthorised use or reproduction permitted 30 Thomas Smallwood farmed at Modewarre, and in 1863 married Jane Wells. Jane was the eldest daughter of David and Martha Wells from Workington, Cumberland, England. Thomas and Jane Smallwood had a family of five children, two boys and three girls. In 1872, Thomas applied to the Barrabool Shire to open a general store at Mount Moriac. By the time this application was granted in 1873, Thomas had died of consumption. His wife and two of his daughters died a short time later leaving the remaining 3 children, John, David and Mary Jane, to be raised by other family members. George McConachy, witness at Thomas’s burial and executor to his will, eventually sold the property in 1892. Of Thomas’s three remaining children, John (Jack) born in 1864, married but did not have any family. He became a grocer and had a large grocery store at Fairfield. David, born in 1866 was a talented violinist but died at an early age. He lived for a time at Minto Lodge, Gherang Gherang. Mary Jane, born in 1867, married Gustav Schwarze at Clifton Hill, Melbourne on Christmas Day 1890. John Smallwood, in his biography in Victoria and Its Metropolis, worked at Aireys Inlet for 27 years. He later rented land at Modewarre where he farmed with his brother Thomas, before moving to Devenish in 1875. Here, John selected 291 acres and rented a further 227 acres. With his wife, Annie, he ran a dairy farm as well as grazing some sheep, cattle and horses. John was secretary of the Devenish Butter Factory in 1889. It was largely due to the persistence of John Smallwood that State School No. 2124 Devenish East was opened in March 1879, in the leased Primitive Methodist Chapel. We have re-established contact with descendants of the Smallwood family. Of Thomas Smallwood’s five children, only Mary had descendants. She married Gustav Schwarze whom we believe was an engineer in the German Navy, but legally left it in Melbourne to marry Mary. They lived in Manningtree Road, Hawthorn, where Mary conducted a laundry business employing 14 girls. Laundry work in those days meant starching almost everything, and ironing with black flat irons heated on a stove. Gustave drove Melbourne’s cable trams. Their daughter Ida married Gerald Cadogan-Cowper, an English soldier who had fought in South Africa and Mexico. Gerald came from Canada to Australia on the Zealandia in 1913. Shortly after their marriage, Gerald joined the Australian Army and was at the Gallipoli landing. Wounded, he returned to England where he joined the Royal Flying Corps. Flying dominated the rest of his life. Returning to Australia he managed the Glenroy Aerodrome. He was the first sky writer in Melbourne. He also gave flying exhibitions which included picking up a handkerchief from the ground with the plane’s wing tip. Ida and Gerald had two children, Frank and Gwen. Frank as a choir boy won a scholarship to St Thomas’, later to become Essendon Grammar School. His working life was in the automotive equipment industry. He became interested in Heraldry and Genealogy and claimed the arms to which he was entitled.

He is now a recognised authority on Heraldry. Frank was a founder of the Box Hill branch of the Australian Institute of Genealogical Studies. Because of his interest in Genealogy, contact was re-established with descendants of Mary Smallwood (nee McConachy). Frank’s sister Gwen loved horses and travelling.

While travelling Australia in 1972, she died in Cairns.

1921 - The first plane at Alice Springs. Gerald Cowper (2nd from Right) piloted Sir Sidney Kidman (right) known as the Cattle King

One of the many casualties of the bush fires that destroyed much of the Otways during February 1983 was the Aireys Inlet Bart Hut. Known as Pearse’s Hut, it was of interest to the descendants of Robert McConachy who married Sarah Pearse and of Annie McConachy (David line) who married Thomas Pearse.

Sarah and Thomas were children of Thomas Butson Pearse who in partnership with Robert McConachy purchased the lease of Anglohawk Run on 1 September 1852. The hut was one of the first shelters they erected. All the buildings on Anglohawk were destroyed in the ‘Black Thursday’ fires of 6 February 1851 so it was necessary for Thomas and Robert to rebuild the station improvements. By 19 January 1853, they could apply to the Surveyor General for 640 acres of freehold. A tracing of the area claimed was included and shows that in the 4 months they had occupied the Run, a slab house, two huts and a stable had been erected. It seems certain that one of the huts marked was what is now known as Pearse’s Hut, its position being consistent with one shown on the 1853 tracing.

Thomas and Robert chose the site of their homestead and improvements carefully. The Black Thursday fires made them aware of how vulnerable slab and bark dwellings were. They therefore built where nature afforded the best protection from fires. The site was protected on the northern and western sides by the Painkalac Creek and a freshwater swamp, and on the south, by the sea. That a structure such as a bark hut survived for 131 years in an era notoriously prone to bush fires, is a tribute to their foresight. The problem with using readily available material such as slabs and bark was their highly flammable nature. In particular, use of bark and thatch for roofing purposes was frowned upon. As long ago as 1838, regulations forbade their usage in homes.

Bark Hut, Aireys Inlet. From an original sketch by D. Watson. The Bark Hut was restored by both McConachy’s & Pearse’s

Copyright © - Stewart Robert McConachy 2016 – NO unauthorised use or reproduction permitted 32 Nevertheless, for reasons expediency, our ancestors were obliged to use what materials were available locally. Stringy bark poles and rafters, joined with hand-made nails were used in the framework. The bark was treated to prevent shrinkage and then weighted to flatten it. Green timber ties were used to affix the bark to the frame. The floor was of packed earth, there were holes for windows and a fireplace at one end. Early photographs show that the chimney was of wooden construction. The hut was 22 feet long, 11 feet 8 inches wide and 5 feet to the eaves.

An example of pioneer resourcefulness was the use of a bottle as a door hinge. The bottle was set upside down in the earth and the timber door swung, using the base of the bottle as a pivot. Zinc lining of the roof, obtained from tea chests, made the hut waterproof. By the 1890s, a brick chimney had replaced the wooden one and corrugated iron was placed over the bark roof.

Who occupied the hut? It seems certain that Thomas Pearse, who by 1853 had several children would have lived in the homestead. Possibly Robert lived there and for a time shared the hut with his cousin, John Smallwood. John, son of Mary Smallwood (nee McConachy) worked on Anglohawk Station from 1854 to 1856.

