Research by Peter Day on James McMahon 18th Hussars

From Peter Day, Surrey News Service 020 8941 5679/ 07711 432166

For John McMahon, Canberra, Australia.

14th September 2011 by email.

These are the results of my researches at The National Archives, Kew, and the London Library, St James Square, London SW1 into the military career of your relative James McMahon.

Below you will find a partial transcript of his personal service record contained in a volume of Kilmainham Hospital pensioners’ records (the Irish equivalent of Chelsea Pensioners). Photocopies of the relevant pages are being sent separately but some of the handwriting is faint and difficult to read.

I also went through most of the muster rolls (personnel pay records) for the 18th Hussars between 1805 and 1821 and selected references to James McMahon as detailed below.

Summary: James enlisted in 1805 at the age of 18 for unlimited service. He is listed as a blacksmith or farrier. He went missing and was listed as a deserter around Christmas 1805 but obviously rejoined the regiment fairly quickly.

He fought in Wellington’s army in Portugal and Spain in the Peninsular War and then at Waterloo for which, like everyone else, he got a bonus of two years added to his service record for pension purposes.

He stayed on in the army of occupation in France but was obviously not well (or possibly had been injured) and was hospitalised several times. He was discharged from the regiment when it was disbanded in 1821. Almost immediately he re-enlisted in the 1st Royal Regiment of Veterans but was forced to retire soon afterwards with an aneurism of the aorta which would appear to be pretty serious.

You asked for information about the regiment during his service. I am sending you an excerpt from a book written in 1869 by Captain Harold Malet, himself a captain in the re-formed 18th Hussars. It is rather confusing but captures the cut and thrust of the battle of Waterloo using accounts from those who were there. There is also a colour oicture of a hussar in uniform from 1821.

However, for a really good account of the 18th Hussars for the whole period of James McMahon’s service you would do well to get hold of a copy of Charging Against Napoleon by Eric Hunt, published in 2001 by Leo Cooper, now an imprint of Pen And Sword books in the UK. Hunt describes the involvement of the 18th Hussars in Wellington’s campaigns clearly, with good maps, and explains the background. He quotes extensively from the letters and diaries of three officers who were in the 18th Hussars at the time. You may well find it in a library in Canberra but otherwise there are various places online where you can buy a copy, including Pen and Sword’s own website.

National Archives Records:

Volume WO 119/64 (Kilmainham Army pensioners records)

Reference number B2650 (top right of page).

(see photocopies)

His Majesty’s Eighteenth Regt of Hussars

Whereof Field Marshal The Marquis of Drogheda is Colonel

These are to certify (handwritten to left of this line is the word Farrier)

That James McMahon Pte____ born in the parish of Curran in or near the town of Curran in the County of Monaghan was enlisted for the aforesaid Regiment at Belfast in the County of Antrim on the 10 day Feb 1805 at the age of Eighteen for unlimited service.

That he hath served in the Army for the space of Eighteen Years and 213 days after the age of Eighteen, according to the subjoined:

Table then lists his service in 18 Hussars, Waterloo. His service as a private is listed as 16 years 213 days to which two years is added because he had served at Waterloo, making his pensionable service 18 years 213 days.

That by the Authority of the Commander in Chief dated ?? August 1821 he is hereby discharged in consequence of the disbandment of the regiment.

Etc etc

That his general conduct has been good

Etc

I James McMahon do hereby acknowledge etc

Certified by W Scott ?? commanding the troop or company. Signed James McMahon (with an X – his mark).

To prevent any improper use being made of this Discharge, by its falling into other hands, the following is a description of the said James McMahon Pte___. He is about Thirty-four years of age, is 5 feet 6 inches in height, fair hair, grey eyes, fresh complexion, and by trade or occupation a blacksmith.

Given under my hand and the Seal of the Regiment, at Newbridge this 10th day of September 1821

Signature of Commanding Officer: Indecipherable

Adjt General’s Office Dublin 4th September, 1821, confirmed Wm Pxxxx?

Reference number B2651 (top right of page)

His Majesty’s 1st Royal Regiment of Veterans

Whereof Major General Robert Kelso is Colonel.

