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McGrath Family of Ardstraw & Termonamongan Parishes Obituaries: Emigrants to New South Wales, Australia

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The Empire (Sydney), December 13 1859

McFEE - McGRATH. On the 1st November, by special license, by the Rev. J. Sommerville, at Good Dog, Thomas McFee, son of William McFee, county Monaghan, Ireland, to LUCINDA, sixth daughter of the late THOMAS McGRATH, of the COUNTY TYRONE, Ireland.

Brisbane Courier, 4 February 1871

MICHAEL RUSH - As a great many inquiries have been made about who Michael Rush the sculler is, the following particulars will not only gratify the curious, but be a guide to settling many bets that have been made. Rush (who is a nephew of the once excellent sculler, now departed, THOMAS McGRATH), was born in the COUNTY TYRONE, IRELAND, in the year 1843, and left his native country in the latter part of 1859, in the ship Hotspur, which arrived in Sydney in February, 1860. His first occupation was travelling overland with stock, and he afterwards took up his quarters at the Clarence River, and upon that river he made his first essay at sculling. When Rush arrived in the colonies he says he did not know the bow from the stern of a boat, but after getting some little practice he became fond of rowing, and soon engaged in pulling matches on the Clarence. Finding, as he gained experience, that his power in rowing increased he came to Sydney (as an amateur), in January 1870, to compete with some of the Port Jackson pullers. He engaged in the anniversary regatta of that year, rowing in the double sculls race with Colone, against all comers. Prior to this he had pulled a single sculls match against all amateurs, but this was not considered a very important race. During the next few months Rush worked himself up wonderfully. He next appeared (again with Colone as his mate) against the brothers Trickett, on the Parramatta River, for £100 a side, in light skiffs, and succeeded in vanquishing those promising oarsmen. Immediately afterwards a meeting between our hero and Richard Green, in outriggers, was arranged, the ex-champion forfeited. The night that forfeit was declared a match was made between W. Hickey, the champion, and the subject of this notice,-the stakes being £200 to £150,-to be pulled in watermen's boats, over the usual course on the river. Rush was beat in this contest, after leading for about one mile and a half; his condition, it is said, not having been sufficiently good to last. On the night of this defeat another match was made with Richard Hickey, who backed himself for £300 to £200, in the same boats as before pulled. Rush vanquished his formidable opponent, after as grand a struggle as has ever been witnessed in our waters. He next accepted a challenge from W Hickey for £200 a side and the (championship of Australia, in wager skiffs, over the usual pulling course, on the Parramatta River. Both men went into training for nearly six weeks, but the experience of Rush in these boats was not sufficient to enable him to combat successfully against Hickey, who defeated him rather easily. After this match another challenge was thrown out to pull the same adversary in light skiffs, for £200. This race came off on the 17th December, and Rush had it all his own way from the start and won by nearly a dozen boat's lengths. Rush has since this race issued a challenge to row W Hickey for £200 a side and the championship. This last challenge, we believe, has been taken up by Hickey to row in wager boats, but only for £100 a side. There is no time specified as to when the race will take place, and Rush has left for his home on the Clarence.

Goulburn Evening Penny Post, 22 October 1904

MRS. TERENCE McGRATH

We regret to have to record the death of MRS. McGRATH, wife, of MR. TERENCE McGRATH, of Colombo, near Braidwood, which took place on Tuesday morning. The deceased, who had reached the ripe age of 82 years, was a native of Ireland. She had resided in this State for 45 or 46 years. She had long been a sufferer, the cause-of death being senile decay. The late Mrs. McGrath was highly respected by all with whom she came in contact. She leaves a husband and grown-up family.

Braidwood Dispatch & Mining Journal, 1 February 1905

MR. TERENCE McGRATH

Another old resident of the district has passed away. MR. TERENCE McGRATH, of Colombo, expired at his residence yesterday morning at 4 o'clock at the ripe age of 89 years. Notwithstanding his years, he had been up to very recently a hale, hearty man, and was only laid up some ten days before his death from a cold which turned into bronchitis and caused a general break-up of the system. The deceased came out to New South Wales with his wife and family of nine children— four sons and five daughters— in 1865, from the COUNTY OF TYRONE, in Ireland. Upon landing in Sydney they came by steamer to Nowra and from thence proceeded to Nerriga, where they stayed twelve months with the late MR. DUDLEY McGRATH, the deceased's brother-in-law. They then engaged with the late Mr. Joseph Taylor, of Bombay, and took charge of a flock of sheep at Colombo, then a part of Mr. Taylor's run and what were then Church and School lands, which were afterwards cut up and sold, the deceased, like several others, securing a nice farm by purchase, upon which he has since lived and reared his large family. His wife only predeceased him about four months ago. The deceased was highly respected, together with his family, who are all grown up. The funeral will take place tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon.

