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

COUNTRY SOCIAL NOTES. Photo by (Dorothy Welding) MISS KATHLEEN SHANNON, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Shannon, of Wyndham, Merriwa, whose marriage to Mr. Charles Loneragan, only son of the late Mr. Richard Loneragan and Mrs. L. M. Loneragan, of Rose Bay, will take place at St. Canice's Church, Roslyn Gardens, on November 25. Her bridesmaids will be Miss Betty Langton and her fiance's two sisters, Misses Josephine and Phil Loneragan, and her four-year-old niece, Patricia O'Hanlon, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. K. O'Hanlon, of Quirindi, will be flowergirl. Miss Shannon is staying at No. 9 Springfield avenue until her marriage. Sydney Morning Herald, Thursday 19 November 1936, p. 24. Loneragan Shannon Wedding

SOCIAL and PERSONAL Mrs. K. O'Hanlon, of Quirindi, and her four year-old daughter, Patricia, arrived in Sydney last week, and are staying with Mr. and Mrs. C. O. Sherwood, of Burwood. Patricia O'Hanlon will be one of the attendants at the wedding tomorrow at St. Canice's Church, Roslyn Gardens, of Miss Kathleen Shannon, of Merriwa, and Mr. Charles Loneragan, son of the late Mr. Richard Loneragan and Mrs. Loneragan, of Rose Bay. Miss Betty Langton, of Mudgee, who will be chief bridesmaid, arrived in town last Thursday. Mrs. R. Ryan, of Orange, who arrived on Sunday, and is a cousin of the bride-elect, and Messrs. Edward, Kevin, and John Shannon, brothers of Miss Shannon, are also in town for the wedding. Sydney Morning Herald, Tuesday 24 November 1936, p. 13. Loneragan Shannon Wedding

Loneragan-Shannon A VERY popular wedding was celebrated at St. Canice's Church, Darlinghurst, yesterday morning, when Miss Kathleen Shannon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Shannon, of "Wyndham," Merriwa, and Mr. Charles Loneragan, of "The Lagoon," Gulgong, son of the late Mr. Richard Loneragan and of Mrs. L. M. Loneragan, of Rose Bay, were married by Rev. Father M. Moylan, of Merriwa. Ivory brocaded satin fashioned the bridal gown, which was made with a Peter Pan collar, full sleeves, and a train cut into the skirt. The old Limerick lace veil was arranged to fall from a topknot of orange blossom, and gardenias formed the bouquet. Misses Betty Langton and Josephine and Philomena Loneragan were bridesmaids, and little Miss Patricia O'Hanlon, of Quirindi, was the trainbearer. The bridesmaids' frocks of delphinium blue net were made on foundations of coinspot taffeta, with Peter Pan collars and very full sleeves. Graduated taffeta rouleaux trimmed the full skirts. Their Mary Stuart hats were in the same shade of ballibuntal straw, with posies of blue roses in front, and they carried bouquets of blue delphiniums, pansies and Cecil Brunner roses. The trainbearer wore a frock on similar lines to those of the bridesmaids, and a bandeau of flowers matching those in her early Victorian posy. Mr. Matthew Carroll, ot Borenore, was best man. and Messrs. Edward Shannon and Clarence Glasscock were groomsmen. November lilies and hydrangeas decorated Elizabeth Bay House, where the reception was held. The bride's mother chose a navy American sheer frock and a matching hat finished with white lacquered wings. Tan was the choice of the bridegroom's mother for her frock, and her tan hat was finished with a cream lacquered quill. The honeymoon will be spent in a motor tour, and for her travelling frock the bride chose a dusty pink Persian silk frock, a matching hat, and Burgundy accessories. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 26 November 1936, p. 7. Loneragan Shannon Wedding

LONERAGAN-SHANNON. MOST of the guests at the wedding yesterday morning of Miss Kathleen Shannon, of Wyndham, Merriwa, and Mr. Charles Loneragan, of The Lagoon, Gulgong, were relations of the bride or bridegroom, and many of them were from country districts, including Mudgee, Quirindi, Orange, and Maitland. The bride is the younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Shannon, and the bridegroom is the only son of the late Mr. Richard Loneragan and Mrs. L. M. Loneragan, of Rose Bay. The wedding ceremony was conducted by the Rev. Father M. Moylan, of Merriwa, and Monsignor Flanagan of Mudgee, at St Canice's Church Roslyn Gardens.