Tradition within the McConachy family holds that Robert lived there before and for several years after his marriage to Sarah Pearse. The hut has been part of McConachy folklore. It was used for many years by Robert and his descendants while on fishing trips to Aireys Inlet. When living at Mirnee, Robert and Sarah holidayed annually at Aireys Inlet. Departing at 5 a.m. they halted for breakfast about halfway, by a creek which became known as Breakfast Creek. The creek is still known locally by this name.

The hut was restored by the Barrabool Shire in 1979 and classified ‘B’ by the National Trust. It was designated No. 269 in the register of historic buildings. The following is an extract from the building citation:

The Bark Hut at Angahook homestead near Airey’s Inlet is perhaps the only authenticated bark clad bush timber frame structure of the mid- nineteenth century in Victoria and certainly the most important illustration of primitive vernacular in bark in this State. The structure survives in near original condition with much of the old bark sheeting preserved. Of great interest is the zinc sheet used for internal lining, primitive bush timber carpentry and brick fireplace.

Since the 1983 fires, the Barrabool Shire in conjunction with the Pearse and McConachy families, has erected a replica of the hut. The chimney erected in the 1890s using hand-made bricks still stands and is part of the reconstruction.

Portland

Portland Bay is recognised as the site of the first permanent settlement in Victoria. By 1830 many Tasmanian settlers had made requests to the government of New South Wales for permission to graze their cattle in the district of Port Phillip. These requests were refused. In 1833 Edward Henty visited the whaling station of Portland Bay where Captain William Dutton was in charge of the many activities associated with whaling. Henty, with his brothers, returned the

Copyright © - Stewart Robert McConachy 2016 – NO unauthorised use or reproduction permitted 33 following year and squatted on the land surrounding the bay. The Henty settlement was without government permission and, Portland Bay, for the next few years, continued to develop with blatant disregard for the law.

In June 1839, Captain Foster Fyans Police Magistrate at Geelong, accompanied by three policemen trekked overland to Portland to investigate rumours of lawlessness. Fyans reported to Governor La Trobe ‘… The population amount to about 293 Europeans … From the appearance of the men about the place I conclude they are a bad lot of ruffians …’ He goes on to make recommendations ‘…There must be a Police Magistrate appointed with three constables and three mounted police which would be a means of checking the absconders, and would also be the means of keeping the community in decent order …’.

Fyan’s recommendations were implemented and James Blair, Police Magistrate, arrived in Portland Bay on 31 October 1840. He immediately appointed the first two policemen, Thomas Smith and Sam O’Grady, both ex-convicts. Governor La Trobe was not happy with these appointments and instructed Blair to employ only men who were both literate and free men. With a shortage of labour at the bay this order was not easy to fulfil. In December 1841, Governor La Trobe sent Thomas Adamson to replace Smith, and Thomas Finn came from Bathurst to fill the position of Chief Constable. On 28 April 1842 Blair appointed John McConachy, a recently arrived free settler, as an ordinary constable at a wage of 3 shillings per day. Blair ruled as a dictator, enforcing the law with great enthusiasm and imposing maximum penalties. The Police Magistrate’s Books of the 1840s record many seemingly trivial cases, such things as absconding from employers and infringing the Dog and Goat Act of 1834. It is with the latter act that John McConachy is charged by one of his fellow constables, for allowing his goats to stray in the town on 17 February 1848. The case was dismissed as the charging officer inadvertently recorded the incorrect date. One wonders if this was a favour to a fellow member of the police force. Portland developed rapidly during the 1840s as the settlement hoped to become the central town of Port Phillip. Schools, churches, hotels, businesses and societies sprang up rapidly, each anxious to establish a substantial building. The Episcopalian (Anglican) Church opened the first school in Portland, teachers being Mr and Mrs Hedditch. As soon as the Episcopalian Church was built in 1843 the school moved there, and the room doubled as a church and school. It is at this school the 1845 returns for education show Mary and David McConachy, children of Constable John McConachy attending. However, the McConachy family still adhered to the Church of Scotland (Presbyterian). In 1843 a public meeting was held to appoint trustees and raise funds for a Presbyterian building. John McConachy subscribed five shillings (almost two days’ pay) to this fund.

By 1848 the population of Portland was nearing one thousand. J.C. Hamilton in his book Pioneering Days in Western Victoria describes it: ‘… Portland at the time of our visit was a nice compact town built mostly of stone. Some of the business places were Messrs. Crouch and Trangmar, iron merchants. The drapers were Messrs. Muir, Smith and Hutchinson; saddler John Finnigan … Mr Bermingham carried on a tan yard … Dr. Sutherland had a fine practice, and a very pretty, nicely arranged chemist shop. The Revd. Thos. Elyord Richardson has resigned his charge as Presbyterian Minister and established the ‘Portland Guardian’. It was to this town in 1848 Samuel McConachy came from Geelong to join his elder brother, John.

No doubt the most famous person to have carried the McConachy name was Clark McConachy M.B.E. World Billiards Champion 1951 - 68. Taking up the sport at 14, he had made a break of 1,083 off the red by the age of 19 and won his first New Zealand professional title at only 21.

Born at Glenorchy on the South Island of New Zealand, Clark grew up at Timaru where his father had a billiards saloon. Clark learned the game from his father and eldest brother George. Visitors to the saloon wanting to challenge his father Peter to a game of billiards often received the reply that he was busy, but the lad would have a game. They were invariably beaten and left the table with considerable respect for young Clark.

After gaining a name for himself as ‘The Boy Champion Billiard Player’, he was invited to play in Australia and went on to tour the world playing billiards. His first major tour was in the early 1920s. He was accompanied by his wife, his eldest child March and his brother Stead as business manager. This tour took him through Australia, India, South Africa and Britain, before returning home 2½ years later. While on tour he played Fred Weiss, Tommy Reece, Willie Smith, Tom Newman and Fred Lindrum among other well-known billiard champions. Clark was the first player to make two consecutive breaks of over 1,000. The highlight of his career was defeating John Barrie in 1951 to take the world championship. A true professional, Clark trained regularly to keep fit. A non-smoker and total abstainer, he took regular early morning exercise including skipping, ball punching, running and eye exercises. He realised the need to keep at his physical peak in the same way as those competing in one of the traditional athletic sports.