Catholic Press (Sydney), 27 November 1919

MRS. ELLEN McGRATH

MRS. ELLEN McGRATH died at her late residence, Warrambucca, Braidwood, on October 25, at the age of 89 years. Deceased was a native of COUNTY TYRONE, IRELAND, and, with her husband, who predeceased 22 years ago, came to Australia 58 years ago, and resided in the Braidwood district ever since. The family consists of 11 sons and two daughters. The late MRS. McGRATH was a devout Catholic, and was attended during her last illness by Rev. Father Vaughan, who also officiated at the graveside. — R.I.P.

Goulburn Evening Penny News, 30 October 1919

MRS. OWEN McGRATH

MRS. OWEN McGRATH, of Warrumbucca, near Braidwood, died on Saturday morning last at the ripe age of 89 years. The deceased lady was born in the COUNTY TYRONE, Ireland, and landed in Australia in May, 1861, shortly afterwards coming to this district where she had resided ever since. She was thus one of the very oldest, as she was one of the most respected residents of the district. She leaves a grown-up family of 11 sons and two daughters.

Catholic Press (Sydney), 21 June 1928

MRS. BRIDGET McGRATH

The death occurred in St. Vincent's Private Hospital on the 22nd ult., of MRS. BRIDGET McGRATH, of Lenore-street, Five Dock. She was the relict of the late MR. CHARLES JOSEPH McGRATH, who with his wife, were old and highly respected residents of Glebe Point. Mr. McGrath predeceased his wife by 11 years, and she subsequently moved to Five Dock. Mrs. McGrath, who was 62, was born in CROUGHSHANE [CROIGHSHANE], COUNTY TYRONE, IRELAND, and, with her sister came to Australia nearly half a century ago. Some years later she was married at St. Patrick's, Church Hill, Sydney, by the Rev. Father Piquet, S.M. She was fully endowed with all the best traits of the Celtic race, and it is little wonder, therefore, that her very unexpected death gave rise to deep and widespread sorrow and regret. Until a few days before her death she was blessed with the possession of robust health and strength. How quickly and unexpectedly her death came may be judged by the fact that on Ascension Thursday she attended Holy Mass and received Holy Communion, and on the following Tuesday she peacefully passed away, surrounded by the sorrow-stricken and devoted members of her family. In her last hours the deceased lady was attended by the Rev. Father J. Peoples and Rev. Father McCarthy, and the last rites of Holy Church were administered by the Rev. Father Peoples. The funeral took place on Thursday, 24th ult., the remains being laid to rest beside those of her late husband in the Catholic portion of the Rookwood Cemetery. The cortege, which was a very lengthy one, was preceded by the Rev. Fathers J. Peoples and McCarthy, by whom the graveside prayers were conducted. At .the graveside there was a very large concourse of sorrowing friends. The deceased lady is survived by two sons and four daughters, namely, Mr. Bert McGrath (Rozelle), Mr. Chas. McGrath (Queens land), Mrs. T. Raftery (Five Dock), Mrs. J. Sullivan (Drummoyne), Mrs. R. Basham (Gladesville), and Miss Lucy McGrath (Hurstville) who resided with her mother, and was her companion and comforter. Mr. Henry McGee, a brother of the deceased, who is an oil magnate .in America, accompanied by his wife, came to Sydney only a few months back on a visit to his sister (Mrs. McGrath) whom he had not previously seen for over 50 years, and the reunion of brother and sister was a most happy event.— R.I.P.