These are to certify that Private James McMahon born in the parish of Curren in or near the town of Clones in the County of Monaghan was enlisted for the aforesaid regiment at Naas in the County of Kildare on the 25 day of December 1821 at the age of 36 for unlimited ---

That he hath served in the Army for the space of 19 years and 125 days, after the age of Eighteen according to the subjoined.

(Panel shows his length of service as before, with two years added for Waterloo and 257 days in the Royal Veterans)

That by the Authority of Lieut General Fyers (unclear) dated 3rd September 1822 he is hereby discharged in consequence of aneurism of the aorta (following words unclear, possibly McHanish, surgeon).

That his general conduct has been good.

Discharge certified by Thos Strangways, Capt (unclear) and signed with his mark X by James McMahon.

Description as in previous page except that his age is given as about thirty-seven and his occupation as labourer.

Seal of Regiment at Cork (unclear) Barrack on 7th day of September 1822

Signature of Commanding Officer J G Ross (unclear)

Adjutant General’s Office Dublin confirmed 18th Sept 1822 by xxx (signature unclear but same as previous document).

Back page:

Handwritten: Cork (unclear) September 7, 1822

I certify that Jas McMahon has received of me one pound seven shillings, amrching money to (go to?) Clonish or Clones

Signature unclear, line below may be Paymaster xxxx.

Cork September 21

Private James Mcmahon received 18 days marching money (£1:7:0) from the 8th to the 25th (Signature as above).

WO 12/1371

Muster roll 18th Hussars, 1805.

James McMahon first appears on the pay roll for the period 25th March to 25th April, as one of 64 privates in Captain Lord Aghrim’s troop. His pay for the period was £1:18:9. He had been paid a recruitment bounty of £9:6:4.

There was also an Arthur McMahon serving in the same troop and a Michael McMahon in a different troop. They were on detachment at Mallow, Ireland.

There were ten troops in the regiment, each comprising around 64 privates, five corporals, five serjeants, a trumpeter, sadler-serjeant, armourer-serjeant, paymaster-serjeant and serjeant major. The Colonel of the Regiment, Lord Drogheda, was away on leave and Lt Col the Hon Charles Stewart was away attending Parliament. The senior officer was 2nd Lt Col O T Jones.

July – Aug 1805: On detachment, Curragh Camp.

Sept – Oct: On detachment Portumna

Nov – Dec: McMahon listed as a deserter.

WO 12/1374

Statement of pay 25 Dec 1807 – 24 March 1808

James McMahon £5:13:9, stationed at Harley.

July – Sept

2nd Muster (i.e. August) on passage to Portugal with the rest of the regiment.

Wives were not allowed to embark; including an Anne McMahon who resided in England (There is nothing to suggest she was James’s wife. There were at least two other McMahon’s in the regiment).

Returned from Portugal by the end of the year and stationed at Northampton

1809 March – June still in Northampton

Apparently in UK through to December 1910.

WO 12/1375

Sept – Dec 1811

8th December, rejoined after a period of desertion.

From March 1813 onwards abroad, at Alverca, then Othoz in Spain,

WO 12/1376

December 1813 Stationed at Lewes Bletchington?

Or possibly Leiven/Leuven in Belgium.

June-July 1814 Chichester

July-Sept 1814 In UK

Sept – Dec Canterbury

Dec Mar 1815 Brighton

(MacMahon detached to London)

March – April back with regiment at Canterbury

Then to St Maria xxx??, Flanders (possibly St Maria Aalter).

Special muster roll of men who served at Waterloo and qualify for extra pay includes James McMahon £1:5:4.

WO 12/1377

Reappears on the roll for Dec 1815 – Mar 1816

Sept – Dec 1816 based at Etaples.

And through 1817

And 1818 eventually returning to Newcastle upon Tyne

In November 1818 was treated at York Hospital

WO 12/1378

Sept-Nov 1919: On leave, Regiment back in Ireland

Dec 1920 Treated in regimental hospital.