Clark spent his life touring the world, competing and giving exhibition matches, including many with Walter Lindrum. In 1932 he was also a finalist in the World Snooker Championships. A finalist many times in world billiards title events, it was nearly 20 years before he achieved the title of World Champion. In 1932 he first beat his most difficult opponent, Walter Lindrum, at the same time making a world record of 1,927 under the baulk line rule. For several years, Clark played in the television series ‘Pot Black’.

For relaxation Clark’s hoppy was fishing and it was said that he wielded the fishing line as skilfully as he wielded a billiard cue. Once he caught a 500-pound shark from the stern of a liner berthed at Suva, using a steel rod he had made himself. The battle lasted 2 hours and bets were laid by passengers as to who or what would give up first, the shark, Clark or the rod. The rod bent, Clark tired and the shark surrendered and was hauled onto the wharf.

In his retirement, Clark gave exhibition matches, the profits going to charity. He promoted the game by giving free coaching to youngsters. He was made a Member of the British Empire in the 1964 Queen’s Birthday Honours. This award was not for his brilliant billiards career. It was for his outstanding service to charity over many years, much of which received little or no publicity.

Clark McConachy - MBE - World Billiards Champion and his wife Gertrude. Keith McConachy 1912 - 1983

Many members of the Clan know Keith from the David line, as the character who wore a Robertson tartan kilt to the 1981 reunion. But few know of the adventurous life he led. His own scrap book tells the story. Keith’s life was full of adventure and danger, but his greatest love was aeroplanes. With his brother, Robert, Keith at the age of 26, designed and built his own aircraft. The two young McConachy brothers worked on the plane behind a shop in the Melbourne suburb of Brunswick in the late 1930s. They expected to put the plane in the air for less than 50 pounds. Keith and Robert both had A-class passenger-carrying certificates. The cost of hiring practice planes was prohibitive, so the solution was to build their own. The two-seater monoplane they constructed was slightly smaller than the Moth aircraft. They scoured the second-hand market looking for parts, purchasing a second-hand 75-horsepower motor for 15 pounds, and spans for the wings from a crashed plane.

Particularly in the years leading up to the Second World War, flying was often hazardous, and reports of crashes were frequent. Keith survived several forced landings spanning many years. In 1940, a plane he owned made a forced landing in a paddock near Deer Park, Melbourne. Once when testing a plane, the rigging failed. Another time, the engine failed on take-off, and the plane finished up on a fence. On 10 January 1955, Keith bounced a Moth Minor he was piloting over a fence into a forced landing near Cranbourne, Victoria, when the plane lost power after a piston seized.

Copyright © - Stewart Robert McConachy 2016 – NO unauthorised use or reproduction permitted 36 In his lifetime, Keith McConachy achieved much more than flying planes. Before W.W.II, he was a welterweight boxing champion. In the early 1930s, he was welterweight champion of Western Australia with a record of 40 wins, three losses and two draws. He won his last fight when he defeated Joe Murray in five rounds of a scheduled 15-round contest in what newspaper reporters described as ‘one of the toughest fights seen’. Keith played interstate rugby, and represented Victoria in that sport in 1937. He also was a champion dirt track rider.

Perhaps because he loved adventure, Keith joined the R.A.A.F. well before the outbreak of W.W II. When war came, Keith was in charge of an RAAF training school. Declared medically unfit for flying, Keith joined the AIF commandos. He served with the ‘Kanga’ Force 2/7 Independent Commandos. Their service included the first phase of the Owen Stanleys campaign. An abstract of Keith’s hospital records states:

… He gives a very vivid description of the horrors of the Kokoda Trail, Buna and Gona and other early New Guinea campaigns. He describes many atrocities he has witnessed. In October 1942, he was shot through the right shoulder by a Jap sniper and was hospitalised. The hospital was bombed and he received shrapnel wounds to the left neck and eye … Being medically unfit for further duty Keith was honourably discharged. Even after this Keith would not accept a quiet life. He was soon back in the war this time as a member of the Merchant Navy. When his ship was bombed in the southwest Pacific he was hurled from the deck to the engine room by the blast from one of the bombs. After 3 months in hospital, he joined another ship. Because of his efforts in the war, Keith was presented with an Award of Merit and the Pacific Star. He was also awarded two American decorations. In 1944 he received a Royal Humane Society Award for an Act of Gallantry. On the 16th of September, 1943, he had rescued 5-year-old Norman Wood from drowning in the Yarra River near the Burnley Ferry.

Copyright © - Stewart Robert McConachy 2016 – NO unauthorised use or reproduction permitted 37 Keith McConachy, no doubt because of his training and experiences, could defend himself if he had to, against all comers. In his more senior years, and following heart attacks and heart surgery, he was still able to exert his authority. In 1973, aged 68, Keith witnessed some young men hurling cans around on the Chelsea beach. One young man broke a beer bottle. When Keith suggested that they clean up the mess, the young man retorted, colourfully, ‘clean it up yourself!’ The right hook Keith gave him was enough to make sure the mess was no longer there. But Keith had a more gently side to his nature. At Christmas time, he used his beloved skills as a pilot to become a ‘flying Santa’ for Christmas parties for organisations like the Musicians’ Union of Moorabbin. The life of Keith McConachy, boxer, pilot and war veteran ended in 1983. His life is best summed up in the words of ‘The Airman’ hymn, taken from his scrap book: 1940 - Bob & Keith McConachy equipped for flying

When the last long flight is over And the happy landings past And my altimeter tells me That the crack-up come at last, I’ll swing her nose for the ceiling And I’ll give my crate the gun I’ll open her up and let her zoom For the Airport in the Sun, And the Great God of flying men Will smile at me, sort of slow And I’ll stow my crate in the hanger On the field where fliers go. Then I’ll look upon his face The Almighty Flying Boss Whose wingspread fills the heavens From the Orion to the Cross.

