Thomas O’Shaughnessy’s Diary Part 11 1879

1879

1 Jan 1879      New Year’s day. A bazaar in aid of the Protestant Church. E Markham went to Milburn Creek. Adam Potts came in from the work.

2 Jan 1879      James and Edmund carting stone all day. I borrowed one of Maonaghan’s draught horses and took Pat Markham with me to Spring Creek to form at the culvert. Adam Potts assisted us. We finished at 5 o’clock and came on home. We killed a snake at porters Mount. Bazaar tonight.

3 Jan 1879      James, Edmund, Pat markham and I took the two horses and carts up to Spring Creek. We carted one chain of gravel. Adam Potts spread it. Finished at 4 o’clock. Work done – two chaind of forming, 1 ½ chains of drain, one chain of gravel, one third class culvert. Adam came with us and camped at the bridge with James. Bazaar on again tonight.

4 Jan 1879      I borrowed Monaghan’s horse and took it out to the work and sent Pat Markham with it to cart stone. Adam Potts and I measured 50 lineal yards of forming to be done on the Cowra side of Campbell’s gate. Adam commenced to form it. I came home. Bazaar on again tonight.

5 Jan 1879      Sunday. Mass at the Chapel. Dr Smith came. A light shower.

6 Jan 1879      I borrowed Monaghan’s horse and cart. Pat Markham driving it, carting stone in Campbell’s paddock. Paid Egan, the baker, and Stibbert.

7 Jan 1879      I took Monaghan’s horse and cart up to the work to P. Markham. I came home. Adam Potts finished the forming at Campbell’s gate. All the stone quarried in Campbell’s paddock. I wrote to Patrick Fitzgibbon, and James McInerney Goolagong, Frank Flint, and James Butler Merriganowry.

8 Jan 1879      I got Monaghan’s horse and cart and commenced to cart gravel with the three carts onto the forming on the Cowra side of Campbell’s gate. We got the gravel on the street near Middlemiss’ gate.Carted 30 loads.

9 Jan 1879      Carted all the gravel required. Adam Potts finished spreading. Hot day. No sign of rain.

10 Jan 1879    We took the three carts to draw stone in Campbell’s paddock. Adam Potts and I commenced to clear the timber off the road. The end of the metal to Campbell’s outside gate. Aletter from Hennessy.

11 Jan 1879    James and I and the two Markhams took the horses and carts to the work in Campbell’s paddock, clearing all day. Election between Gavin? and Mr McLean. E Markham went to Milburn Creek.

12 Jan 1879    Sunday. Mrs Hanley came from Goolagong. I got a  letter from the Land Office in Forbes giving me notice that the Lease for the Broula Hill copper mine was ready in Forbes to be taken up before 30 January.

13 Jan 1879    James and Adam Potts and the two Markhams clearing. I offered Mrs Hanley £70 cash for a five acre block in Cowra. Mr and Mrs Hartigan came. Minnie came by coach from Grenfell and Kikiamah.

14 Jan 1879    I went up to Mr Single’s. I took 25 chains of clearing from him along Middlemiss’ fence. I paid Freehill the Solicitor ten pounds shillings (sic) for Markham. . Paid P.Murray £31.19.0 . Mr and Mrs Ryan started for the Bogan River today.

15 Jan 1879    James, Adam Potts and the two Markhams finished the clearing. Tom Walsh drove Mr Single and me out to Wensley’s sale. Mr Single measured the metal in Campbell’s paddock – 150 lineal yards. Mr Single passed the clearing. I rode out on horseback. Very hot day.

16 Jan 1879    Rue and Adam Finlayson spread the metalj and Adam Potts and the two Markhams blinding all day. Mrs O’Shaughnessy and I walked out to the camp at the bridge.

17 Jan 1879    Edmund and Pat Markham finished the blinding. Paid Rue  and Adam Finlayson 34 pounds cash. Commenced to clear the lane that runs from James Ousby’s house to Middlemiss’ fence. James, Adam Potts and Edmund  and Pat Markham clearing. James Ryan and his son Tom came with a team of horses and wagon.

18 Jan 1879    Edmund and James went to Milburn Creek after dinner. Adam Potts, Bill Rue , and and Pat Markham clearing. I sent a  letter to Mrs Hanley, Goolagong. Miss Campbell got thrown from her horse on Mulyan Plain. She had to be taken home in Fitzgerald’s waggonette. Paid Adam Potts one pound.

19 Jan 1879    Sunday. Mass at the Chapel. Dr Smith came from Carcoar to see Miss Campbell. She received slight concussion of the brain. James, and Edmund Markham came from Milburn creek.

20 Jan 1879    James, Edmund and Pat Markham and Adam Potts clearing. Paid Bill Rue  and Adam Finlayson 7/6 each. Grace Challacombe and John Nowlan’s eldest daughter went by coach to Carcoar convent. Light showers of rain all day.

21 Jan 1879    James and Edmund  and Pat and Adam Potts clearing. I worked most of the day with them. Hot sultry day.

22 Jan 1879    James and Edmund and Pat and Adam Potts and I clearing.

23 Jan 1879    James and Edmund and Pat and Adam Potts finished the grubbing and and commenced to cut the logs so they could be drawn off. I could not work. My back too sore. Got letter from P Fitzgibbon and one from Mrs Hanley, Goolagong.

24 Jan 1879    James, Adam Potts and Pat Markham clearing off the timber. E.Markham could not find the horses until 12 o’clock. In the evening, we drew off all the timber and filled the stump holes. James and Edmund and Pat  brought in the tents and tools, put the horses in Middlemiss’ paddock.

25 Jan 1879    Paid Edmund and Pat Markham in full. Paid Adam Potts in full. E.Markham went home. Mrs Oshaughnessy and I had a look at Stack’s allotments. Jacobs the ventriloquist here tonight.

26 Jan 1879    Sunday. Anniversary of the Colony. Letter from James Hennessy, Goolagong offering a draught mare for 25 pound. Child of Bennett, the Lockup Keeper, died. Hot day.

27 Jan 1879    I went up to the Court House to hear acase of cattle stealing. Male against Nichols. Nichols fined 25 pounds and all expenses or six months in gaol. Bennett’s child buried. Cowra beat Carcoar at cricket.

28 Jan 1879    James rode my chestnut horse to Middlemiss’ paddock and saw the draught horses. Wrote letter to James Hennessy, Goolagong.Edmund Markham came from Milburn Creek.

29 Jan 1879    James and Edmund caught a brown colt and put the breaking-in tackle on him. Sarah O’Shaughnessy came by coach from Grenfell. Hartigan came for Mrs Hartigan I went to Stephenson’s office.

30 Jan 1879    James and Edmund brought the colt from the paddock. I sent to Harrold Bros, Land Agents, Sydney for tracings of the Nanima run.

31 Jan 1879    E Markham rode the colt. Adam Potts and I measured out three pieces of road work to be done. Mrs John Kennedy died at Robertson’s Hotel, Cowra at one o’clock today. Mr Single went to Carcoar. 134 in the shade.

1 Feb 1879      Two hours rain this morning. Mrs Kennedy buried at 10 o’clock. Father Ryan came and a young priest. Mrs Fox Senior died last night at Mr Male’s, Merriganowry. Willie Ryan came.

2 Feb 1879      Sunday. Mass at the chapel Letter from Harrold Brees with tracings for Nanima, Binda and Bandon runs. Cost six pounds. Mrs Fox buried. A letter from James Hennessy, Goolagong.

3 Feb 1879      James Stack brought up Hennessy’s draught horse. She would not stand a trial so he took her back again. I went to Mr Single’s.

4 Feb 1879      I went up to Mr Single’s this morning. I made up the Hovell’s Creek roadwork. It amounted to 209 pounds. I went in the buggy with Mr Single to Mr Campbell’s. He had gone to Sydney. Mrs O’Shaughnessy went with Mrs Walsh to Conimbla, Hood’s place.

5 Feb 1879      I sent Post Office Order to Harrold Brees for tracings of Nanima run. I went to Mr Freehill’s office with Mr Murray.

6 Feb 1879      James and Edmund got in the gray  colt and put the breaking-in tackle on him. A sale of stud rams at Alfords. Broander came from Goolagong. Adam Potts went to Mr Single to sink a well.

7 Feb 1879      Broander went to Goolagong. James and Edmund caught a filly for young Charley Robinson at P. Murray’s. I was working at my diary.

8 Feb 1879      The Gray  colt got out of the shed. James and Edmund found him today at six o’clock. P.Murray and I started for Goolagong. We called at Conimbla, Hood’s. Murray got a fresh horse. Commenced to rain. We arrived at Goolagong at 10 o’clock.

9 Feb 1879      Sunday. P.Murray started for Cowra at five o’clock this evening. I have to stay a week. Oscar Broander promised to pay P.Murray 200 pounds this week. Hot day.

10 Feb 1879    I started to go to the Gilgi on the Canowindra and Eugowra road. I called at Marshes on the opposite side of the river. I got all the information there about the culvert at the Gilgis. I came back to goolagong. I went up in the evening to the bull paddock to see a draught mare that a man named Clissold has for sale. He was not at home.