Catholic Press (Sydney), 1 September 1932

MISS KATE McGRATH

Genuine regret was expressed in Braidwood on Sunday, 7th inst., when it became known that MISS KATE McGRATH, of Meroo, had died that morning at the district hospital. The deceased had been ill only about two weeks. Four weeks before she made the long journey to Culcairn on the occasion of the death of her brother (MR. PATRICK McGRATH). On her return she was admitted to the hospital, with heart trouble, and failed to rally. Born at Meroo 69 years ago, she resided there all her life. She belonged to a very old pioneer family of the Braidwood district, being the youngest daughter of the late MR. PATRICK McGRATH and ANN OVENS, who came from TYRONE, IRELAND, about 1840. Her father, after his marriage, was the first to take up land in the Braidwood district. The late Miss McGrath was educated at the Good Samaritan Convent, being one of the first boarders at the old convent, opposite where the presbytery now stands. One sister, Mrs. J. Carney, Hill View Road, Goulburn, survives her. Four brothers and four sisters predeceased her. They were: Messrs. Mark McGrath (Meroo), Daniel (Sydney), Patrick (Culcairn) and John, who resided with her, and was killed in an accident 18 months ago; and Mesdames J. Kennedy (Bombala, Braidwood), James Graham (Bungendore), Peter Grahame (Mt. Fairy), and Miss Grace McGrath (Meroo). The funeral, in spite of the short notice, was largely attended. A Requiem Mass was celebrated by the Rev. Father Devine, who later officiated at the grave. During her short illness she was constantly attended by Rev. Fathers Keating and Devine, and visited by the Good Samaritan Sisters. — R.I.P.

Braidwood Review & District Advocate, 25 February 1936

MRS. SARAH ANN McCOOL (NEE McGRATH)

Following a brief illness, the death occurred at Goulburn on Tuesday last of MRS. SARAH ANN McCOOL, aged 82, a well-known district pioneer and a resident of that city for almost half a century. The late Mrs. Mc Cool had been confined to her bed for about a fortnight. Born in CO. TYRONE, IRELAND, the late Mrs. McCool came to Australia on the sailing ship Himalaya with her parents, the late MR. and MRS. TERENCE McGRATH. The trip took six months. In 1864 the McGrath family settled in the Braid wood district, where Mrs. McCool resided until her marriage with MR. MICHAEL McCOOL, who predeceased her. She then settled in Goulburn, where she had lived in the same house for the past 47 years. Mrs. McCool saw much of the early days in the Goulburn and Braidwood districts, and could recall many incidents relating to the mining and bushranging episodes. She was a staunch adherent of the Catholic Church, and was a member of the Sacred Heart Sodality for many years. She possessed an extremely charitable nature. She is survived by two daughters, Miss Margaret McCool (Goulburn) and Mrs. K. Brown (Queanbeyan). Two sons, Edward and John, and two daughters, Katherine and Mary, predeceased her. She also leaves four brothers, John, James and Patrick (Braidwood), and Terence McGrath (Coff’s Harbour), and one sister, Mrs. T. Galligan (Reidsdale). The funeral took place on Thursday morning, leaving SS. Peter and Paul's Cathedral, where Mass was celebrated, for the Roman Catholic Braidwood Cemetery, Kenmore. Rev. Frs. Deegan and O'Shea officiated at the graveside.

Braidwood Review & District Advocate, 16 February 1937

MRS. THOMAS GALLIGAN (NEE McGRATH)

One by one the old bands, the sturdy pioneers who blazed the trail of civilization in the district, are dropping off, leaving the place the poorer by their passing. The ruthless hand of death has been exceptionally busy in the ranks of these fine old stalwarts of late, the latest to be stricken being Mrs. Thomas Galligan, of Reidsdale. The old lady, who had passed the 76th milestone, had been suffering from heart trouble for some 18 months or so, but nevertheless was able to go about her usual duties. She was a most, industrious woman, her home, and her beautiful flower garden speaking volumes for her boundless energy; in her younger days she worked hard, never sparing herself in the multitudinous duties of the farm. Born in COUNTY TYRONE (IRELAND) 76 years ago, she came to Australia with her parents (the late MR. and MRS. TERENCE McGRATH, who settled at Colombo), where she lived until her marriage, after which she went to Reidsdale, where she has resided ever since. On Friday last she was about as usual, attending to her household duties, and appeared to be in fairly good health. After tea she complained of not feeling too well, and retired to bed. Some time later on, her husband going in to see if she would have a little brandy, she said she did not feel well, complaining that she was having trouble with her breathing. Soon after the old, worn-out heart ceased functioning and she passed, away peacefully. Deceased was a wonderful type of woman, who made many friends. She was loved and respected by everyone in the little village, the extent of this respect being reflected in the exceptionally large cortege which followed her body to its last resting place, An impressive service was conducted by the Rev. Father Devine; The funeral arrangements were very capably carried out by Mr. E. G. Morris. Besides a widower, the deceased leaves a family of three to mourn the loss of a -devoted wife and mother. These are: Mrs. Leonard (Taralga), Miss Lizzie (Reidsdale), and Matthew (Reidsdale). Brothers are John (Coghill), James (Braidwood), Terence (Coff’s Harbour) and Patrick (Colombo). There were four sisters, all deceased.