1940 – Clark McConachy Ploughing at ‘Bellevue’ Seed Drill at Wensleydale

Haystack at Buckley Ern McConachy driving a Reaper Tractor & Header owned by Jack Prowse

1927 - Ron and George McConachy raking grass hay at 1946 – ‘Bellevue’ stacking Grass Hay. Percy 1937 – Ted McConachy baling hay at Dick Schroeter’s farm. Cobden Cavigan and Clark McConachy in the foreground.

C: 1910 – Tim Schroeter and Bob McConachy 1917 - ‘Isis Downs’ Shearing shed

1917 – ‘Aramac Downs’ shearing contractor Sam McConachy Front Seat: George & W. George Freeman. Back Seat: Jessie, Isabella and Elizabeth.

Jack McConachy with his horse and dray.

1927 – Alf, Isabel & Cyril Christy 1890 – Blade shearing – Tom McConachy holding shears – Rear Centre.

FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH FIFTH SIXTH SEVENTH EIGHTH SPOUSES TOTAL

John 4 18 24 55 130 67 4 130 433

David 12 63 171 379 395 30 - 448 1499

William ------1

Thomas ------1

Samuel 12 27 38 88 50 2 - 107 325

Henry ------1

Robert 15 31 68 139 73 14 - 152 493

Margaret 7 21 56 132 152 11 - 147 527

George 10 52 103 236 134 6 - 224 766

Eliza 11 18 25 56 2 - - 47 160

71 230 485 1,084 936 130 4 1,255 4,206

In November 1841 John McConachy, his wife Jane (nee McGuinness) and their two children, Mary aged three and David two, travelled from Melbourne to Portland by the sailing ship Ellen and Elizabeth. They settled by the foreshore near the site which later became the Portland Court House. This was handy to the slab hut, which served as a police station, court house and telegraph office. John’s house was a slab dwelling with dirt floors. It was at this house the alarm was raised on 27 December 1842. A child had fallen down a disused well by the foreshore. The Portland Guardian reports John and another constable was able to rescue and revive the child who had been down the well for some time.

There are many references to John and his police duties in the Police Magistrates Book, and early Portland newspapers. Police Magistrate Blair was not popular in the town, so the job of the police constables working under him was a difficult one. The editor of the Portland Guardian, Thomas Wilkinson, was a strong critic of Blair and used his paper as a way of voicing his opinions. John McConachy came under the criticism of Wilkinson, in 1874 when in the company of Constable Finn, he arrested a man named Laurence Butler. Wilkinson claimed Butler had been wrongfully arrested because Finn held the warrant, but McConachy executed the arrest. Wilkinson, on behalf of Butler, complained to Governor La Trobe. This arrest was the subject of considerable correspondence to La Trobe. However, La Trobe, on receiving reports from the Police Office in Portland, dismissed the complaint.

In 1844 John and Jane had a daughter they named Margaret. She lived only a short time, so their next child, born in 1846 was also named Margaret. By the end of the 1840s John had established himself in Portland and began to look for investments for the future. He moved to the Woodford Inn, and on 14 August 1849 applied for a Publican’s Licence. This was granted, and John became the licensee of the Woodford Inn on the Glenelg River (now the site of the Dartmoor Police Station). Being on the route between Portland and Mount Gambier (later to become the Princes Highway), the inn was popular because it incorporated two punts. The previous owner, T.C. Strachan, had built them over the river in 1848. A small punt was provided for foot passengers and a larger one was used by teams and drays.

In Jun 1850 John submitted the following account to Governor La Trobe: 18th May 1850

John Smith and James Wilson - Constables

Dr to John McConachy Woodford Inn

May 6 2 Feeds Oats 3/- 2 Breakfasts 3/- 0.6.0 May 8 2 Feeds Oats 3/- 1 Dinner 1/6 0.4.6 0.10.6

1859 – John McConachy and his family outside the ‘Hotspur Hotel’ Mary (McConachy) and Henry McCombe

Henry 1862 – 1919 Samuel 1864 – 1903 Jack 1866 – 1895 Bella 1868 – 1902 Polly 1870 – 1927 Maggie 1873 - 1937 Bert 1876 - 1897

The Portland Police Station where John McConachy served as an ordinary Constable. The building was also the David 1860 – 1903 Alf 1880 -1959 Customs Office, Post Office, etc (Photo - J Wiltshire)

Two mounted police from Portland had stopped over at John’s Woodford Inn en route to and from Mount Gambier, where they had captured an escapee. The prisoner charged with committing rape at Mr Scott’s station on the Glenelg River, had escaped across the South Australian border.

John was foundation member of the Portland Masonic Lodge, being member number one on the register. He, with a group of others, attempted to start a Lodge in 1843 but it was not until 1849 that dispensation to form a lodge was granted. John was the foundation Junior Warden in 1850. He remained a member for the rest of his life, and in 1843 occupied the Master’s Chair. A board bearing John’s name hangs in the present Masonic Lodge. By 1852 John and his family were back in Portland. In February, 1852 he gave evidence about a mare and foal that had been stolen from him.

In those days’ horse stealing was considered a very serious crime. With the aid of a policy constable, John tracked the man almost to Port Fairy where they arrested him and recovered the horse. The transcript of this case is in the Police Magistrates Book now on display in the Portland Tourist Museum.