11 Feb 1879    I wrote a letter to Mrs O’Shaughnessy. James Ward came from Cowra this morning.Mrs John Jones died last night from milk fever. Raining from 12 o’clock until night. I put my horse in frank Flint’s paddock.

12 Feb 1879    Mrs Jones buried at her father’s place on the opposite side of the river to Goolagong. A large funeral. James Ward and I rode up with Clissold to his place to see a draught mare and foal he had for sale. She stood a good trial. I bought the mare and foal for £22.10.0. I paid by cheque. I got a letter from home and a parcel. Hot day.

13 Feb 1879    I sent a letter to P.Murray and one to home. James Ward taking stock in Flint’s store for P Murray. Raining a little all day.

14 Feb 1879    St Valentine’s day. I got a letter from P Murray. Broander and Billy Robinson went by coach to Forbes.

15 Feb 1879    Commenced to rain at 4 o’clock this morning and never ceased all day. Broander and Robinson came in the Forbes coach. James Ward (and) Flint finished taking stock.

16 Feb 1879    Sunday. Raining heavy this morning. I went to the bull paddock and got the mare and foal I bought from Clissold and came back to Goolagong. I started for Cowra at 3 o’clock and arrived there at dark. Mrs O’Shaughnessy very ill.

17 Feb 1879    James put the black mare and foal in Middlemiss’ paddock. Mrs O’Shaughnessy no better.

18 Feb 1879    Mrs O’Shaughnessy no better.I sent a telegram for Dr Smith at Carcoar. Mrs Smith sent a telegram back to say that the Doctor would not be home before six o’clock. I sent a telegram to start when he came home. James Ward came from Goolagong. Mrs O’Shaughnessy worse tonight.

19 Feb 1879    Dr Smith came at 7 o’clock. He put a hot flannel with spirits of turpentine on it across her stomach. It nearly drove her mad for about half an hour. Dr Smith left at 1 o’clock  for Carcoar. James Ryan and his son Tom started for Goulburn with the wagon and horses. Mrs O’Shaughnessy a little better.

20 Feb 1879    Mrs O’Shaughnessy had some severe fits of cold shivers up till 12 o’clock and from that until night she seemed to improve. I got tracings of Binda and Nanima runs from Harrold Brees, Sydney.

21 Feb 1879    Mrs O’Shaughnessy no better – four sisters of St. Joseph came in the coach. So did Father Ryan. I signed for the Hovell’s Creek work. 209 pounds. Great wind today.

22. Feb 1879   Mrs O’Shaughnessy no better. Martin Cass^[1] a free selector at Wattamondara got his leg caught in Rolfe’s threshing machine. It took away his foot from the ankle and part of the calf of his leg. Dr Smith passed through Cowra on his way to see him. Mr Single called with two cheques signed by George Campbell and Alf West. I have to send them to John Jordan for him to sign.

23 Feb 1879    Sunday. Martin Cass died at 2 o’clock  this morning. Dr Smith would not put him under an operation. The Sisters of St Joseph came to see Mrs O’Shaughnessy.  James and Edmund Markham went to John Jordan to get him to sign two pay cheques. Got back in the evening.

24 Feb 1879    Mrs O’Shaughnessy  no better. Mr Single called. I gave him the pay cheques and vouchers signed by John Jordan. I agreed with Mr Single to do what work was required to the  Cowra  bridge. Paid Mr Single£ 4.17.0, and £2.10.0 for JB. Fitzgerald. Put £214 in the bank  making £425.5.0.  Cloudy evening.

25 Feb 1879    Dr Smith came at 11 o’clock  to see Harry Henderson. He called into see Mrs O’Shaughnessy. Foundation Stone of Church of England laid today. James and Edmund took two horses and dray to repair a culvert at the Gilgis on the Canowindra  and Eugowra Road.

26 Feb 1879    Mr Single and I had a look at the Cowra bridge. We came to the conclusion that the side cords must be raised by screw jacks.  I went to John Minns? To have a look at the Government gazette and up to the printing office. I got some of the numbers of the Reserves cancelled on the Binda and Nanima  runs.Mrs O’Shaughnessy getting better.

27 Feb 1879    Mrs O’Shaughnessy recovering fast. P Murray came from Sydney. W Ryan started for the Bogan. Sultry day.

28 Feb 1879    Atkins tuned the piano. James and Edmund came from the Gilgis. Mrs O’Shaughnessy up today. Close, sultry day.

1 Mar 1879     Mrs O’Shaughnessy recovering fast. I put a milking bail for Mr Single. Sent a cart to McLeod’s to be repaired.

2 Mar 1879      Sunday. Dr Smith came from carcoar. This morning, he called in to see Mrs O’Shaughnessy. Lewin the Chemist came by coach. Patrick Fitzgibbon came on horseback from the Log paddock, Mudgee. Warm day. Rain much wanted..

3 Mar 1879      James and I measured the length of prop for the Cowra bridge. Mrs O’Shaughnessy improving fast. James and Edmund doing nothing.

4 Mar 1879      James and Edmund cut poles to prop up the bridge. Paid McCloskey the saddler. Rained a little after dinner.

5 Mar1879       James and Edmund brought in the props for the bridge. I heard today that A Cowra Bell had been dismissed from the Roads Department.

6 Mar1879       James and Edmund brought in all the props for the Cowra bridge. I made an offer of £450 for the Goolagong public house and 160 acres of land with it. Mrs O’Shaughnessy improving slowly. Dry day. Much rain wanted.

7 Mar 1879      Edmund Markham went to Milburn Creek and back. James brought the chestnut horse from the paddock. I saw Mr Single this morning.

8 Mar 1879      James and Edmund and I put up two props under the Cowra bridge and got four more ready. Hot day.

9 Mar 1879      Sunday. Edmund brought up my chestnut horse.

10 Mar 1879    James and Edmund, P Fitzgibbon and I finished putting up the props under the Cowra bridge. I borrowed blocks from Ousby.

11 Mar 1879    I went in the coach to Mandurama. Got there at 6 o’clock. I stayed at Tacker’s Hotel all night. 4 pubs, a post office, 3 stores in Mandurama.

12 Mar 1879    Mr Single came at 8 o’clock. Harry Unsworth came to meet him. I went in the buggy to Mr Single. He drove along the road towards Canowindra. He measured three pieces of roadwork to be done between Mandurama and Egan’s public house. We stayed at Egan’s and had some dinner. We followed the road towards Canowindra to the top of the hill near Montague, Rothery’s, and measured another piece there. We turned off the Canowindra (road) there and came by Rothery’s house, and followed a bye track and came out on the Carcoar and Cowra road at the foot of Burley Jackey. Called at the Sheet of bark. Cowra at 8 o’clock.

13 Mar 1879    After 12 o’clock, James, Edmund, P Fitzgibbon and I finished wedging up the bridge. Hot day.

14 Mar 1879    Light showers all day. James and Edmund caught a cold of Charley Robinson’s. Speaking to Mr Single at my place.

15 Mar 1879    Rained heavy during the night and up to 10 o’clock this morning. I made a tailboard for one of the carts. Broander and Robinson came.

16 Mar 1879    Sunday. Mass at the Chapel. E Markham went to Milburn Creek this morning. Fine day.

17 Mar 1879    St Patrick’s Day. Billy Robinson fined 10/- for assaulting Scrader, the policeman.

18 Mar 1879    I went in the buggy with Mr Single out to my old selection. We were to meet a man with a bullock wagon to take a load of slabs I gave Mr Single. The team was not there. We got to Cowra at 4 o’clock. We had a look at the races on the flat near the bridge.

19 Mar 1879    James brought the draught horses from the paddock and got Prior to shoe them and paid him. Hot day.

20 Mar 1879    James and Edmund took two loads of bricks from Henderson’s brick kiln out to Mr Single’s new place at Barratt Creek.

21 Mar 1879    I went with Mr Single in his buggy to Goolagong. Mr Single went to John West’s Binda tostay all night. I stayed at broander’s Hotel all night. Mr Scarr, the Orange Road Superintendent, stayed there also.

22 Mar 1879    Mr Scarr started for Cowra a short time before Mr Single came from West’s. We pulled him up in about two miles. Mr Single got in the buggy with Mr Scarr and I drove his buggy up to Cowra.Got there at one o’clock. E Markham carting wood for Tom Walsh.

23 Mar 1879    Sunday. I got my portrait taken by O’Sullivan. Hot day.

24 Mar 1879    Mr Single and Mr Scarr went to Burley Jackey to report on the best route to take the road. Ned Canfield got six months to Bathurst gaol.

25 Mar 1879    Challacombe’s stable caught fire at one o’clock this morning, but was seen in time to stop it. E Markham carting wood. James put his horse in George Campbell’s paddock. Hot day. No sign of rain.

26 Mar1879     James working at T Walsh’s. I tanned a platypus skin for Frank Flint, Goolagong. I got three of my portraits today.

27 Mar 1879    E Markham carting wood to the convent. A young child of Arnold’s died tonight.

28 Mar 1879    James and Edmund carted two loads of wood to the convent. I got ten of my photographs for ten shillings. Arnold’s child buried today. Light shower of rain this morning. Very sultry evening.