Three months to March 1921, treated at the Royal Infirmary and Regimental Hospital.⁴

Regarding the children of James(snr) and Ellen, we are sure they had James in 1838 and Rose a year or two before or after. Patrick, Bryan and Katherine appear only in the Griffith Valuation entry for Aghadreenan. There is no evidence that they really are the children of James and Ellen.

Regarding Widow McMahon. She is shown in this database as mother of James (snr). There is no evidence other that an assumption by Marshal William McMahon that Widow McMahon was an ancestor.

Relationship between William Anderson and the McMahon clan has always been a mystery. Marshal’s writings say he was called "uncle" by Edmund and his brothers. Another legend says he was related to Ellen. When all the Andersons and their birth dates are plotted, the most likely relationships to emerge are that Ellen’s sister was William’s mother making him Ellen’s nephew. Another, and more convincing possibility is that the Ellen who was married to William’s uncle James Anderson, was, in fact Ellen Finlay and she married James McMahon after the death of James Anderson. I asked Cavan Genealogy to find a death certificate but they couldn’t. Nevertheless, I am fairly sure that William was half-brother to James McMahon, James’s mother Ellen having been married to William’s Uncle James Anderson before she married James(snr) McMahon

I believe that Ellen was married to James Anderson and had his 5 children. He died(or otherwise left about 1837(cannot yet find record of death). She then married James (snr) who had spent his younger years as a batchelor in the army. I am assuming Ellen married James Anderson about 1827 when he was 42 and a year before their fist was born.

Transcript of the death certificate of Ellen McMahon died Red Hills 1877

DEATHS Registered at Ballyhaise in the Union of Cavan in the County of Cavan

Date and Place of deathSeventeenth March 1877 Red Hills

Nmae and SurnameEllen McMahon

SexFemale

ConditionWidow

Age last birthday85 years

Rank, profession or occupationPauper

Certified cause of death and duration of illnessGeneral debility, uncertified. No medical attendant

Signature, qualification and residence of informantBridget X Connors Her Mark, Present at Death

When Registered17th March 1877

Griffith Valuation contains the following entry:

County Cavan

Parish of Annagh

Townland Drumakeenan

Village of Redhill

Map referenceTownland and OccupiersImmediate LessorsDescription of TenementAreaValuation landValuation BuildingsTotal valuation

15 3Ellen FinlayRev E V W VenablesHouse--10shillings10 shillings

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

Ray Palmer provided the following notes on Mary based on oral history from an aunt of his:

"Parents previously had a boy who died at birth. Mother died when Mary born. Went to live with her mother's parents James and Harriette McMahon on the Isle of Man at Douglas. Her father gave her a payment. Came to Australia on Kapunda – her Godfather was the ship’s surgeon – Dr Goode. Went to live at Windsor with James McMahon and Phoebe (Armstrong). He was a sergeant of police. James invested her money for her which she lost in the bank crash………..”

Mary migrated to Australia in 1877 presumably after the death of Ellen McMahon(nee Finlay). It is probable that she was living with Ellen since the death of her mother Rose which seems to have been in 1864 after the birth of James.Mary was oinly 15 when she migrated.

Extract from Concord Public School Centenary Booklet.

"When Edmund McMahon arrived to take charge of the school in August 1904 he denounced the residence as unsuitable, unsightly and unhealthy. ....................................There was a change of atmosphere at Concord Public School after 1904. This was partly because of Mr McMahon, who had the Knack of getting the community involved in the school, so that in 1906 Concord Council ploughed part of of the schoolground so the pupils could begin experimental agricultural plots. ......................................The year 1910 was rather chaotic at Concord Public School . Much to the regret of everyone, Mr McMahon was replaced as Headmaster by Thomas Cambourne just as the building work began."

