Cudgegong Valley History Project

The Late Margaret Scully. The late Margaret Scully, who died in Cassilis, on June 24, 1919, at the ripe age of 80, was born at Thurles, County Tipperary, Ireland, and when a young girl went over to live, with one of her brothers (the late Thos. Kennedy) in New York City, U.S.A. She was married at Louiston, Niagara Falls, in 1852, to the late Edward Scully, who was then employed on the railway, and who was on the first train that was driven over the suspension bridge near the Niagara Falls, U.S.A. She came with her husband to New South Wales in 1858, and resided for a time in Sydney, Shoalhaven, and Muswellbrook, but came to Cassilis in 1860, where she resided up to the time of her death. She was the mother of 10 children. The three eldest - S. J., of Cassilis, T. F., of Randwick, and Bridget Scully (who died at Louiston, U.S.A.) - were born at Niagara Falls, the other seven - Ellen Miller (who died at Cassilis), Kathleen Welsh (of Mudgee), Annie Shannon (of Merriwa), Mary and Elizabeth Scully (of Cassilis), F. J. Scully (of Cooalah), and Andrew Scully (of Merriwa) - were born in New South Wales. She lived an exemplary life - a great mother and wife, and staunch member of the Roman Catholic Church. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 3 July 1919, p. 9. Margaret Scully Obituary

Death of Mr. T. F. Scully ONE of the most respected and best liked of the Randwick trainers, Tom Scully, passed away on Friday after a brief illness. Scully came from the Cassillis district, and in his young days was a great athlete. He got his first experience as a trainer with a few picnic horses that he used to prepare for the western squatters. As he made a success of his business, the McMasters and Mr. Fagan and a few others agreed to give him horses if he would so to Sydney and start training there. Soon after he came down he scored his first success, and as he was a man of incorruptible character, he soon had his stables full. Among other winners prepared by him were Marvel Loch and Noreen, but his biggest success was with Mr. T. A. Stirton's great horse Cetigne, and he also trained Maltine for Mr. J. S. Brunton, and a big list of horses for Sir Samuel Hordern. In his training methods he was one of the old school, strict with his apprentices, and he believed in standing his horses up to their work. He used to say that he did not believe in having his horses so fresh as to be unmanageable, and given a horse with the requisite strength of constitution, he could turn him out very fit. A shrewd business man apart from his training he acquired a good deal of property, and he was a model husband and father. He has passed away with the respect of all who knew him and his son, Jack Scully, who is carrying on his father's business, has a good example to follow. Truth, Sunday 12 October 1924, p. 3. Thomas Scully Obituary

NEWS AND NOTES THE LATE MR. T. J. SCULLY At the funeral of the late Tom Scully at Randwick Cemetery on Saturday after the races, the large attendance of sportsmen was proof of the popularity of the deceased trainer. Among those present were: Messrs. Colin Stephen (chairman), T. A. Stirton and R. C. Allen (representing the A. J. C. staff) Jack Toohey, E. Bartle, Wm. Booth, Frank Marsden, Fred Williams, Dan. Lewis, Joe. Burton, E. Green, and Dudley Allsop. The chief mourners were Jack and Dan Scully, sons of the deceased. The Rev. Father Flemming, of the Church of the Sacred Heart, Randwick, officiated at the grave. Tom Scully had many good horses through his hands, notably Cetigne, one of Australia's greatest stake-winners; Marvel Loch, winner of the Metropolitan; Noreen, winner of the Sydney Cup; Lochano, winner of the Doncaster; Bundella, winner of the Breeder's Plate; and Maltine, winner of the Metropolitan. He was a keen and conscientious trainer, and while being a stickler for the interests of his clients, still made many friends on the Turf. Cowra Free Press, Friday 17 October 1924, p. 6. Thomas Scully Obituary

MERRIWA. The late Mr. Tom Scully, the noted trainer, who died recently at Randwick, was a well known figure in this district from his youth up. He was a general favourite and a great helper in deserving cases. Feeling reference to his death was made in the Church of England, the minister stating that wherever he went all spoke in the highest possible praise of Thomas Scully. Maitland Weekly, Saturday 1 November 1924, p. 8. Thomas Scully Obituary