29 Mar 1879    James carted two loads of sand and lime from Challacombe’s new building up to his six acre block on the hill. James sent a letter to Melbourne.

30 Mar 1879    Sunday. Mrs T Walsh took Mrs O’Shaughnessy out for a drive in their buggy. Tom and Jolly got out of Challacombe’s paddock.

31 Mar 1879    James and Edmund carting firewood out of Challacombe’s paddock. I put a new tailboard in one of the carts. Hot day. No sign of rain.

1 Apr 1879      James and Edmund cutting wood in Challacombe’s all day. I made another tailboard for one of the carts. Frank Flint came from Goolagong to make P Murray an offer for his store at Goolagong. Hot day.

2 Apr 1879      James and Edmund cutting wood in Challacombe’s paddock. I finished the carts. I got a map of the new township of Goolagong from Grenfell..

3 Apr 1879      James and Edmund carting wood from Challacombe’s paddock. Tom Clyburn came from Canowindra today. Frost last night.

4 Apr 1879      P Fitzgibbon and I started on horseback to Goolagong. Got there at 3 o’clock and had some dinner and then went down to james McInerney’s. We had a lookat some of the new town allotments. They are to be sold on 23^rd of this month at the Government land Office, Grenfell. Came back to Broander’s hotel and stayed all night.

5 Apr 1879      We rode down to the Protestant Church to have a look at the other half of the new township. Called at james McInerney’s coming back. I had a look at the plans and specificationsof the new catholic Church that is to be built on the new township. Called at Broander’s and arrived in Cowra at 3 o’clock.  John Muir got his leg broken today. Professor Carr came in the Forbes coach.

6 Apr 1879      Sunday.Mass at the Chapel. Father Finnegan came from Young. Dr Smith came from Carcoar. Monaghan’s child christened.

7 Apr 1879      James and Edmund carted one load of wood. James took Mr Single piano in a spring cart to his new place. I went up to the Court House. I heard Rusby’s and Mylchorane’s case. Rusby got a verdict. Woodward committed to Bathurst for obtaining money under false pretences. I went to Stephenson’s about a mistake in a bill from the Town and Country Office. Professor Carr is going to lecture at Challacombe’s Assembly Rooms tonight.

8 Apr 1879      James taking a copy of the plan of the Goolagong township. I sent a letter to james McInerney, Goolagong for the plan and specifications of the Catholic Church,Goolagong. Bill Austin got married. Light showers.

9 Apr 1879      James working at the map all day. Billy Boxall got married to fanny Croft, one of Dennis’ servants. Paid S Rheuben £2.14.0 Thick fog this morning.

10 Apr 1879    James finished the map this evening. James Mcinerney sent plan and specifications of the Catholic Church, Goolagong. I was repairing one of the carts. Rained during the night and on and off all day.

11 Apr 1879    James copying plan of the Goolagong Catholic Church. Paid E Markham one pound. Good Friday. All business places closed.

12 Apr 1879    James carting gravel to Challacombe’s new house. Paid the wheelwright five pounds ten shillings for repairing a cart. I sent back the plan and specifications of the Goolagong Catholic Church to James McInerney.

13 Apr 1879    Easter Sunday. P Fitzgibbon and I rode along the Canowindra road as far as the Rocky Station, Allmandingos, and there followed the Rocky Creek up to the licking holes and across from there to the Binnie Creek Road, and followed it to Cowra. Took my horse to the paddock. Cold day.

14 Apr 1879    Repairing carts. Races at Lockyers, Cross Keys. Robert king brought Miss King to the ball. Mrs James Markham came to Cowra to live.

15 Apr 1879    The select ball at Challacombe’s new house was a great success. I was repairing carts all day. Jane King stayed all day. I agreed with Mr Single to repair the Cowra bridge for 40 pounds.

16 Apr 1879    James and I repairing carts all day. The Gentlemen of Cowra gave Mr Stokes adinner. He was manager of the Australian Joint Stock Bank, Cowra, at Dennis’ Hotel. Jane King stayed all day. Great frost.

17 Apr 1879    Painting carts. Robert and jane King started home. James repairing harness. Mr Stokes went by coach to Sydney. P Murray went by coach also. I paid him £20.11.0 by cheque.

18 Apr 1879    Painting the carts. Got a letter with a newspaper advertisement cut out about the revocation of the Reserve 1038 at broula Hill. I can’t make out who sent it. Baker lectured on Tom Moore’s works tonight. A poor house. Hot day. No sign of rain.

19 Apr 1879    I went up to the Court House to see Mr Arkins, the C.S.S. about the free selection at Broula. He could not give me any information as usual. I posted a letter to A Lynch, Sydenham. I went to the Cowra Free Press office. Mr Ryall looked over the Government gazettes and found where Reserve 1038 was cancelled on April 7, 1879 I went to Phillip Rheuben’s sale. Adam Potts came.

20 Apr 1879    Sunday. Mass at the Chapel. Mrs P Rheuben went by coach to Sydney.

21 Apr 1879    I rode out to Mr Single. He and I started out to burley Jackey. We called at the Sheet of Bark and took Pat Lynch with us. We commenced to work out a new line of road from the corner of Rowland’s selection and run up the creek to the corner of dalzeil’s lane. We chained it back to where we commenced. Two miles and thirty chains. Came to the Sheet of Bark and had some dinner and then came on to Mr Single’s place. I came home to Cowra in the dark. Dry weather.

22 Apr 1879    P Fitzgibbon and I started to Grenfell. We got there at 5 o’clock. We stayed at Eliza Fahey’s. The town appears dull.

23 Apr 1879    We went to the Court House to a government land sale of allotments in the new township at Goolagong. I bought two half acre allotments in block 26, Number 6.7 and in Block 20 Number 7.9. P Fitzgibbon bought in Block 20 Number 1.10. We started at 3 o’clock and got to Cowra at 9 o’clock.

24 Apr 1879    I went down to the sandy crossing place to look for a pile that was taken from the Cowra bridge in the 27 April, 1870 flood. It was too rotten for my use. James and I took the two horses and dray in the bush and brought in a pole to raise the Cowra bridge, and we squared a log.

25 Apr 1879    James and Edmund and I finished squaring logs for the bridge at 12 o’clock. Edmund took the horses and dray in the bush and cut some props the right lengths. P Fitzgibbon returned twenty pounds I had lent him when he was living at Gulgong. T Walsh took Mrs O’Shaughnessy and Mrs Challacombe to P Walsh’s, Kikiamah. Mr Single called today.

26 Apr 1879    James and Edmund and I rigged the blocks to pull up the props under the bridge. Edmund took the two horses and dray in the bush and brought in two poles to make a stage.

27 Apr 1879    At home all day. James McInerney and his wife came from Goolagong. Billy Robertson’s son scalded his foot in a pot of boiling water. Mrs John Halpin died at 12 o’clock today at James’ Park. Hot day.

28 Apr 1879    James and Edmund and Jonathan Avis and I commenced to raise the bridge. Mr Single was with us all day. We rose one side and partly rose the opposite side. I hired a man to do the carpenter work. Young Neville was committed to Grenfell. Very dry weather.

29 Apr 1879    heavy rain until 2 o’clock. We could not work. I got a letter from A Lynch about my preselection. P Murray came from Sydney. Paid Rue Stephenson two pounds for the Town and Country Journal.

30 Apr 1879    James and Edmund and Jonathan Avis and I rose one span, ready to fit all the struts. Mr Single went to Grenfell. Mrs Halpin buried today. Allotments I bought in the Goolagong Township:

Lot G. 2 roods. block 20 (28?) £4

Lot I.   2 roods. block 20  £4

Lot W. 1 rood 3 perches block Block 26 £5

Lot X (40). 2 roods. Block 26 £5.1.0.

1 May 1879     Working at the bridge all day. Wrote a letter to A Lynch, Sydney. Andrew O’Neill was killed on his way home from Cowra, his horse ran him against a tree. Frost and foggy.

2 May 1879     Working at the bridge. Commenced to rain at 4 o’clock and continued until after dark. I got a telegram from Mr Single from grenfell to send markham with a load of bran from the Mill out to his place. Father Dwyer died in Sydney.

3 May 1879     Rained up to 12 o’clock. Working at the bridge all day. A letter from Mrs O’Shaughnessy. Mrs Broander and Christina came in a wagonette from Goolagong. Cold day.

6 May 1879     Working at the bridge. Edmund took a load of bran out to Mr Single’s place. Mr Single came to see us at the bridge. Warm day.

7 May 1879     Working all day at the bridge. We rose the second span. James released his Gray  colt out of the pound. Frost this morning.

8 May 1879     Working all day at the bridge. Tom Walsh, Mrs O’Shaughnessy, Mrs O’Shaughnessy and bridget Walsh came from Kikiamah. Paid James Egan his bill. W.Ryan started for the Bogan.

9 May 1879     Working all day at the bridge. I believe that P Murray has gone to Goolagong. Windy day.

10 May 1879   Working at the bridge all day. Mr Single came from Bumbaldry. Paid Charlie the carpenter one pound. Whittaker the watchmaker married to George Lawrence’s daughter.