Hotspur

As land was made available by government auction, John invested in town blocks in Portland, Hamilton and Hotspur during the years 1852-5. It was at Hotspur he chose to build his Rising Sun Hotel in 1856 at a cost of 2,000 pounds, a considerable amount for that time. The R.K. Cole Index of Early Victorian Hotels, the Rising Sun consisted of 14 rooms with a detached kitchen, good stables, a garden and a 72-acre grassed paddock. Another 120 acres were set aside for cultivation. The hotel was sited near the crossing of the Crawford River, the route used by traffic bringing wool from the Horsham district to the Port of

Copyright © - Stewart Robert McConachy 2016 – NO unauthorised use or reproduction permitted 44 Portland. J.C. Hamilton, in his memoirs Pioneering Days in Western Victoria, recalls staying the night at Hotspur with Mr. McConachy (John) whom he had known previously. Just after leaving Hotspur the next morning, Hamilton was thrown heavily from his horse. Mr. McConachy caught the mare and helped him remount. Sadly, Hamilton never completely recovered from the injuries he received in that fall. The passing traffic through Hotspur was not as great as expected, and the hotel did not flourish as planned. To supplement his income John contracted to the Roads Board. The accounts of the Portland Roads Board include amounts paid to John McConachy: 1 December 1859, 10 pounds; 24 April 1860, 89 pounds; and 12 July 1860, 59 pounds.

Death of John

John remained in the Rising Sun Hotel until his death after collapsing from a heart attack in 1862. A maid saw him slumped on the floor but mistook him for a drunk and so did not summon help. His body was discovered the following morning. The hotel continued with his wife Jane, Phillip Scott and Thomas Smith as executors of his Will. It was eventually sold in 1865 for 600 pounds. The de-licensed hotel still stands at Hotspur and is now used as a private residence. The upper storey has been removed and the bar door bricked up. The detached kitchen was demolished many years earlier.

Jane remained in the area for some years. Both her daughters and several McGuinness relatives were living in the district. Jane, a devoted Christian, spent her evenings reading the Bible with a hand-held eyeglass. In her later years, she moved with her daughter Margaret Condon to Mount Gambier. She died there in 1895 aged 81 years. Two of their three children, Mary and Margaret, married into local families. David, the only son, did not marry, and for a time farmed at Hotspur. Working as a butcher at Casterton, he was bitten on the arm by a pig in 1981. The bite caused tetanus and he was taken to the Hamilton Hospital where he died shortly afterwards.

Mary (McConachy) McCombe 1838 - 1922

Mary was the first grandchild of Thomas and Margaret McConachy. Born in Claudy she came to Australia with her parents and grandparents at the age of three, the same age as her aunt, Eliza Jane. Mary’s childhood was spent at Portland, Woodford (Dartmoor) and Hotspur. Family folklore has it that Mary, given money by her father John McConachy to buy furniture for the Hotspur Hotel, eloped with her cousin Henry McCombe. They were married at the Portland Presbyterian Manse by the Rev. Samuel Kelso, a recently arrived Presbyterian minister. Her father, we believe, had forbidden the marriage. The authenticity of this story can never be proved but a copy of John’s Will reveals a codicil, added a year after Mary and Henry’s marriage. John revoked his gift to Mary by stating he had already made sufficient provision for her. Mary’s share went to her brother David. We believe Mary’s mother Jane (nee McGuinness) and Henry’s mother Mary (nee McGuinness) were sisters.

Mary’s husband, Henry McCombe, also from Derry, Ireland, had migrated at the age of 20 to Port Phillip Bay on the ship Grampian, arriving on 12 December 1852. His occupation was then recorded as merchant. He followed the gold rush without success and then joined the police force for a time before settling in Narrawong, on what was known as Acorns Farm. Henry and Mary built a sandstone house, quarrying the stone from nearby on their own property. They

Copyright © - Stewart Robert McConachy 2016 – NO unauthorised use or reproduction permitted 45 renamed the farm Blue Gums and lived there for the rest of their lives, raising nine children. Henry died in 1891, aged 49. Mary was a widow for 31 years. In her old age, she was cared for by her daughter, Mary Jane, who was always known to the family as Polly. All but three of Mary McCombe’s children had predeceased her when she passed away at Blue Gums on 25 April 1922.

Henry, Mary and five of their children, Sam, Jack, Polly, Maggie and Lucy are all buried at the Narrawong Cemetery. The remains of Blue Gums homestead still can be seen at Narrawong.

Of Mary and Heny McCombe’s 11 children, eight do not have any descendants. Sam and Jack remained at home and worked on the farm. Both suffered from consumption (tuberculosis) and died at the relatively young ages of 39 and 29 respectively. Bella appears to have spent some time in Melbourne. Her eldest brother David, in his account book of 1889, shows payment for Bella’s board at a girls’ hostel. She would have been 19 years old. In the 1890s she went to Western Australia, probably to her uncle Harry McCombe. There she married George Elliott. She died during the birth of her second child in 1902. Her elder child, Bert, then 2 years old, was sent back to Narrawong where he was cared for by his Aunty Polly. Mary Jane (Polly) had assumed the role of housekeeper at Blue Gums, Narrawong, for her elderly mother and unmarried brothers. Bert attended the Narrawong School and Polly was the only ‘mother’ he ever remembered. Because he suffered from uncontrollable fits Bert became difficult to manage. Polly died in 1927 and despite the Coroner’s finding of death caused by heart disease, Bert felt responsible for her death and died only a few months later, aged 27.

Mary and Henry’s eighth child, Herbert George, died at Jarrahdale, Western Australia in 1896, due to an accident with an axe while timber cutting. Charlie and Lucy, the ninth and tenth children, died in infancy. Alf, the youngest of Mary and Henry McCombe’s children, married but did not have any family. Like his elder brothers, Alf was a very good dancer. He and his wife Ethel lived in Portland where Alf drove a milk wagon for the Portland Butter Factory. After Ethel’s death, Alf moved to Melbourne to live with his nephew Clarrie McCombe. He died there in 1959, aged 80.

