Lawson - pafg02.htm - Generated by Personal Ancestral File

Descendants of James ? LAWSON

Second Generation

Patrick married Winifred COLLINS daughter of Living and Living.

They had the following children:

+ 4 M i James LAWSON

5 F ii Mary LAWSON was christened on 9 Nov 1831 in Six Mile Bridge, County Clare, Ireland. She died on 21 Dec 1862 in Eaglehawk, Victoria. The cause of death was Perintonitis after delivery. She was buried on 23 Dec 1862 in White Abey Cemetery, Victoria.

Sponsors at Mary's baptism were Michael Lynch & Bridget Boyce

Arrived Victoria abt 1852

Mary married Patrick RYAN. Patrick died in 1887 in Eaglehawk, Victoria.
6 F iii Margaret? LAWSON was born in 1834 in Limerick, Ireland.

Possible daughter
7 F iv Winnie ? LAWSON was born in 1837 in Limerick, Ireland.

Possible daughter
+ 8 M v Michael W LAWSON

9 F vi Anne? LAWSON was born in 1841 in Limerick, Ireland.
10 F vii Bridget ? LAWSON was born in 1845 in Limerick, Ireland.
11 M viii Patrick LAWSON was born in 1849 in Limerick, Ireland. He died in 1887 in Sandhurst, Victoria, Australia.
+ 12 F ix Annie LAWSON

3. Ann? LAWSON (James ? ) was born in 1812.

Ann? married John MCINERNEY in Clare, Ireland. John was born in 1815.

John McInerney with his wife and two children, Michael and James, aged six years, and two years, migrated from County Clare, Ireland, in 1840.
The family came to South Australiain a three masted sailing ship called "Birman" of 700 tons, sailed from Cork, Ireland on the 24th of August, 1840, and arrived at Port Adelaide on the 7th of December, 1840. There were more than 220 passenges onboard.
John McInerney with his wife and tow children migrated under the name McNerny John is said not to be related to the other McNernys

John and Ann? had the following children:

+ 13 F i Mary MCINERNEY

14 M ii James MCINERNEY was born in 1830 in County Clare, Ireland. He died on 11 Feb 1910 in Goulburn, New South Wales.

James arrived in South Australia as a child with his parents in the year 1840. He died in retirement on a small farm at Mummell, near Goulbourn, N.S.W., in the year 1910. He married twice. His second wife was Catherine McInerney. There were no children. During the height of the Victorian gold rush the father JOHN and son JAMES went to the diggings with little or no success. The father and son parted at Ballarat - the father returned to his farm and JAMES took up shearing as an occupation. Later in life he was appointed an Australian Workers Union organiser with headquarters at Goulbourn, N.S.W. South Australia was a British Colony during the first twenty years, governed by decree under a Governor. It was unlawful to join or belong to a Union, and apparently this law prevailed throughout Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia. Shearers were paid 15/- per hundred to shear sheep. If the Boss did not like your methods of shearing he had the right, by decree, to pay the shearer off at 12/- per hundred. Twelve shillings was often the rate. This injustice prompted four shearers to form a Union. Their names were JAMES McInerney, George Pearce, Alex Poynton, and another man whose name is forgotten. They formed what later became known "The Shearer's Union of Australiasia". It spread throughout New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. In the year 1883 or 1884 a big strike took place at Cuthero Station on the River Darling, New South Wales. The strike was brought on by the management calling in non union shearers against the newly formed Union. JAMES Mclnerney and others were involved. We think the three others previously mentioned were also involved. However, they were arrested, charged, prosecuted and jailed in connection with the burning of a river boat or barge called "The Rodney" carrying the wool down stream from the station. It transpired that JAMES Mclnerney and the others charged took no part in causing the fire. It was deliberately set on fire by two men from Sydney not charged with the act. About the year 1886 the newly formed Union became known as "The Shearer's Union of Australasia". A photo held, with names attached, shows thirty one delegates to the Fifth Annual Conference of "The Shearer's Union of Australasia" held at the Town Hall, Adelaide, in the year 1891. The photo gives the names of JAMES Mclnerney, Geo. Pearce, Alex Poynton, and possibly the man whose name is forgotten as delegates to the Conference. The photo shows a man by the name of W.G. Spence as President of the Shearer's Union of Australasia. The name of The Shearer's Union of Australasia was later changed to the Australian Workers Union. W.G. Spence and JAMES Mclnerney were great friends. The newspapers of New South Wales at the time of JAMES Mclnerney's death, gave him a big write up in appreciation of his work in founding the Union. W.G. Spence was one of the chief mourners at his funeral at Goulbourn, N.S.W., in 1910. It is unfortunate that the newspaper containing the report of his work in connection with the Union has gone astray. Geo. Pearce was elected to Parliament in the House of Representatives N.S.W. He was a great friend of W.H. Hughes who afterwards became Prime Minister of Australia. Geo. Pearce was Minister of Defence in W.H. Hughes Government and was Knighted Sir George Pearce after World War 1. Alex Poynton was elected to Parliament in the House of Representatives for the District of Grey, South Australia, and appointed Minister of Posts and Telegraphs. Of the fourth man, also responsible for laying the foundation of the Australian Workers Union, no record is available. "Death of Organizer McInerney: Ike Smith, Secretary of Central Branch wrote - I feel sure that members will regret to hear of the death of our old organiser, Jim McInerney, which took place on the 11 February, at Mummell, near Goulburn. Elected by members as the delegate to the last AWU Conference, he was unable to attend owing to his illness, in fact he had been ailing for some considerable time, and game old chap that he was, he struggled on best as he possibly could. When forced to take to his bed he wrote that he did not expecty to leave it alive, and asked that the committee appoint some one in his place to attend the conference. Old Jim was one of the very first to join the Union, and almost from its inception has held official positions in the organisation. In 1887 or 1888, he was organising for the Young Branch. When the Goulburn Branch was started he was appointed Secretary, and held office until its close. The following year he was organizing for the Creswick Branch, and from that time on to the end of last year he was organizing for Central. Well liked by members, who recognised in the old chap a good sturdy worker for the cause, he was elected every year in the branch ballot as organizer and delegate to the AW Union Conference. He leaves a wife and little child in straitened circumstances, and I feel sure that members will respond to the appeal that will be sent out from each branch on their behalf during the present season. No straighter Unionist than Old Jim could be found, and if good work on this earth is a guarantee of future happiness in the Great Beyond, then our old battler is reaping his just reward. At the general meeting of members held in Orange during the past week, the following resolution was carried, "That a letter of condolence be sent to the widow of Mr McInerney, expressing the sympathy of members with her in the death of her husband." Jim McInerney (for the Worker): Dear old Jim! His was a turbulent life indeed. Imbued in youth and age with one desire: To fight the serried powers of affluence and greed. Ev'n to the edge of death he did not tire. Back in the early days when strike and strife held sway, he bore his part - a mate, a friend, a man. Now that he's crossed the Bar (as all men must some day), Speak to his memory words of praise who can. Far in the future years to north, south, east and west, The men who roam to shear, and roam again, Will call to mind one good old battler gone to rest, Who fought the fight that no man fights in vain. So may his soul find peace beyond that endless space, Of mystery which ends our knowledge here; Though friends and mates no more may see his face, his work will live to cover up a tear. Mayhap, when sheep and plains and squatters are no more, And lords and rousies on a level meet, When all swags lie unrolled the shining Throne before, Our comrade, good old Jim, again we'll greet. - Alick Dawson