11 May 1879   Sunday. I rodeout to Conimbla Creek to see Meldrum the Surveyor about my old selection. He advised me to select my old improvements. Got back at 3 o’clock. Tenders invited for roadwork from Carcoar to Cowra , from Mandurama to Canowindra, and from Canowindra  to Eugowra.

12 May 1879   Working at the bridge all day. P Fitzgibbon came from Cargo. Monaghan gave me seven pounds to pay the wheelwright at Mandurama for him. Warm day.

13 May 1879   Working at the bridge all day. Mr Single came to inspect the work. Cloudy day.

14 May 1879   James went to Meldrum’s camp. I went to James markham’s sale. I bought all his furniture. Beds, bedding and bedheads, cooking utensils. P Fitzgibbon started to Kikiamah. Raining in the evening.

15 May 1879   I went to the Land office at 10 o’clock and selected 200 acres, the same place that I had selected before. Working at the bridge.

16 May 1879   I sent Edmund Markham out to Meldrum’s camp at Conimbla Creek, but he had started to Goolagong.  Working at the bridge all day. James took a copy of the specifications of roadwork t be done.

17 May 1879   I sent Edmund Markham out to Meldrum’s camp. Meldrum had gone to Grenfell and the men were shifting their camp to Bumbaldry. We finished the bridge. I paid Charley the carpenter in full. Paid Edmund Markham three pounds. The Bishop of Bathurst came today. Fine day.

18 May 1879   Sunday. Confirmation at the Chapel today. A great number of people there. I put my horse in the stable tonight. P Fitzgibbon came from Kikiamah. I got a receipt from McDonald for Maonaghan’s cartwheels.

19 May 1879   James went to Kikiamah. Monaghan and I started to Burley Jackey. Saw 5H Contract there. Followed the Carcoar road nearly to the ‘Rising Sun’. Took the left hand track to Egan’s public house on the Carcoar and Canowindra road. We had dinner. Looked at 2.11. Went to the two mile creek and saw I H Contract. Came back to Egans and had a look at the quarry. Start at half past four, and got to Cowra at 9 o’clock.

20 May 1879   One of the bolts in the Cowra bridge broke. E Markham and I put in another bolt. Mr Single came. I sent a letter to Bumbaldry.

21 May 1879   Raining all night and all day. I went up to the Court House and got Arkins, the C.P.S. to fillup a form for tomorrow to select 200 acres at Broula, an additional selection.

22 May 1879   I selected 200 acres after 12 o’clock. I started on horseback to see Meldrum the Surveyor. I stayed at George Wilson’s Hotel, Bumbaldry all night.

23 May 1879   I went to Meldrum’s camp but he was in Grenfell. I came back to Cowra. E Markham and I finished the bridge. Bridget Walsh very ill. I sent for her father.

24 May 1879   Queen’s birthday. At home. A little rain this evening.

25 May 1879   Cold enough to snow all day. Patrick Walsh came from Kikiamah this evening.

26 May 1879   I got my horse and rode out to Mr Single’s. He had started to Carcoar. I finished making out my tenders. Maonghan’s cart wheels came.

27 May 1879   P. Walsh started home. I posted 4 tenders.

28 May 1879   Raining all night and most all day. Some of the tenders opened today. One of George Tindale’s daughters married to a boy called Woods. Cold day.

29 May 1879   E Markham and I brought all the blocks and other timber from the Cowra bridge. All the tenders opened today. I bought some tools from P Murray. I got Prior to make some wedges. Patrick Fitzgibbon drove Mrs T Walsh and Bridget Walsh to Carcoar. Raining all day.

30 May 1879   Raining all night and most all day. Paid Prior up to this date. Sent ten shillings to McDonald, Wheelwright, Mandurama.

31 May 1879   P Fitzgibbon, Mrs T Walsh of Cowra and Bridget walsh of Kikiamah came from Carcoar. River rising fast. Fine day.

1 Jun 1879      Sunday. Mass at the Chapel. Grass growing fast.

2 Jun 1879      I got ready to start to broula, but it rained too heavy.Had a meeting at Dennis’ Hotel against the removal of the Post Office.  I bought a corn crusher from P.Murray.

3 Jun 1879      Sent Tom and Pat Markham to Broula to cut bark. I signed Mr Single’s Task Book for forty pounds.

4 Jun 1879      Brought up the draught horses and fed them. Speaking to Mr Single.

5 Jun 1879      I got up the horses and fed them. Sent a petition to A Lynch, our Member, to have the Post Office to the old place. Light showers of rain.

6 Jun 1879      E Markham carted 500 bricks for Ford. Thick fog until 12 o’clock.

7 Jun 1879      Making pick handles. Took 6 picks to Prior to be laid. Great fog.

8 Jun 1879      James Cummins took me to a copper lode. He had found it at Porters Mount. Nothing there but stained slate. We came home again. James and Pat walsh came from Kikiamah. The Markhams came from Broula. They cut 200 sheets of bark.

9 Jun 1879      I put the Markhams out with a horse and cart to Broula to bring in the tent and tools. P Walsh Jnr went with charles Stibbard to Keys to buy some sheep. Paid the Markhams for cutting the bark £3.10.0

10 Jun 1879                Pat Walsh started to Kikiamah this morning. Fine evening.

11 Jun 1879    Mr Single came in this morning. We had a look at the bridge. Dr Smith came to Mrs Rheuben. Railway meeting. Sent 6 hammers to Prior.

12 Jun 1879    James brought up the black mare with Tom and Jolly. Mrs Rheuben had a young son last night. Sent 6 hammers to Lawrence. Fine day.

13 Jun 1879    Mr Single came in. I signed bonds for roadwork at Egans and the Eugowra road work. Bill Rue  came to get work. Warm day.

14 Jun 1879    Got up the horses and fed them. Prior finished the tools. Cold day.

15 Jun 1879    Sunday. Mass at the Chapel. Cold day.

16 Jun 1879    After dinner, Monaghan and I started for Egan’s on the Canowindra road. Reached there after dark.

17 Jun 1879    We started at 11 o’clock along the road towards mandurama expecting to meet Mr Single  at the two mile creek. We went on to Mandurama and had dinner at Tasker’s Hotel Mr Single came at 5 o’clock from Carcoar. Monaghan and I went back to Egan’s and stayed all night.

18 Jun 1879    Mr Single came and measured out all the work I had to do. He persuaded Monaghan and me to meet him at McCloskey’s public house on the Cowra road, to assist himto measure maintenance metal along the Cowra road. We met him there and measured up to Bull’s. the ‘Rising Sun’ and had dinner there. Monaghan went on and led my horse. I came in the buggy with Mr Single. We measured Con Flyn’s on Burley Jackey . We got to Mr Single’s at 7 o’clock. Monaghan left my horse there. I got home at 9 o’clock.

19 Jun 1879    Loaded our carts and got the draught horses shod, ready to start early in the morning. Paid Pat Markham one pound, E Markham two pounds.

20 Jun 1879    The carts started early this morning. I bought Major, a draught horse, from Challacombe. I got my saddle horse shod and led Major, and came up with the carts at Sheet of Bark. I left the horse with the carts and went on to Egan’s on the Canowindra road. They camped at Fagan’s Coach stables all night, Limestone Creek.

21 Jun 1879    The carts arrived at Egan’s at 8 o’clock and (they) put up their tents below Egan’s. I pegged out 21 chain to be cleared, formed, drained and metalled. The Butcher came from Mandurama.

22 Jun 1879    Sunday. Finished arranging the camp. The Baker came.

23 Jun 1879    P Fitzgibbon, Tom and Pat Markham started in one quarry. Edmund Markham and Charles Miller in another quarry. And Billr and Adam Finlayson in another quarry. Jim Ryan took the forming. James O’Shaughnessy looking after the horses and camp. I started home at 11 o’clock and got to Cowra after dark.

24 Jun 1879    Toohey and Slattery, the man who took Challacombe’s public house came on the coach from Sydney. I was speaking to ned Murphy about building a house on the selection at broula.

25 Jun 1879    I went with Mr Single in  his buggy to Canowindra. He measured the work to be done at the east end of Glazier’s Lane. We went on to narrang Creek and stayed at King’s Shangrila?? Hotel.

26 Jun 1879    We measured 97 chains from narrang Creek bridge westwards towards Gum Flat to be cleared, and two miles eastwards towards Canowindra. I let all the clearing to Robert King at 22 pounds per mile, and a third class culvert at the west end of Glaziers lane at 24 pounds. Arrived in Cowra at 5 o’clock. Agreed to meet Murphy at the selection tomorrow.

27 Jun 1879    I went to the selection at Broula and met Murphy there and picked a site to build on. Came back to Cowra. Started to the Belubla Caves with P Murray, freehill, John Toohey and James Ousby in his wagonette. Got there at 8 o’clock. After tea went into the caves and stayed until 12 o’clock. Raining. Took our blankets into the second chamber and slept there all night.

28 Jun 1879    We started back and got to Cowra at 1 o’clock. Sleepy and tired. Grace challacombe came from the Carcoar convent. Cold day.

29 Jun 1879    Started for Egan’s on the Canowindra road. Got there at 4 o’clock and stayed at Egan’s all night.

30 Jun 1879    Started three carts drawing stone. James driving two horses and cart. Charles Miller two horses and cart, and Edmund Markham one horse and cart. They carted six loads each. White frost.