Edmund's employment history from report by Beryl Chesterton, genealogist

Transcript of History Sheet

For Edmund McMahon

Voice - 8 )

Power to teach - 7 ) Vide McAlpen's Report 1888

Age 15 years in 1882

Employm't on prob'n as Pupil T'cher at Wilberforce P. Auth 28 Mar 1883

Removed from Wilberforce to Windsor to act as Pupil T'cher 29 Sept 1883

Promoted to Class III1 April 1884

Promoted from Class III to Class II1 April 1885

Promoted from Class II to Class I1 April 1886

Exempted from attaendance at examination13 Dec'r 1886

Passed examination for admission to Training School13 June 1887

Admitted to Fort St Training School11 July 1887

Trained from July 1887 to June 1888

Unable to complete examination on account of illness

Temp. att'ce at Botany P. auth. 4 July 1888

Completed exam. Awarded Class IIA prov. With honours(passed with honours in alternate subjects Geometry and ????)

Allowance increased to £100 a year from1st Jan 1889

Allownce increased to £120 a year from1st July 1889

Temp. Att'ce at Summer Hill P. auth. £1209 July 1890

Instr. To act as T'cher of Dunbar P.24 Sept 1890

Provisional certificate of IIA confirmed. Inf'd22 July 1891

Instr'd to act as Ass't at Forbes Pub. £1507th Jan'ry 1893

Marriage, on 22nd December 1894, to Amy Thomas, notified8th Jan'y 1895

Instr'd to act as Ass't at Mudgee Pub. II £171 27th Aug 1895

Failed to gain promotion at exam of 27th June 1898

On re-consideration of the case the Minister decided to declare Mr McMahon eligible in point of attainments for Class IB (subject to passing in Drawing)

Passed in Drawing (exam June 1899)(still to be reported on) Eligible for IB.

Promoted to IB (Skills sufficiently satisfactory) from1st July 1900

Inst'd to act as 1st Ass't at Stanmore Pub. £2253rd Sept 1900

Inst'd to act as Tchr of Boggabri Pub V £2042nd July 1901

Inst'd ro act as Tchr at Concord V £2168th Aug 1904

classification IB Concord class 4th £228

[Hornsby substituted for Concord 28/2/10 £260

1910 classification IA [date of award 1.1.14] class 3 £267

Retired under section 66 of the Public Service Actb 1902

Last day of service 7.1.29

Re-employed IB Rate

Ass't petersham 6.3.31 class 1

T Teachr Rhodes 28.4.31 class 5

T Teachr Putney 12.8.31 class 4

T Teachr Warrawee 11.9.31 class 4

Services terminated 14.8.32

Deceased 19/6/53

Extract from Concord Public School Centenary Booklet.

"When Edmund McMahon arrived to take charge of the school in August 1904 he denounced the residence as unsuitable, unsightly and unhealthy. ....................................There was a change of atmosphere at Concord Public School after 1904. This was partly because of Mr McMahon, who had the Knack of getting the community involved in the school, so that in 1906 Concord Council ploughed part of of the schoolground so the pupils could begin experimental agricultural plots. ......................................The year 1910 was rather chaotic at Concord Public School . Much to the regret of everyone, Mr McMahon was replaced as Headmaster by Thomas Cambourne just as the building work began."

Teaching career

Denise Hutchinson writes:

By the end of 1891 there was a severe depression in NSW and not until 1900 did the Education Dept have the same funds as 1891, and so had large backlog to make up. 1893-94 rigorous retrenchment reduced numbers of schools and teachers & other staff, and cut building expenditure, teachers' s salaries & a range of education facilkities, yet Edmund held his position.

Denise goes on:

1906 Sands Directory shows Edmund A McMahon at Salisbury Street Concord. Also an A.E. McMahon, headmaster, Concord Public School. In 1918 Edmund lived at Peats Ferry Road Hornsby. Source Sands Directory.

In 1930,33,36, 37 & 1943 he and Amelia lived at Lynwood, 16 Bridge Rd Hornsby. He was a teacher until 1933, after which he is shown as no occupation. Source - Electoral Rolls⁶

Date: 20 JUN 1953 Place: Northern Suburbs General Cemetery, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia [3] Note: I have the little card showing that Edmund is in Lot 42 Section U Row 2 of the Catholic section. Deniise Hutchinson writes: On Saturday 20 June 1953 at 7am Requiem Mass was celebrated at Rosary Church Waitara and after prayers commencing at 9.45am the funeral left for the Catholic Cemetery Northern Suburbs

Birth registration 12673/1869

Visits to USA and Canada

Denise Hutchinson writes:

On 1 August 1937 Marshal is shown arriving in USA from Southhampton per ship "SS Georgie". He is rfetired and travelling with his brother Lucas Howe, who is a civil servant. They state their place of birth as St Albans Australia and they describe their race as Irish. The address they supply is Bridge St Hornsby, the home of their brother Edmund.