Goulburn Evening Penny Post, 2 September 1938

MR. JAMES McGRATH

The death at St. John of God Hospital on August 29 of MR. JAMES McGRATH, aged 80, removed an old resident of the Braidwood district. Born in COUNTY TYRONE, IRELAND, he was a son of the late Terrence McGrath of "Colombo," who came to Australia, with his family on the sailing ship Himalaya in 1864, the voyage taking four months. After disposing of his property, known as Craig's he took up residence in Solus Street, Braidwood, nine years ago. He married Miss Mary Cunningham, a member of a well-known Braidwood family, who predeceased .him by 30 years. Besides a daughter, Mrs. Allen (Sydney), he leaves three brothers John (''Coghill"), Terrence (Coff's Harbour)' and Patrick (“The Pines, Colombo"). The late Mrs. Michael McCool (Goulburn) was a sister. The funeral left the Dr. Barry Memorial Chapel for the Kenmore Cemetery after Requiem Mass celebrated by Father O'Hurley.

Braidwood Dispatch & Mining Journal, 23 May 1941

MR. TERRENCE McGRATH

The death occurred recently at Coff's Harbour of MR. TERRENCE Mc GRATH, son of the late TERRENCE McGRATH, of 'Colombo,' Braidwood. Born in COUNTY TYRONE-, IRELAND, in 1859, Mr. McGrath came to Australia with his parents in the sailing ship Himalaya in 1865, the voyage taking three months. He went to Coff's Harbour more than 40 years ago as a road contractor, and became known over a wide area of the coast. A devoted Catholic, he gave liberally to his church. He leaves a wife, but no family. Mr. John McGrath, of 'Coghill', Braidwood and Mr. Patrick McGrath, of 'Colombo', Braidwood, are brothers. After a Requiem Mass the funeral left for the Coff's Harbour cemetery, where the service at the grave side was conducted by Rev. Fr. Ryan

Braidwood Review & District Advocate, 31 May 1949

MR. TERENCE McGRATH

On Thursday MR. TERENCE McGRATH was killed at Wingham, when he was run over by a train. He was employed by the Railway Department, and was a capable, conscientious worker. Joining the service at Young about 30 years ago he had worked practically all over New South Wales, being at the time of his death a ganger on the line. The eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick McGrath, of Colombo, he was born at Braidwood 51 years ago. His education was received at the Six Mile Flat School, and he later went to the Convent school at Braidwood. After leaving school he worked for the late Mr. John Gilligan, at Reidsdale, cutting firewood for the dredges at Araluen. Later on he went to Young harvesting for Mr. Luke Tierney, and it was while there that he joined the Railway Department. He married Miss Ettie Baker, of Taralga, who survives. There is no family. Also surviving are his .parents and brothers and sisters, Catherine (Mrs. Hawkins, Berry), Patrick (Colombo), John (Goulburn), James (Colombo), Edward (Colombo), Owen (Colombo), Hannah (Mrs. Whipp, Colombo), Michael (Reidsdale), Margaret (Bribbaree), William (Colombo). One brother, Joseph, predeceased him. The late Mr. 'Terry' McGrath was a fine, honest type, 'who had the capacity for making friends and also retaining, them. He was highly thought of by his fellow workmen. His remains were laid to rest in the Catholic cemetery, Braidwood on Sunday. Sincere sympathy is felt for the bereaved relatives, who received a terrible shock when the sad news was made known to them. The deceased had many friends in the Braidwood district. He frequent visited here during his holidays and renewed many old friendships.

 

Goulburn Evening Post, 15 February 1954

MR. BERNARD McGRATH

The death occurred in the Braidwood Hospital on February 7, of MR. BERNARD McGRATH, of Tomboye. Mr. McGrath was born at Tomboye in 1864 and spent his early life at Jembaicumbene Braidwood and Goulburn. He was the son of the late MR. and MRS. DENNIS McGRATH, of TYRONE, IRELAND. He was in the employ of the late Roly Hassall and was responsible for the early training of two Melbourne Cup winners, as well as winners of other important races. He married Miss Williams, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Williams, of Araluen, who predeceased him 20 years ago. He was laid to rest alongside his wife after a service conducted by Father O'Brien. He is survived by four daughters and five sons: Irene (Mrs. South, Tomboye), Lillian (Mrs. Smith, Goulburn). Susan (Mrs. Savage, Newcastle), Margaret (Mrs. Clarke, Sydney), Bernard (Sydney), Charles (Toowoomba) and Matt, Allan and George (Braidwood). Mr. McGrath had maintained an active interest in everything connected with the land and still loved to talk about the early days.