1 Jul 1879       They carted 7 loads each. I went with Kelly, the stonebreaker, into Fagan’s paddock and found a fine quarry. Challacombe gave up the Royal Hotel to T Slattery today. White frost.

2 Jul 1879       Carted 7 loads each. I went and had a look at the old Junction Reef on the Belubula River. Murphy working at the selection.

3 Jul 1879       I started for Cowra and met Monaghan at Burley Jackey. I called at Mr Single’s. Reached Cowra before dark.

4 Jul 1879       I started out to Broula. I called at Ransom’s. He agreed to go to Broula and assist Ned Murphy to put up a house for me and cart in 200 sheets of bark at 8 shillings per day. I went on to broula. Murphy had nearly all the timber cut. I came back by Ransom and met him near Cowra. Pat Cass’ team ran against our chimney and pulled it down. W.Ryan came.

5 Jul 1879       I rode out to the selection. Ransom commenced to draw in the timber. Murphy squaring posts. Heavy shower this morning. Got back at dark.

6 Jul 1879       Sunday. I went to Mass. A man agreed to cart stone at Egan’s. A letter from Lodge, the Butcher, from Mandurama. John Atkins married to Mrs Martin.

7 Jul 1879       I went to Freehill’s office to see him about Lodge the Butcher. He said he could do nothing. Bought nails and screws from P Murray. I was speaking to Mr Single. Paid Prior up to this date. Murphy came in.

8 Jul 1879       P Murray could not get a horseto take the galvanised iron out to the selection at Broula. Cold wind.

9 Jul 1879       raining most all day. Murray not sent the iron yet. Dr Smith came. Sent his bill £12.7.0. P Murray sent his bill £36.15.0

10 Jul 1879     P Murray sent out 45 sheets of iron. I rode out to the selection. I met ransom on the way out. He had finished carting the timber and bark. I came home at 6 o’clock. I gave P Murray a Promissary Note for thirty one pounds due on the 13 October. Rain and sleet all day.

11 Jul 1879     I started for Egan’s. Called at Mr Single’s. He came with me to where I turned off to Egan’s. I got to Egan’s at 5 o’clock and stayed there all night. Dan Ryan and Harry Woods came with a mob of W.Ryan’s fat cattle and stayed all night.

12 Jul 1879     I started at 12 o’clock for Cowra. I left James four blank cheques to fill up if wanted. Paid E Markham ten shillings. I arrived in Cowra after dark.

13 Jul 1879     Sunday. Put my horse in the paddock. White frost.

14 Jul 1879     I bought 50 feet of half inch weatherboards from P Murray. I went out to the selection. Murphy and ransom at work. I stayed all night.

15 Jul 1879     Putting up posts for house all day. Cold weather.

16 Jul 1879     Ransom went for his horses and dray and came back at dark. Murphy and I cutting pine posts in the bush all day.

17 Jul 1879     Ransom drawing in timber all day. Murphy and I assisting him to load.

18 Jul 1879     Ransom carted one load of stone for the chimney. I went with him for a load of flags for the bottom of the fireplace.

19 Jul 1879     Working at the building until after 3 o’clock. I walked part of the way home when young Markham met me with my saddle horse. Home at dark.

20 Jul 1879                Sunday. After dinner I walked out to Ransom’s and went with him in his dray out to the selection. A light shower of rain on the road. Ned Murphy not come.

21 Jul 1879     Ransom and I cut 15 posts for the house and drew them in. Murphy not come. White frost this morning.

22 Jul 1879     Ransom and I adzing pine saplings for battens. Rue King came to let me know that he had finished the clearingat Narrang Creek. Murphy came after dinner and began to square posts.

23 Jul 1879     Squaring posts all day. White frost.

24 Jul 1879     Rained all night and all day. No work.

25 Jul 1879     I came to Cowra in the Grenfell coach. I rode out to Mr Single’s. He was not at home.

26 Jul 1879     I rode to Canowindra. Had dinner at Clyburn’s and went on to narrang Creek and found that only half of the 4 miles of clearing was finished. I condemned the culvert in Glaziers Lane. Stayed atN’s. Bob King came at 10 o’clock.

27 Jul 1879     I started after breakfast for Cowra. There at 2 o’clock. Warm day.

28 Jul 1879     I started for Egan’s. reached there at sundown. I had a look at the forming and what metal was broken. Five chains of forming to be done. Egan commenced to cart stone.

29 Jul 1879     I walked down to the quarry. I believe that there is enough stone quarried. I stopped the quarry men. Tom and Pat Markham out of work. Carts not able to supply the stonebreakers. Egan borrowed one of my tipcarts. I gave James three cheques to fill up. I started at 11 o’clock for Cowra. I met Mr Single near Cowra.

30 Jul 1879     I started out to the selection after 12 o’clock. Murphy and Ransom at work.

31 Jul 1879     Rained all night and all day.

1 Aug 1879      Working all day. Cold, wet ground.

2 Aug 1879      Working until late in the evening. Murphy, ransom and I started home. I got to Cowra after dark. James at home from Egan’s. Dan Neville not getting any better.

3 Aug 1879      I started out to Broula at 10 o’clock. James went to Egan’s.

4 Aug 1879      Putting up galvanised iron on the walls of the house.

5 Aug 1879      Ransom started home on Murphy’s horse to bring out a draught horse to get some more rafters. Murphy and I putting on rafters. Ransom came back.

6 Aug 1879      Murphy and I cut rafters and ransom carted them in.

7 Aug 1879      Finished putting on the rafters and commenced to put up weather boards on the front of the house.

8 Aug 1879      Rained all night. Finished barking the house and nearly finished putting on the riders.

9 Aug 1879      Putting up the chimney. Came to Cowra. Paid Ransom £13.5.6. Murphy working 28 ½ days. A letter from James at Egan’s.

10 Aug 1879    I started for Egan’s. Got there at 4 o’clock. Major, the horse, got a nasty cut over the fetlock off hind leg. The two hendersons ready to start carting in the morning. Fine day.

11 Aug 1879    I had a look at the quarry. About 20 chains on the forming. I started for the ‘Rising Sun’ public house to see if Bull the publicanwould rent me a draught horse. He had none to spare. I called at Billy Death’s. He had no spare draught horses. I came on for Cowra. I called at Mr Single’s and got to Cowra  after dark. I went to see Dan Neville. He is a real skeleton. He appears to be failing fast. Heavy shower after dark.

12 Aug 1879    I bought 200 feet of flooring boards from P Murray. He sent them out to the selection. I went out in the cart. Murphy and I shifted into the new house. Heavy rain.

13 Aug 1879    Putting up weather boards all day. A little rain.

14 Aug 1879    Working at the building all day.

15 Aug 1879    Putting up the doors and window sashes all day.

16 Aug 1879    Finished the doors and windows. Murphy working 34 ½ days. We came to Cowra. Paid Murphy five pounds.

17 Aug 1879    I started to Canowindra on Challacombe’s mousey mare. Passed through Canowindra to the end of Glaziers Lane to where P Fitzgibbon and Tom Markham were quarrying, near the Catholic Church. I came back to Canowindra and stayed at Clyburn’s Hotel all night.

18 Aug 1879    I went to Egan’s. James has got on well since I was here. The forming is nearly finished. Egan has two days carting stone.

19 Aug 1879    I assisted Jim Ryan to cut a hollow log for a drain pipe.I gave James two cheques. I started for Cowra at 3 o’clock. I met Mr Single near Cowra. he told me that my tender for roadwork near Paton’s on the Forbes road was accepted. Got home at 8 o’clock. Dan Neville no better.

20 Aug 1879    I went out to Broula. Murphy carting in Joyce/Joists? And in the evening he was squaring joists? And putting them down.

21 Aug 1879    Carting in all the joists?. I commenced to board the floor. Murphy squaring door posts. I lost my horse. I could not find him. Dan Neville^[2] died at 10 o’clock this morning.

22 Aug 1879    I rode Murphy’s saddle horse and I tracked my horse to the scrubby camp and found one of his hobble straps. I came back and sent my saddle by coach to Cowra. Started at dark and walked to Cowra by 9 o’clock.

23 Aug 1879    Dan Neville’s funeral started at one o’clock. E Markham came in the evening. Paid Mrs Markham two pounds. I sent a bellows to Canowindra.

24 Aug 1879    Sunday. James started out to work at Egan’s. I went out to Broula. Murphy came at dark.

25 Aug 1879    Working at the house all day. Pat and Tom and Margaret Walshx and their father, Patrick walsh, passed going home to Kikiamah.

26 Aug 1879    Working at the house all day.

27 Aug 1879    Working at the house.

28 Aug 1879    rained all night and all day.

29 Aug 1879    Raining all night and most all day. We assisted a man out of a bog.

30 Aug 1879    Finished the house at 12 o’clock. Murphy and I came to Cowra. I paid Murphy £17.15.0, the full amount due to him. I was speaking to Mr Single.