Photo by (Monto Luke) The bridal party leaving: St. Canice's Church, Roslyn Gardens, yesterday morning, after the wedding of Miss Kathleen Shannon and Mr. Charles Loneragan. In front are MR. and MRS. CHARLES LONERAGAN, and immediately behind them are MR. MATTHEW CARROLL, the best man, and MISS BETTY LANGTON, of Mudgee; at the back are MR. E. J. SHANNON and MISS JOSEPHINE LONERAGAN.

LIMERICK LACE VEIL With a severely tailored gown of ivory brocaded satin the bride wore an old Limerick lace veil and she carried gardenias and lily of the valley. In her gown she pinned a diamond brooch in the shape of a true lover's knot which was the bridegrooms gift The bride was attended by Miss Betty Langton of Mudgee, Misses Josephine and Phil Loneragan, sisters of the bridegroom, and her four year old niece Patricia O'Hanlon, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. K. O'Hanlon of Quirindi. The bridesmaids wore blue net frocks over coin-spot taffeta slips and the frocks were banded with narrow strips of taffeta around the full skirt. Their blue straw hats were of Mary Stuart shape and they carried pink carnations and delphiniums. The bridegroom was attended by Mr. Matthew Carroll, of Orange, as best man, and Messrs. E. J. Shannon, brother of the bride, and Clarence Glasscock, as groomsmen. Mrs. Shannon, who received the guests at Elizabeth Bay House where the reception was held, wore a navy blue sheer frock and a wide-brimmed navy blue hat and she carried delphiniums and red roses. The bride groom's mother wore brown georgette and her posy was of yellow roses and frangipanni. Sydney Morning Herald, Thursday 26 November 1936, p. 20. Loneragan Shannon Wedding

MARRIAGES. LONERAGAN-SHANNON. - November 25, at St. Canice's Church, Roslyn Gardens, Charles Adrian, only son of the late Mr. Richard Loneragan and Mrs. L. M. Loneragan, of Rose Bay, to Kathleen, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Shannon, of Merriwa. Sydney Morning Herald, Wednesday 30 December 1936, p. 10. Loneragan Shannon Wedding

DEATH. MR. J. J. SHANNON. The death occurred at Merriwa on Saturday of Mr. J. J. Shannon, of "Wyndham, " for many years, northern representative for the A.M.L. and F. Co., Ltd. Muswellbrook Chronicle, Tuesday 13 January 1942, p. 1. John James Shannon Death

