Connolly

DESCRIPTION

NameConnollyAlternative NameConnellyDescriptionMichael Connolly/Connelly lived at Terragong, Jamberoo.

According to his obituary, 'Kiama Independent 6 July 1877', he was born in County Galway, Ireland in 1807. He married Maria Griffin (daughter of Michael and Anne), in Ireland in 1838.

Michael, Maria and their two eldest children applied for settlement as part of Caroline Chisholm's settlement scheme at Peterborough, however they were not approved. (see list below 'Families Selected by Mrs. Chisholm for Location in Illawarra District 4 December 1842'). This list states the Connolly's arrived in Australia aboard 'Royal Saxon' in 1842.

They made it to the Illawarra and commenced farming at Terragong (on the Shellharbour/Jamberoo border).

Michael and Maria had several children;

Bridget b. c. 1838 (married Francis Nye, died 1898, Sydney)
Andrew b.1843 (married Mary Jane Harrison, died 1893, Ballina))
Mary Ann b.1844 (married William Enfield, died 1911, Sydney)
Margaret b.1850 (died 1928, Wollongong)
Catherine b.1851 (married George Couch, died 1927 Wollongong)
Michael John b.1853 (died 1927, Callan Park)

Michael was an alderman on Shellharbour Council and was involved in the establishment of the first free public library at Shellharbour.

The Connolly's farmed Terragong for the remainder of their lives. Maria died in 1870 and Michael seven years later in 1877.

In his Will & Testament, Michael Snr left his daughters, Bridget, Margaret and Catherine 100 pounds each. To his son Michael John, he left the Terragong farm. Andrew was left a deed for 142.5 acres a Cambewarra.

Michael's obituary stated that as a neighbour he was kind and obliging, as a friend unchanging and in business, honest and straightforward.

Michael's daughter Catherine married George Couch. According to descendant Arthur Parkinson 'Catherine was educated to some degree. She was probably taught by her father as he held classes for boys at his place until a teacher came to the area. Shel was noted for her hospitality, was kind and helpful in sickness, zealous in church work and a splendid wife and mother. She wore a chatelaine and kept the girls under a tight reign. They were not allowed out and this probably why they all remained single'.

External LinkKiama Police Court 1862Marriage Mary Ann Connolly 1870Death Maria Connolly 1870Kiama - Milk 1871Obituary Notice Michael Connelly 1877Death Notice Michael Connolly 1877Funeral Michael Connolly 1877Marriage Andrew Connolly 1878Michael Connolly Jnr Kiama Police Court 1879Michael Connolley Jnr Kiama Police Court 1880Maritime Adventure 1881Kiama Excitement 1881Local News Unsound Mind 1890Not Mad After All 1890The Case of Mr M Connolly 1890Creditors Michael J Connolly 1891Death of Mr Andrew Connolly 1893Found Dead - Bridget Nye 1898In Remembrance Bridget Nye 1900Chittick's Road 1911Probate Mary Ann Enfield 1911Death Mrs Couch 1927Obituary Miss Connolly 1928Probate Michael John Connolly 1928Does A Wild Beast Prowl? 1930

Photograph

Person

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Locality

Michael Connolly's house at Terragong.

Photo courtesy of descendant Gary Benson, 2020.

CONNECTIONS

CollectionFamiliesFamilyCouchLocalityShellharbour City LGAJamberooOrganisationShellharbour City CouncilPersonCouch, GeorgeChisholm, Caroline

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Connolly