31 Aug 1879    I started for Egan’s, Canowindra road. Called at Mr Single’s. I signed two vouchers; one for 214 pounds, and one for 147 pounds. I agreed to put on 100 yards of maintenance metal in Glaziers Lane at Canowindra. I had dinner at the Sheet of Bark. Sent a letter to the quarry men at Canowindra. I got to Egan’s at 5 o’clock. James and I could not remember how many cheques I had signed for him. He made one short. I agreed to start at daylight and stop payment at the bank in Cowra.

1 Sep 1879      I started at 4 o’clock for Cowra and got there at 11 o’clock. I found that James got 14 cheques instead of 15. I went up to the bank and gave them an order to let James draw cheques and got a cheque book for him. Commenced to rain.

2 Sep 1879      I started to Egan’s and got there at 3 o’clock. One of the Hendersons and our cart drawing stone. James making out the men’s accounts.

3 Sep 1879      James and the Hendersons carting broken metal. Finished in the evening. Fine day. Roads very boggy.

4 Sep 1879      James paid the two Browns and the two Rue and Bill edments and Charles Miller. George Henderson started for Cowra. James, Edmund Markham and I drew some logs off the clearing and did up the small culvert.

5 Sep 1879      We started with the two carts for Canowindra. We paid Bishop, the Butcher, at Walli. We had dinner at the Deep Creek. I rode on with the carts as far as Callan’s. I left them there and went on to Canowindra. I went on to Fitzgibbon’s camp and came back to Clyburn’s and met the carts there at dark. I went with them to the end of Glaziers Lane. They camped. I came back to canowindra and stayed at Tom Clyburn’s all night.

6 Sep 1879      We took the carts to the opposite side of the lagoon to camp. I put Jim Ryan and John Hogan to cut a drain from the lagoon into the Belubula River. I went to Harts. He allowed me to put the draught horses in his paddock at one shilling each per week. I sent Edmind Markham down to Townsend’s for chaff, but he had none. We put up the tents. I came up to Clyburn’s and stayed all night.

7 Sep 1879      Sunday. I went to the camp for breakfast. James and I went to the quarry. Came back to the camp and had dinner and started at 2 o’clock and came to Clyburn’s. I paid my bill and got to Cowra at dark.

8 Sep 1879      I rode out to Mr Single’s. he promised to go to Canowindra next Monday. I came home. Fred Chivers agreed to take two loads of furniture to Broula at one pound per load. I paid Ryall for the Cowra Rag. Raining.

9 Sep 1879      Packing up, ready to load. Heavy rain. Could not load.

10 Sep 1879    Loaded Challacombe’s dray, and Fred Chivers’ dray. River rising very fast.

11 Sep 1879    Chivers’ and  Challacombe’s drays started. They had to unload three times before they got to Broula. Challacombe’s team came back. I paid Challacombe ten pounds. I paid Tom Markham 15 pounds. S Rheuben one pound nineteen shillings. The water nearly overflowed the banks of the Lachlan River.

12 Sep 1879    Loaded Chivers’ dray early this morning and started him. Loaded Challacombe’s dray this evening. Paid five pounds to the convent. Tom Peters was down to hennessy’s near Merriganowry to see some clearing I had to do there. I made no arrangements with him before. I saw Mr Single. Cloudy day.

13 Sep 1879    Loaded Monaghan’s two carts. Monaghan drove one cart and George Austin the other. I went to Challacombe’s paddock and brought up my saddle horse. Tom Walsh drove Mrs O’Shaughnessy, Sarah, Grace,and Ellen Callaghan. We got to the selection at one o’clock. Worked hard all the evening, fixing up everything. Mrs O’Shaughnessy much better today. Paid Chivers two pounds. Weather not settled.

14 Sep 1879    Sunday. Doing a little until 12 o’clock. Thunder but no rain.

15 Sep 1879    Rained all night and on and off all day. Cleaning up around the house most all day.

16 Sep 1879    Raining all day. Very heavy

17 Sep 1879    James Carpenter came about the clearing at Merriganowry. Burning off all day. Thunder this evening.

18 Sep 1879    I started to Cowra at 9 o’clock. I had dinner at Ilfracombe, Challacombe’s, and went out to Mr Single’s. He agreed to meet me in Cowra in the morning. I came back to Cowra and stayed at Ilfracombe.

19 Sep 1879    Mr Single came to Cowra. He would not start to Canowindra as it looked too much like rain. I signed some vouchers for him. I got my horse shod at Prior’s.I brought Juno, the dog, out to Broula.

20 Sep 1879    Clearing away the timber around the house all day. Tom Daly came from Cowra. P Murray sent his cart out with three doors and a grinding stone and other things. Fine day.

21 Sep 1879    Sunday. Sarah and Grace and Pat Markham walked up to dribbendrew and back to dinner. James Ward and Charles Stanbury from P Murray’s store and stayed for dinner. Tied my horse to a tree.

22 Sep 1879    I started to Cowra at 9 o’clock. I met Mr Single there. We started for Canowindra, had dinner at Clyburn’s and started for Eugowra and got there at 8 o’clock.Stayed at Freeney’s Bridge Hotel. Rained after 9 o’clock.

23 Sep 1879    Mr Single and I started back for Canowindra, called at Narrang Creek. We measured King’s clearing. Mr Single started to Cowra. I went back with Bob King down to Cheshire’s (Chesher’s?) to show him one mile of clearing to be done there. We came back to narrang Creek and stayed at Mrs King’s all night.

24 Sep 1879    I came to James’ camp at Glaziers Lane. I paid three of King’s men £26.14.0. Commenced to rain. Left James’ camp at 3 o’clock. Got home to broula at 9 o’clock.

25 Sep 1879    Fixing up the grinding stone all day.

26 Sep 1879    Pat Markham and I commenced to put up a shed at the back of the house. We had to carry all the timber on our shoulders. Commenced to rain in the evening and continued up to 9 o’clock.

27 Sep 1879    Raining most all night and high wind all day. We finished the shed this evening, and felled a bees’ nest, not much honey. Got our papers.

28 Sep 1879    Sunday. Sarah, Grace, Tom Markham and I went to the top of Dribbendrew and got back at 11 o’clock. David Robertson came. Tom Daly drove Miss Fitzgerald, Minnie and Kate. And directly, Tom Walsh, Alick Middlemiss and four of Tom’s children, and soon after Mr and Mrs Donnelly and son called on their way to Bumbaldry. James Ward and young Lane came. They all left before dark.

29 Sep 1879    I put up two doors. Pat Markham cutting and burning off timber. James Egan brought a quarter of beef. Paid him £1.17.6. Fine day.

30 Sep 1879    Finished the doors and the chimney.

1 Oct 1879      Pat Markham and I grubbing all day. Hartigan, and Mary Curry and Kate Middlemiss came in a spring cart. They went back again in the evening.

2 Oct 1879      Pat and I grubbing all day. Fine weather.

3 Oct 1879      Sarah and Grace went in the coach for Cowra. Pat Markham and I grubbing all day.

4 Oct 1879      Pat and I grubbing until 2 o’clock. Pat started to Cowra. Bill Scales got killed from off his horse today. Warm day.

5 Oct 1879      Sunday.I rode around Dribbendrew and back. Jane Canfield and Charles Stanbury came on horseback. Pat Markham came at dark. A letter from James.

6 Oct 1879      Pat and I cutting the bushes from the tops of the trees that we grubbed, and burned them. Bill Jacobs buried today. Very sultry.

7 Oct 1879      Burning off until late in the evening. Commenced to rain and continued up to 9 o’clock. Sarah and Grace came in the coach from Cowra. A bill from P Murray for fifty nine pounds. Windy day.

8 Oct 1879      Grubbing until four o’clock. It rained very heavy until 6 o’clock. I was speaking to Jack Whittaker about some sawn slabs. He promised to let me know as soon as possible.

9 Oct 1879      Pat and I grubbing all day.

10 Oct 1879    Pat and I grubbing all day. Fine weather.

11 Oct 1879    Clearing all day. Mr Meldrum, the Surveyor’s men came. Camped below the house on the opposite side of the road.

12 Oct 1879    Sunday. Minnie, and Hannah Middlemiss, James Hartigan and young Middlemiss rode out from Cowra. Charles Whittaker came to sell me some sawn slabs. After dinner I went to the pit to see them. Ground very boggy.

13 Oct 1879    Pat Markham and I grubbing all day. Mr Meldrum came in his buggy. He traversed the road from Green’s culvert down to the red bank. I got two letters; one from Mr Single on urgent business to meet him at 10 o’clock today in Cowra, and a letter from James. White frost.

14 Oct 1879    Mr Meldrum started to survey the east line first. He ran it out 45 chains one link, and the back line 33 chains 37 links, and from there to the Grenfell road 80 chains, bounded by a reserve running north from the Grenfell road 2 miles and five chains. After dinner he measured a 40 acre block for Elija Bryant. I rodde round to see where I would have the second 200 acres measured. Fine warm day.

15 Oct 1879    Mr Meldrum measured the second 200 acre block. On the east side of the first (block) 72 chains north, 34 chains at the back and 51 chains to the Grenfell road. I sent Pat Markham into Cowra to take up in his name 125 acres over the road opposite the house. Mr Meldrum made out the description for me. Paid Pat one pound wages.