David McCombe the eldest McCombe child worked on the family farm until 1889 when he joined the Victoria Police Force, and was allotted the register number 4153. Police records show he performed duty at the following stations: Depot, Russell Street, South Wharf, Hamilton and Bendigo. David’s account books from 1889 until 1899 are preserved by his granddaughter Barbara Meehan. They reveal that on joining the force he purchased the following uniform: Helmet, 8 shillings 6 pence; trousers, 2 pounds; socks, 5 shillings; coat, 2 pounds and 10 shillings; boots, 15 shillings; badge, 1 shilling 6 pence; and jumper, 2 pounds and 10 shillings. His wages were 9 pounds 16 shillings per month. Other expenses included his 300-pound insurance policy with AMP, membership fees to the Loyal Order of Foresters and annual grazing fees of 6 pounds 9 shillings for his horse, Lucy. Following his marriage in 1899 he was stationed at Bendigo. He was injured while attempting to quell an uprising in the town. Never recovering from these injuries, he was discharged from the police force on 23 August 1902, suffering from consumption. His account books, however, reveal regular purchases of cough medicine since 1898 so it is probable his injuries aggravated a condition from which he was already suffering. David died at High Street, Ballarat, less than a year after his discharge from the police force. His wife Tilly, and three-year-old daughter Thelma, moved to live with Tilly’s parents at Rose Cottage, 11 Seymour Road, Elsternwick Melbourne. Thelma Mary McCombe attended a small private school conducted by a Mrs Hannaford. In her teenage years, she attended business college before being employed by the T.&G. Insurance Company, then in Little Collins Street, Melbourne. She married Clarrie McCombe, son of Henry and Louisa McCombe. They had a son Bruce and a daughter Barbara.

Copyright © - Stewart Robert McConachy 2016 – NO unauthorised use or reproduction permitted 46 Henry McCombe, the second son of Mary (nee McConachy) and Henry McCombe was born at a time when there was great interest in exploring inland Australia. Harry seems to be a product of his time, having an adventurous spirit. He commenced adult life by following his father into farming at Narrawong, where he married Susan Looker, daughter of a nearby farmer, Ephrain Looker. About 1895, with his brother William Herbert (Bert) went to Western Australia, where they worked cutting timber. Bert died in 1896 following an accident with an axe. The axe slipped from his hands, flew through the air and hit him in the middle of the back. This happened at Jarrahdale, many miles from medical attention and Bert bled to death before help could be summoned.

Harry’s wife Susan eventually joined him in 1906 taking all the children except Clarrie with her. Clarrie, the middle one of their five children remained in Narrawong with his grandmother. Harry moved frequently over the next 15 years, depending where there was work with the timber camps. This was known as ‘following the timber line’.

He eventually returned to Victoria and died at the Alfred Hospital, Melbourne in 1919, aged 56 years. His wife Susan remained in Western Australia. She married Thomas Westlake in 1933 so is buried in Perth under the name Susan Westlake.

Isabella ‘Belle’ Marjorie F McCombe, in 1906 went to the Western Australian town of Kurrania, from where timber was supplied for the Kalgoorlie mines. Her husband Jack O’Loughlin was a horse driver, all timber being carted by horse and dray. When the timber cut out, Belle and Jack joined a mobile timber camp at Kurawang which moved about every six months as the timber was cut out. All buildings including the school and store were prefabricated for easy dismantling and re-erection. In 1919, Belle, wanting a more stable life for her children moved to Bunbury with Annie, Harry, Eileen and Martin. Clarrie and his father continued to work the timber line and returned to the family at Bunbury for holidays.

The three sons all served in New Guinea during the war. Martin and Harry were both in the 2/16th Battalion A.I.F. Harry was killed in action in the Owen Stanley Ranges on 8 September 1942. Malcolm Uren in his book A Thousand Men at War describes the battle in which Harry was killed: ‘Fierce fighting and heavy casualties on both sides earned this section of the Kokoda Trail the bloody name of Butcher’s Hill’. Clarrie witnessed the surrender of the Japanese in New Guinea. The ceremony was on the Wom airstrip. Clarrie tells us that General Adachi did not want to give up his sword and eventually had is snatched from him.

Clarrie now lives at Holden Hill, South Australia. When he returned from W.W.II, he worked as a boilermaker and fitter and turner. His son Harry is an electrical engineer with Mount Newman Mining Company.

Annie’s husband, Will Jenkins, worked cutting timber during the 1930s depression. After studying at the School of Mines, he joined the S.E.C. Anne vividly remembers her trip from Perth to Melbourne before the road was sealed. Each night they camped under the tank shelters dotted along the barren track, taking five and a half days to read Port Augusta. Anne’s children are Gerard, a fitter and turner; Maureen, whose husband Colin has a plating business; Wilma and Ann who are both nurses, and John a farmer.

Copyright © - Stewart Robert McConachy 2016 – NO unauthorised use or reproduction permitted 47 Eileen’s husband Jack Coker took up virgin land near Narembeen, Western Australia, in 1982. He cleared the land and developed a large wheat farm. Eileen was an excellent bowler, winning many tournaments. Her sons are Robert who now lives near Heyfield, Victoria and Lawrence, who works for Telecom in Perth.

Martin, the youngest child of Isabella and John O’Loughlin is a bricklayer at Mount Pleasant, Western Australia. His daughter, Lee Allen lives in Darwin.

1902 – Children of Henry & Susan McCombe. Isabella, Kitty, Clarence & Henrietta Charles McCombe 1930 – Children of Bill & Kit Wallace – Ken, Gay, Ina, Noel & Joy

Mary ‘Kit’ Margaret Catherine McCombe, at the age of 19 married David Wallace. David was born at Hindmarsh Island where his grandfather, a shipwright had settled in 1856. His family moved to Mundulla near Bordertown, when David was two. He commenced a career as a teacher but about 1902 went to Western Australia and joined the timber line at Kalgoorlie, working for 15 shillings a week. Kit’s father was working the same line. After their marriage, Kit and David continued to work the timber lines for many years. Not only did Kit raise four children in the primitive conditions of a timber camp but she also ran a boarding house. The boarding house was certainly not a traditional one as they lived in tents and moved camp each six-weeks. Kit washed and cooked for thirty men as well as her family. The camp was anything up to 100 miles from Kalgoorlie, the nearest source of supplies. She continued despite many hardships, including suffering from the eye disease ‘sandy blight’. When her children were growing up, Kit moved to Perth where she conducted boarding houses on more traditional lines. David continued to work the timber line until he retired to Kalgoorlie to live with his daughter Invernathy (Ina). He died in 1958 and is buried at the Kalgoorlie Cemetery with his sons Robert and Noel. Kit died in 1985 at age 95 in Perth.