DEATH OF MR. JOHN JAMES SHANNON HIGHLY RESPECTED MERRIWA GRAZIER The death occurred early on Saturday afternoon last at his residence, “Wyndham,” Merriwa, of Mr. John James Shannon, following a somewhat lengthy illness. Some months ago, deceased underwent a serious operation in Sydney, from which he sufficiently recovered to allow of his return home. The late Mr. Shannon, who was 75 years of age, was a native of Queensland, having been born at Toowoomba, on 3rd July, 1866, and was a son of the late John and Catherine Shannon, who came to Australia in 1865, landing at Brisbane and later proceeding to Toowoomba. With his parents, deceased came to Muswellbrook as a boy, and resided here for a few years, and on the death of his father went with his mother and brother to Sydney. There, on the completion of his education, he attended the Sydney Technical College, where he gained his wool-classing diploma at the age of 16 years. Wishing to learn the commercial as well as the production side of the wool industry, he, on the advice of the late Mr. Duncan Carson, entered the employ of the firm of Winchcombe, Carson, Ltd., as a shipping clerk, and continued his connection with this firm when he returned to help manage the family property of "Blackrock," in the Merriwa district, which is still in the hands of the Shannon family. He was northern representative of Winchcombe, Carson, Ltd., for 20 years. On his marriage in 1899 the late Mr. Shannon acquired a property known as “Merah Downs,” in the Wee Waa district, where he resided for 10 years. Disposing of “Merah Downs”, in 1910 he returned to Merriwa and purchased “Wyndham,” taking up residence here in 1918. On his return to the Merriwa district he accepted the position of northern representative of the A.M.L. and F. Co., which he held to the time of his death. Deceased is survived by his widow, three sons (Messrs. John, Kevin and Ted Shannon) and two daughters Ellie (Mrs. O'Hanlon, Quirindi) and Kathleen (Mrs. C. A. Lonergan, Gulgong). Mr. J. P. Shannon, “Blackrock”, is an only brother. Throughout his long association with the Merriwa district the late Mr. Shannon made a wide circle of friends, by whom he was most highly respected. His knowledge of the grazing industry was such that his advice was respected on all matters connected with it. He worked for the progress of the town and district, and had been a member of most organisations working to that end. He enjoyed popularity, but of an unassuming nature he never courted publicity. A Justice of the Peace, he was probably the senior member for the Merriwa district. He was a devoted member of his Church and had been a member of the building committee of St. Anne's Church for many years, and no one was more delighted than he when, a few years ago, the renovation and extensions were completed. He took a keen interest in politics, and whilst holding certain views himself was most tolerant of the other man's point of view. He was a valued member of the committee of the P.A.H. and I. Association for many years, as well as a member of the Graziers' Association. A great supporter of the Hospital, he was a valued member of the management committee in the early days and had much to do with laying the foundations of the present up-to-date Institution. Above all, there was one very fine trait in his character which will always be remembered, and that was his readiness at all times to do a kindness or lend a helping hand to any one less fortunate than himself, irrespective of their station in life. The funeral took place on Sunday afternoon in the presence of a large gathering of mourners, who came from all centres within a fifty mile radius of Merriwa. A particularly large number of cars followed the remains from "Wyndham" to St. An ne's Church, where the first portion of the burial service was said by Rev, Father Moylan, assisted by Rev. Father Kehoe, both of whom officiated at the graveside. Rev. Father Quinn (Muswellbrook) was also in attendance - “Merriwa News.” Scone Advocate, Friday 16 January 1942, p. 1. John James Shannon Obituary

DEATH OF MR. JOHN JAMES SHANNON. HIGHLY-RESPECTED DISTRICT GRAZIER. The death occurred early on Saturday afternoon last at his residence, "Wyndham," Merriwa, of Mr. John James Shannon, following a somewhat lengthy illness. Some months ago, deceased underwent a serious operation in Sydney, from which he sufficiently recovered to allow of his return home. The late Mr. Shannon, who was 75 years of age, was a native of Queensland, having been born at Toowoomba on 3rd July, 1866, and was a son of the late John and Catherine Shannon, who came to Australia in 1865, landing at Brisbane and later proceeding to Toowoomba. With his parents, deceased came to Muswellbrook as a boy, and resided here for a few years, and on the death of his father went with his mother and brother to Sydney. There, on the completion of his education, he attended the Sydney Technical College, when he gained his wool-classing diploma at the age of 16 years. Wishing to learn the commercial as well as the production side of the wool industry, he, on the advice of the late Mr. Duncan Carson, entered the employ of the firm, of Winchcombe, Carson, Ltd., as shipping clerk, and continued his connection with this firm when he returned to help manage the family property of "Black rock," in the Merriwa district, which is still in the hands of the Shannon family. He was northern representative of Winchcombe, Carson, Ltd., for 20 years. On his marriage in 1899 the late Mr. Shannon acquired a property known as "Merah Downs," in the Wee Waa district, where he resided for 10 years. Disposing of "Merah Downs," in 1910 he returned to Merriwa and purchased "Wyndham" taking up residence here in 1918. On his return to the Merriwa district he accepted the position of northern representative of the A.M.L. and F. Co., which he held to the time of his death. Deceased is survived by his widow, three sons (Messrs. John, Kevin and Ted Shannon) and two daughters, Ellie (Mrs. O'Hanlon, Quirindi) and Kathleen (Mrs. C. A. Loneragan, Gulgong). Mr. J. P. Shannon, "Blackrock" is an only brother. Throughout his long association with the Merriwa district the late Mr. Shannon made a wide circle of friends, by whom he was most highly respected. His knowledge of the grazing industry was such that his advice was respected on all matters connected with it. He worked for the progress of the town and district, and had been a member of most organisations working to that end. He enjoyed popularity, but of an unassuming nature he never courted publicity. A Justice of the Peace, he was probably the senior member for the Merriwa district. He was a devoted member of his Church and had been a member of the building committee of St. Anne's Church for many years, and no one was more delighted than he when a few years ago the renovation and extensions were completed. He took a keen interest in politics, and whilst holding certain views himself was most tolerant of the other man's point of view. He was a valued member of the committee of the P.A.H. and I. Association for many years, as well as a member of the Graziers' Association. A great supporter of the hospital, he was a valued member of the management committee in the early days and had much to do with laying the foundations of the present up-to-date institution. Above all, there was one very fine trait in his character which will always be remembered, and that was his readiness at all times to do a kindness or lend a helping hand to anyone less fortunate than himself, irrespective of their station in life. The funeral took place on Sunday afternoon in the presence of a large gathering of mourners who came from all centres within a fifty mile radius of Merriwa. A particularly large number of cars followed the remains from "Wyndham" to St. Anne's Church, where the first portion of the burial service was said by Rev. Father Moylan, assisted by Rev. Father Kehoe, both of whom officiated at the graveside. Rev. Father Quinn (Muswellbrook) was also in attendance. Floral tokens were placed on the grave from the following: The McNaught family; Leo and Kevin Wicks; J. R. Telfer and Marg.; the Black family; the Ashton family; directors of M. Campbell and Co. Pty. Ltd. and staff; Mr. and Mrs. J. Roach; Mr. and Mrs. Bill Walmsley and family; Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Munro; Eunice, Archie and Colin Graham; the Budden family; Harold Witney and family; Mr. Mrs. Leo Wicks. Muswellbrook Chronicle, Friday 16 January 1942, p. 3. John James Shannon Obituary