16 Oct 1879    I rode into Cowra and out to Mr Single’s and back to Cowra. Paid P Murray 25 pounds and a Promissary Note for 34 pounds due on January 4. Started at 6 o’clock. P Markham selected 125 acres, joining Warm day. Hood’s selection, Broula.

17 Oct 1879    Mr Meldrum commenced to measure Pat Markham’s 125 acres on the opposite side of the road to the house. Bounded fropm the road by Stockyard Gully Hood’s 200 acre block, and bounded at the back by David Hood’s selection. Pat grubbing all day. A man named Stynes, his horse ran him against a tree near the Cowra burial ground. He died in a few hours

18 Oct 1879    rained a little this morning. I started at 10 o’clock for Canowindra and reached there a little before sundown. Commenced to rain at dark and continued all night.

19 Oct 1879    Sunday. I started at 10 o’clock and reached Broula at sundown. Heavier rain here than at Canowindra.

20 Oct 1879    Pat and I grubbing all day. Cloudy.

21 Oct 1879    Mrs O’Shaughnessy’s nose commenced to bleed at 2 o’clock this morning. We had some trouble to stop it. About 9 o’clock it started to bleed again. Much harder to stop this time. I sent Pat Markham at 11 o’clock to Cowra for Mrs Challacombe to come out in the coach. Tom Walsh drove Mrs Challacombe and Minnie. They came at 4 o’clock. The bleeding started again. Very hard to stop it. Tom Walsh drove Minnie back to Cowra and Mrs Challacombe stayed. About 7 o’clock the bleeding commenced again. This time was the worst. To stop we had to pour cold water on her head for some time, and plug her nostrils with lint with the Tincture of Steel on it. I sent Pat Markham off to Cowra for the doctor and some stronger medicine. He came out at 11 o’clock and W.Ryan came and stayed all night.

22 Oct 1879    Mrs Challacombe went home in the coach. W.Ryan stayed all day. Mrs O’Shaughnessy seems to be improving.

23 Oct 1879    Stockyard Gully>Ryan went to Cowra. Mrs O’Shaughnessy improving fast. Great thunder storm and lightning about sundown. But no rain. Not much work today. Cutting thistles in the evening.

24 Oct 1879    Pat Markham and I grubbing all day. Mr Challacombe came from Cowra in buggy. Martin the coachman drove him. Got some medicine from Dr Smith, Carcoar.

25 Oct 1879    Pat and I grubbing. Minnie and Kate came. A letter from Aunt Crowe and one from Duggan, clearing near Eugowra.

26 Oct 1879    Sunday. Mrs T Walsh and Mrs Neville came in a buggy and took Minnie and Kate with them to Cowra. Fine day.

27 Oct 1879    I had a long walk after my horse. I found him at the old Brouls Springs. Pat and I grubbing. Warm day. Cloudy.

28 Oct 1879    Pat and I grubbing. James Egan, Butcher, brought a quarter of beef. Paid him £4.19.0 A letter from James. All the metal broken on the forming at Canowindra.

29 Oct 1879    I started to Cowra and from there out to Mr Single’s. he promised to be at Canowindra next day. I came back to Cowra and had dinner at Challacombe’s and from there to Canowindra, and on to Narrang Creek. Stayed at King’s all night.

30 Oct 1879    I started at 5 o’clock to measure a piece of clearing at Rye’s gap near Eugowra. Got there at 7 o’clock. I measured 71 chains of clearing and started back. The man Duggan who did clearing came with me to James’ camp near the Catholic Church, Canowindra. I went up to the quarry where James was working. He came back to his camp. We paid Duggan £14.4.0. I went up to Canowindra and met Mr Single there. He came back with me and measured all the metal on the forming and some maintenance metal. Mr Single started for Cowra. I put my horse in Clyburn’s stable. James and I measured all the metal. I stayed at Tom Clyburn’s all night.

31 Oct 1879    I went down to James’ camp, and with James in the cart, to the quarry, and from there to Clyburn’s. Paid my bill and started to Cowra. Got there at 2 o’clock. Mrs O’Shaughnessy came in the coach and is staying at Challacombe’s. I had dinner and came down to P Murray’s store and started at 4 o’clock and came to Broula. Hot day.

1 Nov 1879     Pat Markham and I grubbing all day, and burning off. Pat cut down the tree at the end of the house. Sultry day.

2 Nov 1879     Sunday. We ct down a bees nest. I saw John Whittaker. He could not let me have any slabs where he is sawing. Hot day.

3 Nov 1879     Pat and I grubbing. David Hood called to where I was working. I sent a letter to the Manager of the Australian Joint Stock bank, Cowra. Sultry day.

4 Nov 1879     Pat and I grubbing. Mrs Watt and Miss Olston? Called and had some dinner. Stanbury, P Murray’s man, brought a bag of potatoes and some other things. Mrs O’Shaughnessy came in the coach from Cowra. A letter from the bank.  Raining slowly this evening.

5 Nov 1879                 James came to Cowra last night with the carts. E Markham rode out here at dinner time. The carts were starting from Cowra when he left, going to Paton’s on the Forbes road. Bridget Markham married to John Ward yesterday in Sydney.^[3] Pat and I grubbing all day. Raining all night and up to 8 o’clock this morning.

6 Nov 1879     I rode down to where James was camped. We pegged out 11 chains and 8 yards. Pat Fitzgibbon and Tom Markham started to quarry. John Hogan started to form at 15 shillings per chain. Rue, Bill Edments, E Markham and James started to form the rock part of it. I got home at 5 o’clock. Warm day.

7 Nov 1879     Pat and I out in the bush in the morning stripping bark. We got six sheets of bark. It would not strip well. E Markham came with Major, the horse,  and cart. We tried to fix the slabs in the well. We could not get the water low enough. Edmund went to the camp. Sent a letter to Mr Murray and one to Mr Single.

8 Nov 1879     Pat and I stripped 7 sheets of bark, grubbing in the evening. Sent Pat Markham into Cowra for some medicine for Major the horse. He could not stall? He died at dark. A light shower of rain.

9 Nov 1879     Sunday. Edmund and Pat Markham came at 10 o’clock. W.Ryan came in the evening with medicine for the horse but too late. He went back to Cowra. B. Monaghan passed going to Grenfell to prosecute the man who stole his horse. Edmund went to the camp. James put his piebald horse in Campbell’s paddock. Mr Watt called.

10 Nov 1879   Pat and I grubbing and cutting thistles. Rain much wanted.

11 Nov 1879   Pat and I grubbing up to 10 o’clock. I sharpened the cross cut saw. We split 56 slabs for the well. Mr Single and another gentleman came in his buggy going to Grenfell. B.Monaghan came from Grenfell. The man who stole his draught horse got twelve months in gaol. Mrs Graham called today. Warm day.

12 Nov 1879   I rode down to the camp near Paton’s. James, Bill Rue, and   Bill Edments forming at the east end and John Hogan at the west end. P Fitzgibbon and Tom Markham got most all of the stone quarried. I got home at 4 o’clock. S Rheuben and N. Challacombe came in a buggy and brought a lot of chickens.

13 Nov 1879   Pat and I splitting slabs for the well all day. Mr Single came at 10 o’clock. I signed three vouchers; one for 145 pounds, one for 105 pounds and one for 35 pounds. He started for Cowra. Commenced to rain at dark. Heavy thunder and lightning. A letter from Bob King, Narrang Creek.

14 Nov 1879   Pat and I splitting slabs for the well all day. Nellie callaghan and Grace O’Shaughnessy went on the coach to Cowra. Advanced Pat Markham one pound ten shillings. Rained most all night. Fine day.

15 Nov 1879   Pat and I split 39 slabs for the well up the creek. I got two new maul? Rings from prior, Cowra.

16 Nov 1879   Sunday. Pat and I went onto the mountain at the back of david Hood’s and cut a piece of Currawong? To make some mauls and carried it home. James came at 11 o’clock. After dinner, James and I rode round Pat Markham’s selection and then round my 400 acre block. James and I and all the girls walked over to the old Broula station in the evening. Cloudy.

17 Nov 1879   James and I rode down to the camp at Paton’s and from there we went down to Hennessy’s lane to have a look at the clearing to be done there. James went back. I crossed the river and passed Sloan’s and the Soldiers flats and along the old Canowindra road a few miles. I had then to follow Osborne’s to Foots lane to Canowindra. Stayed there half an hour and went on to Narrang Creek. I went along the clearing to Gum Flat and saw that all the clearing was finished. Came back to Narrang Creek and told Bob King that I condemned the culvert at Canowindra. He promised to finish it himself. I paid M.Duggan two pounds five shillings for clearing at Gum Flat. I came on to Canowindra and stayed at Clyburn’s all night. I got a bill from W.Neville £6.12.6 for putting up a culvert for Bob King. I put it in the wastebasket.

18 Nov 1879   I went to Cowra and had dinner with Mr Murray. I bought a squaring axe. I was speaking to Mr Turner, Manager of the Australian Joint Stock Bank, Cowra.  I got home at 5 o’clock. Nellie Callaghan came in the coach from Cowra.

