Marshal McMahon's letter dated 30 march 1994 states:

" I am the grandson of James McMahon who arrived in Sydney in 1864. Though born in Red Hills County Cavan, he and his family, being his father James, (born Scotshouse County Monaghan), mother Ellen(nee Finlay from Red Hills) and his two older brothers, Patrick and Bryan and Catherine moved to Aghadreenan Parish Donaghmoyne [C. Monaghan] where James' father was a vetinerary. Each of them had a block of land there.

About 1863 his father died and he and his mother Ellen returned to Red Hills. In 1863 his mother arranged for a relative, William Anderson who was already in Sydney, to sponsor James as an immigrant and he arrived here in 1864 aged 26 years. His mother Ellen died at Red Hills in 1885. There were no other McMahon deaths registered there since 1864."²²

The Griffith Valuation includes these entries:

County of Monaghan

Barony of Farney

Union of Castleblayney

Parish of Donaghmoyne

Townland of Aghadreenan (ordnance Survey Sheet 25)

OccupierImmediate LessorDescription of TenementArea

Patrick McMahonMarquis of BathHouse, office and land6 acres

James McMahon jnrSameHouse, office and land8a 3r 30p

Bryan McMahonSameHouse, office and land8a 1r 15p

James McMahon snrSameHouse, office and land9a 2r 10p

Ellen McMahonSameHouse and Garden6a 3r 25p

Catherine McMahonSameHouse, office and land6a 1r 0p

Were the Aghadreenan family really our Ancestors

Late in the piece I have discovered an anomaly which could negate or at least modify the history of our clan in Aghadreenan. The event causing this anomaly is the discovery that James (snr) had a sister Rose who with husband James Buchanan begat Mary(later Ball then Palmer) in 1862 and James in 1864 in Red Hills.It is possible that the family in Aghadreenan and the occupants of the house in Red Hills leased by Ellen Finlay are the same family but it is also possible that the whole story about the family in Aghadreenan is an assumption by Marshal having found a family with parents James and Ellen McMahon in Griffith. However, the evidence that James had a sister Rose is now extremely strong.Therefore, I have no option but to show Rose as a sibling of James but I am now not sure whether Catherine, Bryan and Patrick are also siblings. To explain the evidence I include the following draft chapter from my book:

The Palmer Story

Just as I thought my days of family history research were over and I could finalise this booklet and forget it content that I had done as much as possible to uncover the secrets of our McMahon ancestors, I was getting some old photos together to copy before our visit to Marshal and Christine McMahon and Lyn noticed the writing on the back of one of the photos. It referred to Mary Palmer and other Palmers. The writing described Mary as “cousin of E.A. McMahon”.

Lyn checked the NSW online BDM records and found the death of a Mary Palmer. We ordered the certificate and when it came, we were excited to find that Mary's maiden surname was Buchanan, solving the mystery of Joseph McMahon's second name, and her mother's name was Rose McMahon.

A quick check on Genes Reunited uncovered a Palmer family and by a stroke of uncommon good luck, gave me a contact with the person who originated the Genes Reunited entry, Raymond Palmer. We had an exchange of emails with Raymond and a few weeks later met him in person along with his wife Anne, daughter Cecilia and Raymond's sister Diane and brother in law Robert.

I dug out the usual records for Mary's migration and found she had arrived per Kapunda in February 1877 at the age of 15. Her migration was sponsored by James McMahon of St Albans described as “uncle”. The journal entry for James's sponsorship of Mary's migration gives the name of “a person of note who can give a reference” as E. B. Venables Esq. J.P. Guess who was the “Immediate Lessor” shown in the Griffith Valuation for the property occupied by Ellen Finlay in Red Hills; Rev. E. B. W. Venables. According to the immigration records, her father was James Buchanan and her mother was deceased. Raymond's records also say that she ”went to live at Windsor with James McMahon and Phoebe Armstrong. He was a sergeant of Police”. By the way. Venables was Edmund, Burke, Whyte Venables a probable source for the Edmund names of E.A. McMahon and myself.