1930 – Henrietta & Joe Zanich with sons Joseph and Clarrie W.H.G (Bert) Brownlaw 1898 - 1955 1909 – Henry McCombe, John O’Loughlin, William & Catherine (Kit) Wallace, Isabella McCombe (later married John O’Loughlin)

Kenneth William M Wallace left Kalgoorlie in the early 1930s and came to the eastern states. He joined the army during the war and served as a commando. He was injured in New Guinea and returned to Melbourne. He later moved to Charters Towers, Queensland. Muriel Verona ‘Gay’ Wallace went to Brisbane in 1935 where she worked for ten years as a waitress. Then she moved to Sydney where she helped manage the Railway View Hotel. Returning to Perth, she married and with her husband Wally, worked for the T.A.B. Inathy Valerie Wallace’s husband Ron is a retired miner. They live in Kalgoorlie. Their children are Terry, and electrician who learned his trade while in the navy, David N Max who is Manager of the Queen Margaret Gold Mines in Kalgoorlie; and Cheryl Doonie whose husband Ron Godenz, is a panel beater, also at Kalgoorlie. Derrick ‘Noel’ Mack Wallace met his wife Hazel while in Adelaide with the air force during W.W II. He loved to travel and worked all over Australia, including gold mining at Kalgoorlie and Rum Jungle, working on the Snowy Mountains Scheme and the Adelaide Water Supply at Mannum. His son Ray, a technical officer with Telecom, gathered much of the information for this line of the family tree. Noel’s other children are; Robin, a sales representative in Geelong, Janine a secondary teacher, Daryl an industrial chemist and Margaret a social worker at Morwell. Noel died in 1968. His wife Hazel lives in Sunshine. Margaret Joy Wallace married Ronald Bell and had a daughter Carol.

Clarence Ernest McCombe, as a small boy, remained at Narrawong with his grandmother when his parents moved to Western Australia. Leaving school in his early teenage years, he worked in shearing sheds, travelling from shed to shed with his only possessions, a horse and saddle. At 18 he enlisted in the army and served at Gallipoli and in France. A member of the 5th Battery of the 1st Division of the A.I.F., he was a driver in charge of horses used to pull the guns into position for firing. He received shrapnel wounds to the hip and was also blinded for three months by mustard gas. Returning to Australia in 1919, he joined the Victorian Railways and was stationed at Yea for 13 years before becoming assistant station master at Kyneton. Moving to Melbourne he and his family lived at 21 Landcox Street, East Brighton, and Clarrie worked at the Flinders Street Railway Station before he retired due to failing eyesight, a legacy of his war service. In 1946, he and his wife Thelma bought a dairy farm at Foster where they remained for five years. Clarrie was a strong swimmer when young. His daughter Barbara has medals he won in swimming races in the Surry River at Narrawong in 1923. Clarrie and Thelma had two children, Bruce and Barbara. Bruce is an officer in the Salvation Army at Cooma and has four children Mark, Tracey, Christopher & Peter.

Copyright © - Stewart Robert McConachy 2016 – NO unauthorised use or reproduction permitted 49 Barbara worked in the T. & G. Insurance Company before going to Darwin where she met her husband Bruce Meehan who was in the navy. Bruce Meehan is now senior technical officer of civil engineering at Monash University. They have three children Dianne, Shane & Kerrie.

Eric Stanley McCombe little is known of Eric.

Henrietta ‘Ettie’ Louisa McCombe married Joe Zanich, who at 14 years of age had begun work in the Kalgoorlie gold mines in the gold treatment plant. Higher wages paid for working underground lured Joe to take on the work of a machine miner. This entailed drilling into the rock with a tempered star drill driven by compressed air. Dynamite was then placed in the drill holes and exploded. Joe also worked as a timberman, shoring up the mine with timber.

In 1922 Ettie and Joe went on to a grain farm at Dawak, Western Australia, 8 miles north of Salmon Gums. Their sons, Joe and Clarrie, started school in 1926 when the Salmon Gums’ school first opened. They either rode horses or drove the horse and gig to school each day. The depression forced the Zanichs to leave the farm and return to the gold mines of Kalgoorlie in 1929.

Their eldest son Joe served as a pilot during W.W II. He spent his working life as a boilermaker, welder and fitter and turner. He has recently retired from the Peter’s groups of companies in Perth. His children are David who works in the electronics field, Graeme who is employed by the Western Australian Water Supply, Neil an engineer and Jennifer who has recently spent 2 years in England.

Clarrie Zanich served in the islands with the air force during W.W II. He has spent 37 years as a miner, working underground at Kalgoorlie starting with a shovel and wheelbarrow when working with the locos and trucks and later the jumbo machines until he retired in 1982. Clarrie spent much of his spare time prospecting for gold and nickel around the Kalgoorlie district. His children are Brian who works with the S.E.C. at Kalgoorlie, Suzanne who lives in Perth and Linda who worked with the Flying Doctor Service prior to her marriage.

Samuel J McCombe – 1864 - 1903

Robert John ‘Jack’ McCombe - 1866 - 1895

Isabella McCombe - 1868 – 1902 married George Elliott in Perth WA and had a son Herbert George Elliott – 1900 - 1927

Margaret ‘Maggie’ Daisy McCombe was the youngest daughter of Mary and Henry McCombe. She married Bill Brownlaw, whose father Sam Brownlaw had a hotel at the mouth of the Fitzroy River in the 1870s. As well as a hotel, he provided a ferry service across the river, using the old mare to pull the ferry across. When the road was altered, Sam obtained a licence for another public house he named Halfway House. This later became the home of Bill and Maggie.

Bill and Maggie milked up to 30 cows by hand on the 200-acre property. In the early 1900s they sold cream to Yannarie Cheese Factory. After this closed, Maggie churned her own butter and sold it to the shops in Portland, until the Portland Butter Factory opened and commenced collecting cream from Tyrendarra twice a week in winter and three times a week in summer. Bill also kept pigs and calves. The nearest pig market was at Koroit, over 50 miles away.