19 Nov 1879   Light rain until dinner time. Pat and I splitting at 4 o’clock. A storm gathered. Up it came with rain and hail. I never saw a heavier storm for about twenty minutes. The creek was flooded in half an hour. Joe Poole is to be married to Carry Croft today in Cowra. Cleared slabs out of the well.

20 Nov 1879   Pat and I finished splitting slabs for the well.

21 Nov 1879   Pat and I went to the point of Dribbendrew and cut down a large ironbark tree and cut one length off for posts and split four posts. I sent a letter to Robert King and one to Mr Single.

22 Nov 1879   Pat and I splitting all day. We  got 28 posts. I got a letter from James and one from Mr Single.  Length of clearing done by King, Narrang Creek, 369 ½ chains. Warm day.

23 Nov 1879   My old horse went away with a mob of buck horses. After a long walk I found him and drove him home. I then started for James’ camp. Got there at one o’clock. I took Pat Fitzgibbon and Tom Markham down to Hennessy’s Lane to look at the clearing to be done there. They agreed to clear it at the rate of sixteen pounds per mile. I started home and got there at dark. Minnie O’Shaughnessy, Hannah Middlemiss, James Hartigan, and Tom Daly and E Markham came out from Cowra.

24 Nov 1879   Pat and I split 26 rails. Margaret Walsh came in the Grenfell coach from Kikiamah. Sent a letter to Mr Single. Cloudy day.

25 Nov 1879   Pat and I split 45 slabs and felled another tree. Shower at dark.

26 Nov 1879   Pat and I split 35 posts and 9 rails. A storm of wind and rain came at 4 o’clock and continued until dark. I sent another letter to Mr James H Turner, Manager of the Australian Joint Stock Bank, Cowra.

27 Nov 1879   Pat and I split 43 posts and 2 rails. Heavy showers at 12 o’clock. James Egan brought a quarter of beef. P Walsh from Gulgo came. He stayed an hour and went back to where his cattle were camped.

28 Nov 1879   Pat Walsh passed with his fat cattle going to Grenfell. Pat and I split 25 posts. James came from his camp. Fine day.

29 Nov 1879   Pat and I split 9 posts and came home. James stayed for dinner and then started for the camp. Pat Markham went to Cowra on my horse. I paid him up to date. Minnie O’Shaughnessy and Grace O’Shaughnessy came in the coach from Cowra. A letter from the bank that they had received 58 pounds on account of Robert King. A letter from Adam Potts saying that King had not finished the culvert at Canowindra. Rick’s Thistle Hotel, O’Rourke’s Hotel,Stokes’ Hotel and a chinaman’s store and other buildings burnt down at Grenfell.

30 Nov 1879   Sunday. Pat and E Markham came at 11 o’clock. I rode round under Dribbendrew looking for timber to split. James Ward and Charles Stanbury came from Cowra. Looks very much like rain.

1 Dec 1879     Pat and I split 20 posts. Got a letter from P Murray, Cowra about the Adelaide Stripper. None in Sydney. Father Dwyer passed after dinner. There was to be a Mass here tomorrow but he came a day too soon.

2 Dec 1879     Pat and I split 32 posts and and took a bees nest in the evening. I got a letter from Robert King that the culvert at Canowindra was finished. A bill from the Town and Country Journal office. Hot day.

3 Dec 1879     Pat and I split 20 posts and cut down two trees. I wrote to P Murray about the Stripper. Young Anderson came for the saddle I found. Minnie went in the coach to Cowra to go to school. Hot day.

4 Dec 1879     I rode down to James’ camp and from there to Cowra. I took a copy of the specifications for work on the Hovell’s Creek road. I was speaking to Mr Murray about the Stripper. He said that he had one coming up. Mr Murray came out with me to his farm, Frazer’s old place. All his wheat got the rust. I came on to Chivers and stayed there a while with old Mr Watt(s)? and then came home to Broula. Hot day.

5 Dec 1879                 I rode down to James’ camp. James and I went down to hennessy’s lane. P Fitzgibbon and Tom Markham were clearing and had Bob Grant’s bullock team drawing off the timber. We came back to the camp and made out  tender for road work on Cowra and Hovell’s creek road.

7 Dec 1879     Sunday. Hot windy day.

8 Dec 1879     I rode into Cowra and put in a tender for the Cowra and Hovell’s Creek road work.  I went out to Mr Single’s. He promised to go down to the work at Paton’s on Wednesday. I came back to Cowra. Had dinner at Tom Walsh’s. I saw Bob King there. I rode down to James’ camp. I sent Edmund Markham to Cowra to be ready to start to blayney when the Strippers came there. Got to Broula at dark.

9 Dec 1879     Pat and I split 30 posts. Sarah came in the coach from Cowra. Hot day.

10 Dec 1879   I rode down to James’ camp. Mr Single came at 11 o’clock. I went with him in the buggy to Hennesy’s lane. P Fitzgibbon and Tom Markham had Jack Gleeson drawing off logs. We came back to the camp and had some dinner and measured all the metal. He gave me the clearing from the end of metal to Paton’s. James measured each man’s breaking. 149 + 55 cubic yards. Got home at 6 o’clock.

11 Dec 1879   Pat and I split 14 posts. We cut a white ironbark and split four shafts, and side pieces and cross pieces. Margaret Walsh came in the coach from Cowra. Hot day.

12 Dec 1879   I rode into Cowra. I met Mr Single there. I saw the two winnowing machines at P Murray’s. The Strippers expected tomorrow. Monaghan got the Hovell’s Creek work. I went to the Cowra Free Press Office to advertise the Stripper. Started home at 5 o’clock.

13 Dec 1879   I rode down to James’ camp. James had commenced to grub towards paton’s. James loaded one of the carts and went home. I went on to Cowra. The stripper had arrived. They appeared to be good ones. I started at 6 o’clock and came home. Hot day.

14 Dec 1879   James rode my horse and led Tom the horse to the camp to take the other cart to Cowra. Harry Henderson came to see if I would strip his wheat at the brick kilns. Very hot day.

15 Dec 1879   I came on the coach to Cowra. Fixing up the Stripper all day. We hired a man named Whiteman  with 5 horses and a dray to work the machines during the harvest. The Hoods got their machine ready.

16 Dec 1879   I took my machine out to Hendersons. Hoods brought out their machine to give them a trial together, but we found that the wheat was not ripe enough. Hoods took their machine back to Cowra. I rode out to David Moore’s paddock to look at it. In two days it will be fit to strip. We took the machine out there. I rode back to Cowra for the night.

17 Dec 1879   I rode out to Ford’s farm, 7 miles from Cowra on the Carcoar road before breakfast and found that his crops were not ripe enough. I came back to Cowra and in the evening I rode out to Moore’s farm where the machine was. I stayed there all night18 Dec 1879            We started the machine at 11 o’clock. We could not get her to work, both axles being strained in Blayney getting her out of the trucks. I brought her into Cowra  to prior the blacksmith to get her set right again. Whiteman took his horses home. Hood’s machine alright.

19 Dec 1879   Assisting Prior at the machine.

20 Dec 1879   Assisting Prior all day. At 6 o’clock I drove out to Broula in Tom Walsh’s buggy and took Grace Challacombe with me.

21 Dec 1879   Sunday. James rode out about 7 o’clock with word that Tom Walsh’s son Thomas died at 11 o’clock last night. Mrs O’Shaughnessy , Grace Challacombe and I started off in the buggy and got there at 10 o’clock  and buried him at 4 o’clock. Heavy shower before we started.

22 Dec 1879   I went to Challacombe’s paddock and brought up my old chestnut and Tom the horse. We started away with the Stripper at 12 o’clock to David Moore’s farm and started the Stripper to work. It took me some time before I could get her to go right. From that until night she went well. I went into Cowra and back after dark. I slept at the machine.

23 Dec 1879   The Stripper worked well all day. The winnower cleaning the wheat first class. James O’Shaughnessy in charge of the winnowing machine.

24 Dec 1879   We finished stripping David Moore’s paddock at 11 o’clock. Whiteman and I started away with the machine at 2 o’clock. We got out to Ford’s farm and went two rounds. Hot day.

25 Dec 1879   Christmas Day. The first round, a bolt broke in one of the beaters and the beater twisted atround the beaters and spindle. We took it out and repaired it before dinner. Started again after dinner and did well. P Murray came on the coach going to Sydney.

26 Dec 1879   Wheat very damp. Only went one round and a half before dinner. After 12 o’clock we had a light shower of rain, and later in the evening we had a thunderstorm and, no mmistake, it did come down.

27 Dec 1879   The crop too damp. Could not start the Stripper all day. After dinner we had another heavy storm of rain. James came out from Cowra. He went back again to look after the old black mare. She got out of the paddock. Whiteman went home.

28 Dec 1879   Sunday. Showers all day. Great thunder and lightning.

29 Dec 1879   Stripping from 12 o’clock until late in the evening. I was speaking to Andrew Lynch and Coonan.

30 Dec 1879   Commenced to strip at 10 o’clock and worked all day. James came. He fornd the old black mare at Canowindra. He left her there with hart’s horse. James went to David Moore’s for the measuring chain. I had to hire a man in his place.

31 Dec 1879   Finished stripping Ford’s paddock about 5 o’clock. Sent a letter to Cassidy.

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