It is a bit debateable when Mary was born. The death certificate says she was born in 1865 in Red Hills County Cavan. The certificate of her marriage to James Ball says she was 21 in 1881, a birth year of 1860.The certificate of her marriage to Henry Palmer in 1888 gives her age as 24, a birth year of 1864. But the records of the Immigration Board, the shipping company and the Migration Deposit Journal have her born in 1862 meaning she was aged 15 when she migrated. I have chosen 1862 as her birth year on the weight of evidence.

Mary married James Ball in 1881 and gave birth to William in 1884. James Ball died in 1886 and Mary married Henry Rolfe Palmer in 1888. The second marriage resulted in 5 children, Harriett born 1888, Annie born 1890, Gladys born 1893, Stephen born 1897 and Amy born 1904.

After the death of James Ball, his son William was adopted by Henry Palmer and William became William Palmer and his descendants are Palmers to today.

Where does all that get us? I think the reference to “cousin” and “uncle” make Mary's mother, Rose the sister of my great grandfather James. The relationship is supported by his sponsorship of her migration at such a young age and her going to live with him, a guardian-type relationship you would expect from a close relative.

I had thought that Rose may have been James' half sister. This would be consistent with the theory in Raymond's records that Rose's mother was Harriett not Ellen. It turns out that the basis for Harriett being Rose's mother is not strong so I am happy to assume that Rose's mother was Ellen.

Cavan Genealogy did not find baptismal records for any offspring of James Buchanan and Rose McMahon. They have found the civil birth record for James in Red Hills on 15 Sept 1864, the year civil records began. I now have a copy of that record. Nor did they find record for the death of Rose or James Buchanan. Their email said “The birth entry for James is recorded in the Superintendent Registrar's District of Ballyhaise.  A search in the remaining birth records for this district did not reveal any further children born to the same parents.  Civil Death Records for Ballyhaise District were also searched from 1864 up to 1900 for any entries for the surname Buchanan, no entries located. If I can uncover any further information on the Buchanan family I will advise you.”. Nor is there a trace of them in the Griffith Valuation in Red Hills or anywhere near it. Another mystery.

Raymond's records contain the following:

“Mary's parents previously had a boy who died at birth. Mother died when Mary was born. [she] went to live with mother's parents James and Harriett McMahon on the Isle of Man at Douglas.”

This is inconsistent with the above assumption that Mary was born in 1862 and her brother James in 1864. We know James Buchanan was born in 1864. Raymond's records suggest Mary was born in 1865. My assumption based on the above, is that Mary was born in 1862. Either way, Rose seems to have died in childbirth, the boy child also died at birth and Mary was supported by the family of her mother Rose McMahon, first living with James (snr) and Ellen(Harriett) and then with James (jnr) and Phoebe. The point of uncertainty is whether that support began when she was 2 years in 1864 or infancy in 1865.

We cannot find census or any other records which might validate the story about James and Ellen(Harriett) being on the Isle of Man. We have believed that James (snr) and his family were the same family that turns up in Griffith at Aghadreenan (Parish Donaghmoyne in Monaghan). I have been unable to find any evidence which validates that belief. Further, I have always found it hard to understand that the names of James(jnr)'s brothers in Aghadreenan, Bryan and Patrick were not used when naming the sons of James (jnr). There is also the anomaly that James (jnr) was still a tenant at Aghadreenan after he migrated. Now we find that James (jnr)'s sister Rose was nowhere to be seen when the family was in Aghadreenan. The conclusion I draw is that the Aghadreenan family were not our ancestors.

RIC - Helen Kelly(Genealogist from Dublin) researched Royal Ulster Constabulary records in Irish Archives for me and reported:

"Name: McMahon Jas

Age when appointed: 19

Height: 5'8"

Native County: Cavan Co.

Religion: C. (Catholic).

If married - Date and No. of Authority granting permission: - -

Native County of Wife: -

Recommendations: J or I Thompson J.P.

By whom recommended.

If by a magistrate - add J.P.

If by a Protestant Clergyman - add Clk.

If by a R.C. Clergyman - add PP

Trade of Calling: Farmer

Appointment or Re-appointment date of: 15 ..............