Obituary A FINE CITIZEN PASSES DEATH OF SIMON J. SCULLY. The death occurred suddenly yesterday morning from heart failure of Mr. Simon J. Scully, aged 76 years, at his home at Cassilis. Deceased, who had suffered for a considerable time with his heart, appeared to be in good health early in the morning. He rose about 7 o'clock, had a cup of tea, and lying down on his bed again, expired almost immediately. The passing of Simon J. Scully, means that one of the oldest, most estimable and best citizens of the district has gone the way of all flesh. The name of Scully in the Cassilis and Coolah districts is synonymous with "progress." Cassilis was a very small settlement indeed when the late Mr. Scully commenced business there as a storekeeper and auctioneer. Today this little settlement has grown to a fair sized township. All through his life, deceased was ever in the forefront in any movement which meant progress to Cassilis and district, and was most untiring in his efforts to put Cassilis on the map. As an auctioneer he was recognised as one of the best stock salesmen in the state. It was a delight to see him wield the hammer when in his prime. He was a Justice of the Peace, and in that capacity he rendered good and faithful service to the community, and he was a member of the highly esteemed Scully family, whose name is a household word throughout Cassilis, Coolah and Merriwa districts. About two years ago his wife died and this was a great shock to him. He is survived by the following sons and daughters: Messrs V. J., Coolah; Clarrie, Mudgee; Edward, Thomas, and Mannie, Cassilis; Clem, manager of the Commercial Bank at Mt. Larkin, Queensland, Misses Madge and Col, Cassilis, and one other daughter, a sister in the Maitland Convent. Mr. E. J. Scully, of Coolah, and Mr. Andrew Scully of Merriwa, are brothers of deceased, while Mrs. J. J. Shannon, of the Merriwa district, and Mrs. J. Welsh, of Mudgee, are sisters. The funeral took place this morning, the remains being interred in the Catholic portion of the Cas-silis cemetery. Mudgee Guardian, Wednesday 15 January 1930, p. 11. Simon Scully Obituary

Coolah District News (From Our Representative) Mr. Edward James Scully The death occurred at Lismore on Thursday last of Mr. Edward James Scully, aged 86 years. The passing of this fine old man will be mourned by his relatives and many friends of the Coolah district. The body was brought to Coolah and interred in the Roman Catholic portion of the local cemetery, alongside deceased's wife and five children on Saturday, after a solemn requiem mass at the Sacred Heart Church, conducted by Rev. Father McKillop. The passing of Mr. Scully severs a link with the past but he will leave an evergreen memory of the great work he did for the Coolah district during his long residence here. Many years ago he acquired Coolahville Station from the late Mr. Mogg, and he resided there with his wife and family, until about two years ago when he disposed of the property and went to Lismore. Other properties which he held for a number of years and disposed of in comparatively recent times included 'Orana' part of 'Collie Blue' and Turee Vale Station. The late Mr. Scully was a prominent figure in public affairs and no man did more for the town and district. He was a member of Coolah Shire Council, from the commencement of Local Government until May, 1935, when he resigned, and during that lengthy period was President of the Council for several terms. He was one of the founders of the Coolah Hospital and was associated with the hospital committee for many years. He was one of those principally responsible for the construction of the railway line from Camboon to Coolah, for which he had agitated for a number of years. In World War 1 he gave outstanding service in his capacity as Shire President, and organised numerous patriotic funds in aid of the fighting forces. Deceased for many years was district representative for the Australian Mercantile Land and Finance Co., his territory in those days taking in a wide scope of country from Mudgee to Tambar Springs. He was a staunch friend to those who came to know him. Apart from his farming and grazing pursuits, he carried on for many years an auctioneer, stock and station agency business in the town, and his advice on pastoral matters was sought after by many people. Mrs. Gray, who at one time resided in Coolah, is at present the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Jackson. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 6 July 1950, p. 19. Edward Scully Obituary

Mrs. A. C. SHANNON Following a long illness, borne with great fortitude, the death occurred on July 3rd at her home 'Wyndham', Merriwa, of Mrs. C. A. Loneragan's mother, Mrs. Anne Cecelia Shannon, who was in her 84th year. The late Mrs. Shannon was a daughter of the late Edward and Margaret Scully, of Cassilis. She was predeceased by her husband, the late John J. Shannon (who was one of Merriwa's leading citizens and who died in January, 1942), and is survived by three sons, John, Kevin, and Edward, and two daughters, Ellie (Mrs. K. O'Hanlon, Quirindi) and Kathleen (Mrs. C. A. Loneragan ('The Lagoon') Gulgong). It can he said of the late Mrs. Shannon (reports the 'Merriwa and Cassilis News') that her long life was one of devotion to her Faith, her family and her friends, who were numerous throughout the Merriwa and Cassilis districts. In her younger days she was a most active worker for her church and charitable organisations and was vice-president of the Merriwa branch of the Red Cross during the first World War. Prior to the funeral, Requiem Mass was celebrated in St. Anne's Church, Merriwa. The funeral cortege was the largest seen in Merriwa for some years. Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Loneragan were amongst the mourners present. Our sincere sympathy is extended to the bereaved ones. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 16 July 1953, p. 16. Ann Shannon Obituary