Marshal is described as 5 feet 9 inchesfair complexion, brown hair and blue eyes.

In 1939 Marshal sails from Sydneyto Vancouver arriving 7th April. The only addition to his description is that his hair is grey and he has had a broken left thigh.³

1943 Electoral Roll

denise Hutchinson writes:

1943 Electoral Roll shows Marshal James as living at 112 Mowbray Road Willoughby with his sister-in-law Ellen Violet McMahon widow of Joseph Bucahanan McMahon and his brother Lucas Howe McMahon³

Narandera Argus And Riverina Advertiser (NSW)

Publication: Nov 15 1946 - Narrandera Region, New South Wales, Australia

Also published in: Riverina Region, New South Wales, Australia

Text: "...H. John son, eenr., of Narandera. ? , Mr. Marshal James McMahon The death occurred at Gloucester House, Sydney, on Wednesday last of Mr. Marshal James McMahon , former ly C.P.S. at Narandera, and latterly..."

About this sourceDescription: 1 online resource : illustrations Notes: Title from title screen. Digitised as part of the "Digitised newspapers and more" which allows access to historic Australian periodicals. Publisher varies. Also available in print and on microfilm. Jan. 9, 1892 issue available on microfilm : Ebco, Artarmon, N.S.W. Life Dates: No. 892 (December 30, 1893)-vol. 76, no. 102 (December 31, 1953) Also Titled: Narandera argus Place: Australia New South Wales Narrandera Region. Australia New South Wales Riverina Region.

Windsor And Richmond Gazette (NSW)

Publication: Nov 22 1935 - Windsor, New South Wales, Australia

Also published in: Richmond, New South Wales, Australia

Text: "...concluded a very pleasant even MRS. ISABELLA McMAHON rjTHERE passed away at her residence, No. 1 32 Arlington-street, Dulwich Hill, on November 13, Mrs. Isabella McMahon , wife of Mr. Marshall James McMahon..."

About this sourcePublisher: Windsor [N.S.W.] : Hawkesbury Press, 1888-1983. Notes: Digitised as part of the "Digitised Newspapers and more" which allows access to historic Australian newspapers and periodicals. Also available in print and on microfilm. Electronic reproduction. Canberra, A.C.T. : National Library of Australia, 2010- (Digitised Newspapers and more). July 21, 1888-Dec. 21, 1955. Mode of access: World Wide Web Life Dates: Vol. 1, no. 1, (July 21, 1888)-v. 91, no. 42 (May 11, 1983). Later Title: Hawkesbury gazette 0812-1893 Former Title: Hawkesbury herald 1838-9376 Place: Australia New South Wales Richmond. Australia New South Wales Windsor.

Railway employment

Denise Hutchinson writes:

Railway Employment Crad shows

1909Night OfiicerEast Maitland

1910Officer in chargeHermindale

1912StationmasterHermindale

1914StationmasterBlandford

1918StationmasterRaglan

1919 StationmasterCondoblin⁴

Death certificate is 1128/1886

Mary migrated per Kapunda which departed Plymouth 21 Nov 1876 and arrived Sydney 8 Feb 1877.

Her Migration deposit was paid by James McMahon 17 Feb 1876. Her place of residence was Red Hills and the Person of Note to Whom Reference can be Made was E. B. Venables Esq. J. P. Red Hills. ,The deposit was £5.

The Immigration Board record says she was Catholic, her father was James Buchanan, no mention of mother meaning she was deceased. Her Relative in the Colony was given as Uncle, James McMahon, St Albans

Notes on Raymond Palmer's record for Mary Palmer - source oral history

"Parents previously had a boy who died at birth

Mother died when Mary born

Went to live with her mother's parents James and Harrietts McMahon on the Isle of Man at Douglas

Her father gave her a payment

Came to Australia on Kapunda - her Godfather was the ship's surgeon - Dr Goode

Went to live at Windsor with James McMahon and Phoebe(Armstrong). He was a sergeant of police.