Copyright © - Stewart Robert McConachy 2016 – NO unauthorised use or reproduction permitted 50 On market day, he would set out at 3 a.m. with the pigs loaded on the spring cart. Because of the deep sand, he needed draught horses to pull the cart for the first 4 miles to Tyrendarra East. Maggie would go this far with him where he put two ponies in the cart and Maggie took the draught horse’s home.

To supplement their income Bill cut wattle bark and carted it to Heywood. From there it was railed to Melbourne to be used for tanning leather. The old timers claimed boots made with leather tanned with wattle bark would outlast three pairs of boots tanned by the present day chemical method. Perhaps it was the economy of the day which ensured this was so.

Maggie was a good cook and well known for her pancakes. Many a man calling at the Brownlaw farmhouse looking for a meal was grateful for Maggie Brownlaw’s delicious pancakes. Butter making was another of her skills. She took many prizes at the local shows for her butter. However, at one show the judges commented that she had used too much colouring. Of course, no colouring had been added, just good cream. Maggie decided not to enter again.

William Herbert George Brownlaw joined the Warrnambool Light Horst Troop in 1916, as an 18-year-old. Serving in Egypt he contracted malaria while camped in the Jordan Valley. After the war, he worked in a garage at Warrnambool prior to taking up sheep farming at Homerton, near Heywood. Due to the depression, he sold this farm and bought a dairy farm in 1937 at Lyons. Because of the shortage of male teachers during W.W.II, Bert’s wife Nellie was asked to return to teaching at the local one-teacher school at Lyons. She agreed to do this for 6 months. The 6 months, however, extended to 26 years. She retired in 1968 having taught two generations of children at Lyons Rural School. Bert died in 1955 and Nellie retired to Yarrawonga where she still lives and keeps in contact with many of her ex-pupils.

Mary Margaret Brownlaw, also known as Maggie or Peg, married a local, Bill Boyer. Maggie has followed her parents’ love of animals, especially horses and now she and her husband conduct the Moonaree Riding Centre at Tyrendarra. The centre teaches all aspects of riding including overnight trail rides through the bush. Maggie still goes on these when she is needed. The Boyers have had considerable success showing their horses at Western District shows. They milked cows on their Tyrendarra farm for 30 years, supplying the Portland Butter Factory. They now breed sheep and vealers. The Boyer home has always been one where children where welcome; firstly, with Bill and Maggie’s family of 11 as well as other children who needed a home, then grandchildren and now their great-grandchildren.

William ‘Les’ Leslie Boyer, the eldest son lives in Melbourne where he owns trucks used in interstate haulage. Les has seven daughters, Christine, Janet, Diane, Glenda, Janice, Tamara & Rachel PLUS 13 grand-children & 6 great grand-children. Patricia Margaret Boyer and her husband Allan Liebelt, have a store at South Portland. They have two sons, Gregory & David and three daughters Suzanne, Judith & Lisa PLUS 7 grand-children & 8 great grand-children. Robert Boyer married Norma Holmes and manages a property at Ettrick. They have for sons Paul, Peter, Craig & Thomas PLUS 4 grand-children. Christine ‘Dawn’ Boyer (Died 2015) had a restaurant ‘Coterie’ in Liebig Street, Warrnambool. They have four sons Stephen, David, Leon & Gerard and two daughters Vivienne & Carol PLUS 5 grand-children. Kathleen Mary Boyer married George ‘John’ Lovell and has two sons, Brian & Corey and a daughter Amanda PLUS 7 grand-children & 3 great grand-children. Herbert Thomas Boyer married Robin Boxer and has a farm at Narrawong East and works on the wharves at Portland. They have two daughters Jenny & Stacey PLUS 5 Grand-children.

Copyright © - Stewart Robert McConachy 2016 – NO unauthorised use or reproduction permitted 51 Stephen John Boyer never married and died in 2010. Muriel Jean Boyer and her husband Brian O’Halloran have a sheep farm at Harrow. They have four sons Ashley, Seamus, Matthew (died in 2011) & Nathan and two daughters Melanie & Bridgid PLUS 10 grand-children. Maurice Boyer has a supermarket at Eagleby in Queensland. He has two daughters Naomi & Cettina and a son Damien plus 2 grand-daughters. Annette Maree Boyer is a hairdresser and married David Hackenbruch. They have a daughter Cherissa and two sons David & Jason. Ivan Francis Boyer is a teacher at Portland Technical School and is married to Ruth Ingram. He lives on part of his parents’ property. They have two sons Blair & Campbell.

James ‘Jim’ Clarence Brownlaw, after his marriage to Alice Creasy lived in Hamilton and Heywood. W.W.II caused a fuel shortage which resulted in charcoal becoming a popular replacement. During this time, Jim was employed as a charcoal burner. The remainder of his life was involved in the timber industry, first as a truck driver on Mount Burr and then as a pine-feller at Kalangadoo. Norma Beverley Brownlaw has five children John, Debra, Bryan (died in 1987), Richard & Carolyn PLUS 10 grandchildren & 3 great grand-children. Walter James Brownlaw has never married. Pamela Margaret Brownlaw married Llewellyn Davies and has two daughters Joann & Amanda and a son Peter PLUS 5 grand-children. Eric Norman Brownlaw married Georgina ‘Sheila’ McLean-Kerr and has two sons Norman & Peter and a daughter Kathleen. Sylvia Louise Brownlaw and her husband Graham Rosi have the Armadale Tavern in Perth. They have a son William & a daughter Vicki PLUS 7 Grand-children & I great grand-child. Eileen Patricia Brownlaw, the youngest daughter lives at Casterton, where her husband Charles Badenoch is involved in the pine wood industry. They have two daughters Karen & Angela and three sons Mark, Grant & Michael PLUS 6 grand-children.

David McConachy 1839 – 1891 Margaret Jane McConachy 1844 - 1844