Allocation - To what County (in the order of service to each):

Mon. (Monaghan) 11th Dec '56

Westmeath 1/1/63

Ros (Roscommon ?) 1/5/63

Resigned 4th December 1863.

RIC - In The New Zealand Genealogist July/August 2010 Geraldene O'Reilly writes:

" Small perties of young unmarried constables lived in barracks under the command of a Chief Constable. About 75% of the RIC were Roman Catholic. Among the RICs first duties was the forciblre seizureof the tithes during the "Tithe War" (1831-1838) on behalf of the Anglican Clergy, from the mainly poor rural Catholic population as well as the Presbyterian minority. The new constabulary demonstrated its efficiency against civil agitation and Irish separatismduring the Young Ireland campaignled by William Smith O'Brienin 1848.

In 1867 an armeed uprising by the Fenians saw attacks on the more isolated police barracks and smaller stations. The police had infiltrated the Fenians with local informers and this rebellion was put down with ruthless efficiency. The loyalty of the Irish Constabulary during the Fenian outbreak was rewarded by Queen Victoria who granted the force the prefix "Royal" and the right to use the insignia of the most Illustrious Order of St Patrick in their motif.....................

............A recruit was not permitted to serve in his home county or in the home county of his wife. Plicing generally became a routine of controlling misdeamenours such as moonshine distilling, public drunkeness, theft and willful property crimes. The task of enforcement of tens of thosands of eviction orders in rural Ireland by the RIC caused widespread distrust among the Irish Catholic population during the 19th century."

NSW Police - Beryl Chesterman's report on James' employment history as a policeman in NSW includes

"The records show that James McMahon served as a constable with the Mounted Police in the Eastern District from 23 August 1864 to 24 January 1894. His starting wage was 4/- per day, and he retired on a pension of 5/7 per day. His previous calling had been with the Irish Police."

Deposit Journal Entry

Denise Hutchinson writes: "William Anderson received deposit number 227 for the passage of 4 people:

Mr William Napier 29 Labourer from Tipperary

William's wife Eliza Napier 26 from Meath

Their child Frances 4 months

James McMahon 26 Labourer from C. Cavan⁵

NSW Police

Denise Hutchinson writes:

Register of Police Records show that a James McMahon, b. 1838, of Ireland, was first appointed 23 August 1864, Service No. 1477, as a constable at the District Depot, he was descriibed as single, Roman Catholic, 5 feet 8 and three quater inches tall, blue eyes, brown hair, fair complexion. His general appearance was smart. After his initial appointment as Constabel at the District Depot, he is appointed as 1st Class Constable to the Eastern District on 29 October 1866. The column "Mounted or Foot" records him as mounted.⁵

Local Newspaper References

Denise Hutchinson writes: "...and the local newspaper has 4 references to J. McMahon between May 1874 and May 1883:

9 may 1874 P5 column 1 Windsor Quarter Sessions at St Albans: James is definitely the police constable at St Albans - the article concers the abduction of a young girl, who then accompanies her beau to the St Albans police station to explain the situation to James.

25 July 1874 P2 column 2 Man found hanging St Albans. James investigates.

31 December 1881 P2 column 3 Man missing - Jmaes searched for 2 days through bush

5 May 1883 p2 Column 4. Windsor Police Court - J McMahon juryman

Source Windsor Richmond Hawkesbury Advertiser⁵

Transcribed from Windsor & Richmond Gazette 18 July 1908 Page 3 - Held by Nat Library of Aust, Copy held by John McMahon

