Moles, William

DESCRIPTION

NameMoles, WilliamOccupationFarmer, Alderman, Justice of the Peace, Senior Magistrate, Lay Preacher.Place of Residence'Toongla', TullimbarBiographyWilliam Moles was born in Ireland, in 1829. He arrived in Australia with his parents when he was just 12 years old. William’s father, Alexander, took up a clearing lease at the area we now know as Killalea, near Bass Point. The lagoon near this spot was, on early maps, referred to as Moles Lagoon.

William helped his parents on the farm and learnt much about the soil and effect of climate on the crops. He acquired a great love of reading and spent much if his leisure time at this pursuit.

William later took up a farm at Tongarra, where he farmed for many years. In 1858, he married Mary McGill, a daughter of famous cattle breeder Andrew McGill. William was widely known and respected in the local community and held a position on the first Shellharbour Municipal Council, twice elected Mayor.

For a time, William also served the area as Senior Magistrate. He presided at the public meeting held at the Shellharbour Steam Packet Inn, at which the advantages of forming a municipality of Shellharbour were discussed. He also served as a lay preacher for the Presbyterian Church in times of need.

William was a man who organised the people of the district and gave his time to getting things done. He patronised the Albion Park School of Arts, and was influential in the establishment of a dairy creamery in 1893, for the farmers of the upper Macquarie Valley at Tongarra, for which he donated a portion of his land.

William purchased the now historic home 'Toongla' at Tullimbar in 1898, and when he died in 1911, he left his property to two of his daughters, Barbara and Marion. William was buried at the Pioneer Cemetery at Albion Park.

External LinkThe Late Mrs William MolesThe Late Mr William MolesObituary Mr William MolesMunicipal Jubilee of Shellharbour

Place

Toongla

Albion Park Pioneer Cemetery

Object

'Toongla' Keys

Map or Plan

Plan (Tracing) Portion 117, Parish Jamberoo, County Camden

Locality

Tongarra

William Moles at Toongla, c.1900.

CONNECTIONS

CollectionPeopleFamilyMolesMcGillLocalityTongarraTullimbarOrganisationShellharbour City CouncilPlaceToonglaPioneer CemeterySt Andrew's Presbyterian Church and TreeTongarra Creamery (Butter Factory)Tongarra School

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Moles, William