MR. JOHN JAMES SHANNON. The death occurred on the 10th ult., at his residence, "Wyndham," Merriwa, of Mr. John James Shannon, following a somewhat lengthy illness. Some months ago, deceased underwent a serious operation in Sydney, from which he sufficiently recovered to allow of his return home. Deceased, who was 75 years of age, was a native of Queensland, having been born at Toowoomba on July 3, 1866, and was a son of the late John and Catherine Shannon, who came to Australia in 1865. On the death of his father, he went with his mother and brother to Sydney, and attended Sydney Technical College, where he gained his wool-classing diploma at the age of 16 years. He then entered the employ of the firm of Winchcombe, Car son Ltd., as shipping clerk, and continued his connection with this firm when he returned to help manage the family property of “Blackrock,” in the Merriwa district, which is still in the hands of the Shannon family. He was northern representative of Winchcombe, Carson, Ltd., for 20 years, and subsequently, up to the time of his death, the A M.F. and F. Co. After living in the Wee Waa district for 10 years, he returned to Merriwa in 1910, and purchased "Wyndham," taking up residence in 1918. Deceased is survived by his widow, three sons (Messrs. John, Kevin and Ted Shannon), and two daughters, Ellie (Mrs. O'Hanlon, Quirindi), and Kathleen (Mrs. C. A. Loneragan, Gulgong). Mr. J. P. Shannon, “Blackrock,” is an only brother. Deceased's father fought against Garibaldi in 1860, and, in recognition of his services, received a medal from the then reigning Pope, Pius IX. The medal is still at the homestead at Wyndham, Merriwa. Throughout his long association with the Merriwa district, the late Mr. Shannon made a wide circle of friends. He worked for the progress of the town and district, and had been a member of most organisations working to that end, particularly the P.A.H. and I. Association, the Graziers' Association, and the local hospital. He was a devoted member of his Church, and had been a member of the building committee of St. Anne's for many years. Above all, there was one very fine trait in his character which will always be remembered, and that was his readiness at all times to do a kindness or lend a helping hand to anyone less fortunate than himself, irrespective of their station in life. The funeral took place on Sunday, the 11th ult., in the presence of a large gathering of mourners who came from all centres within a 50 miles radius of Merriwa. A particularly large numbers of cars followed the remains from “Wyndham” to St. Anne's Church, thence to the cemetery. Rev. Father M. Moylan, assisted by Rev. Father Kehoe, officiated at the church and at the graveside. Rev. Father Quinn (Muswellbrook) was also in attendance. - R.I.P. Catholic Press, Thursday 19 February 1942, p. 14. John James Shannon 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