The death took place on Sunday night of a well known Windsor identity, Mr James McMahon, who for the past 15 years has been a police pensioner. He was 70 years of age, a native of County Cavan, Ireland, and came to this country when about 19 years old, after serving a short period in the Dublin constabulary. He married in Sydney Miss Phoebe Armstrong, from Kings County, Ireland, and his first colonial appointment was on the Blue Mountains - at a place then known as Eighteen Mile Hollow, now Springwood. He was transferred to St Albans, and was there 15 years, his next appointment being to Windsor. Before joining the colonial forces, however he was for a time an orderly to one of our early Governors, to whom he had a letter of introduction from a relative in Ireland. He was well connected, some of his people having gained distinction in the legal profession in the Emerald Isle. About 15 years ago he was thrown from his horse in George Street, Windsor, and sustained serious injuries to his head. This brought about his retirement, and he was never the same smart and energetic man after the accident. He did good work in the force, and in the early days of outlawry was often called upon to do some intrepid things, for which he got but scant recognition from the authorities. Some of his widow’s relatives are large pastoralists in this State, and her late husband has left her comfortably provided for. His family numbered seven children, the youngest being dead. Those living are Edward A. (headmaster of Concord Superior Public School), William F. (assistant postmaster at Junee), Marshal J. (Police Magistrate at Wentworth), Senior W. (assistant teacher, West Leichhardt S. P. S.), Lucas (teacher, La Perouse), and Joseph (night officer at High Street railway station, Maitland). The funeral took place on Tuesday, and was largely attended, all the sons being present except the one at Wentworth, who was unable to get home. Mr Lucas Armstrong (Mrs McMahon’s brother), and Mr E. Braggert [probably Lucas’ brother-in-law], another relative were also present. Rev Father McDonnell conducted the service and Mr Chandler was undertaker.

Comments:

This is the only reference to a letter of introduction. The Governor at the time was Sir John Young who had been member of the House of Commons representing Cavan. He lived at Bailieborough.

It is quite probable that "people of distinction in the legal profession" referred to the Finlays who lived at Brackley House near Bawnboy. I haven't yet established the connection but it appears that Ellen Finlay was related to the Bawnboy Finlays.²²

Transcribed from Hawkesbury Chronicle 22 Septmeber 1883 Page 3 - Held by Nat Library of Aust, copy held by J McMahon

St Albans

You don’t often get a line from our distant town, but it may not be out of place to acquaint you of a matter of more than ordinary interest that has lately taken place among us – and that is, the departure of our respected friend and fellow-townsman, Mr. James McMahon. Mr. McMahon left here on Monday last for your town, after a long and honourable term of service among us, extending over fifteen years – during which time he has made hosts of friends by his upright and stanch conduct, and acquitted himself faithfully in the execution of his duty, to the satisfaction of his superior officers. Although this worthy officer left us as plain constable McMahon, it is hoped that his shift to your larger field of operation will soon give him a lift up the ladder of promotion. ; the humble rank of our friend did not, however, prevent us from rallying round him at the last moment to show our appreciation of his long service at St. Albans. Accordingly, on Saturday night he was entertained at a supper by a number of gentlemen, and quite a pleasant evening was spent in thus showing our old townsman how much we admired and respected him. Mr. Joseph Walker, J.P., presided, and Messrs. Henry Wilson and John Fernance, J’s. P., were vice chairmen. During the evening an address signed by the worthy chairman, and Mr. T. J. Thompson, was read and presented. Several very complimentary speeches were made, and, as it was known that Mr. McMahon was leaving for the benefit of his family, all wished him and them every success in the future. Should Constable McMahon’s successor walk in his footsteps, he may rest assured that he will find the right sort of people about here to make good friends, and whose friendship is well worth having.²

Email from Patrick Finlay 30 October 2014 with a pic of old RIC Station

Hello John,

I hope you and your wife are keeping well.

My recollection is that you were trying to locate the site of the Royal Irish Constabulary Police Station in Roscommon Town. I have been doing some research and have located a photograph of same, which I have attached for your information. The Station was located where the current Garda Station is.

I hope that this is of assistance to you.

Regards,

Pat Finlay

Divisional Detective Inspector

Roscommon / Longford Garda Division.

Roscommon Town.

Office Ph: 090 6638324.

Mobile: 086 8281938

Deposit Journal Entry

Denise Hutchinson writes:

John Coglan received Deposit Number 229 for 4 people:

James Stanley 24Labourer

Susan Stanley21Servant

Phoebe Armstrong20Servant - Certificate No 347

Dorah Dolan21Servant

All seem to be from Shinrone Kings County Ireland

Referee Protestant Clergyman Shinrone⁵

The Longfellow birthday book (seemingly of James McMahon) says birth o f Phoebe was 25 March 1839