NameMcCabe, Christopher CollectionCollection summaryJames McCabe came to Australia in 1882, from County Cavan, Ireland. He married Catherine Boylan at Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church, Shellharbour, and they had 12 children.
James McCabe was a blacksmith and member of the Blacksmith’s Society of Australia.
The McCabe family home in Addison Street Shellharbour Village, was built from salvaged remains of the shipwreck Rangoon that struck Minnamurra Island in 1870.
James’ sons, Thomas and Sylvester, were also blacksmiths. They later worked in the local quarries. With their brother Christopher they were members of the Shellharbour Rifle Club, winning many trophies between them.
Christopher 'Christy' and another brother Gregory McCabe both served in WWI and Christopher received a Military Medal. Colonel Colin Dunmore Fuller (6th Australian Light Horse) of Dunmore House presented him with a gold watch and chain for his outstanding service at Villers Bretonneux and Peronne, France, which he reputedly wore for the remainder of his life.
Christopher was a keen collector of shells and amassed an impressive collection, now held by the Museum.