James invested her money for hger which she loist in bank crash.

The McMahons had seven children:

Marshall

Ted

Billy

Sean

Joseph

Luke

Septimus

Married Harry in 1888 at Ramsgate Rd Kogarah

Lived 42 Lord St Roseville.

Died of Hypostatic Pneumonia and Chronic myocardittiis.

Buried Northern Suburbs Crematorium, 8/9/1952 - cremated

Mary migrated to Australia in 1877 presumably after the death of Ellen McMahon(nee Finlay). It is probable that she was living with Ellen since the death of her mother Rose which seems to have been in 1864 after the birth of James.Mary was oinly 15 when she migrated.

Mary migrated per Kapunda which departed Plymouth 21 Nov 1876 and arrived Sydney 8 Feb 1877.

Her Migration deposit was paid by James McMahon 17 Feb 1876. Her place of residence was Red Hills and the Person of Note to Whom Reference can be Made was E. B. Venables Esq. J. P. Red Hills. ,The deposit was £5.

The Immigration Board record says she was Catholic, her father was James Buchanan, no mention of mother meaning she was deceased. Her Relative in the Colony was given as Uncle, James McMahon, St Albans

Notes on Raymond Palmer's record for Mary Palmer - source oral history

"Parents previously had a boy who died at birth

Mother died when Mary born

Went to live with her mother's parents James and Harrietts McMahon on the Isle of Man at Douglas

Her father gave her a payment

Came to Australia on Kapunda - her Godfather was the ship's surgeon - Dr Goode

Went to live at Windsor with James McMahon and Phoebe(Armstrong). He was a sergeant of police.

James invested her money for hger which she loist in bank crash.

The McMahons had seven children:

Marshall

Ted

Billy

Sean

Joseph

Luke

Septimus

Married Harry in 1888 at Ramsgate Rd Kogarah

Lived 42 Lord St Roseville.

Died of Hypostatic Pneumonia and Chronic myocardittiis.

Buried Northern Suburbs Crematorium, 8/9/1952 - cremated

Mary migrated to Australia in 1877 presumably after the death of Ellen McMahon(nee Finlay). It is probable that she was living with Ellen since the death of her mother Rose which seems to have been in 1864 after the birth of James.Mary was oinly 15 when she migrated.

WW 2 Nominal Roll shows:Date:Sep 4 1942

Place:In The Field, Western Australia, Australia

Military Discharge

Discharge date

Date:Jan 14 1946

Name: McMahon, Charles James Wilkinson

service: Army

Service Number: NX120753 (N260237)

Date of Birth: 7 Oct 1911

Place of Birth: Burwood NSW

Date of Enlistment: 4 Sept 1942

Locality of Enlistment:Bankstown NSW

Next of Kin:McMahon, Stella

Date of discharge:14 Jan 1946

Posting at Discharge:2/3 Aust Port Oper Coy⁵

Children

Katherine Joslin says Josephine had 4 children and Josephine is the eldest²

Military Service

(from WW2 Nominal Roll Australian War Memorial)

Enlistment

Date:June 3 1940

Place:Paddington, New South Wales, Australia

Military Discharge

Discharge date

Date:Aug 16 1945

Name: McMahon, John Cyril

Service: Australian Army

Service Number: NX27774

Date of birth: 6 June 1914

Date of enlistment: 3 June 1940

Locality of enlistment: Neutral Bay NSW

Place of enlistment: Paddington NSW

Next of Kin: McMahon, Ellen

Date of Discharge: 16 August 1945

Rank: Private

Posting at Discharge: 3 Anti Tank Regiment

WW2 Honours & Gallantry: None for display

Prisoner of War: No

Blandford, Warrah Shire, District of Murrurundi

Williams birth was registered as Ball even though he is often referred to as Palmer. NSW Birth registration 6873 / 1884 refers.