James married (1) Mary Agnes SMITH in 1880.

James married (2) Catherine J MADDEN in 1886.
15 M iii John MCINERNEY was born on 3 Feb 1846 in Adelaide, South Australia. He was christened on 28 Feb 1846 in Adelaide, South Australia.
16 F iv Anne MCINERNEY was born on 9 May 1849 in Sturt, South Australia. She was christened on 5 Jun 1849 in Sturt, South Australia.

Sponsors: Thomas Monhouse & Mary Burly

Surname List | Name Index

+	4	M	i	James LAWSON
	5	F	ii	Mary LAWSON was christened on 9 Nov 1831 in Six Mile Bridge, County Clare, Ireland. She died on 21 Dec 1862 in Eaglehawk, Victoria. The cause of death was Perintonitis after delivery. She was buried on 23 Dec 1862 in White Abey Cemetery, Victoria. Sponsors at Mary's baptism were Michael Lynch & Bridget Boyce Arrived Victoria abt 1852
				Mary married Patrick RYAN. Patrick died in 1887 in Eaglehawk, Victoria.
	6	F	iii	Margaret? LAWSON was born in 1834 in Limerick, Ireland. Possible daughter
	7	F	iv	Winnie ? LAWSON was born in 1837 in Limerick, Ireland. Possible daughter
+	8	M	v	Michael W LAWSON
	9	F	vi	Anne? LAWSON was born in 1841 in Limerick, Ireland.
	10	F	vii	Bridget ? LAWSON was born in 1845 in Limerick, Ireland.
	11	M	viii	Patrick LAWSON was born in 1849 in Limerick, Ireland. He died in 1887 in Sandhurst, Victoria, Australia.
+	12	F	ix	Annie LAWSON

+	13	F	i	Mary MCINERNEY
	14	M	ii	James MCINERNEY was born in 1830 in County Clare, Ireland. He died on 11 Feb 1910 in Goulburn, New South Wales. James arrived in South Australia as a child with his parents in the year 1840. He died in retirement on a small farm at Mummell, near Goulbourn, N.S.W., in the year 1910. He married twice. His second wife was Catherine McInerney. There were no children. During the height of the Victorian gold rush the father JOHN and son JAMES went to the diggings with little or no success. The father and son parted at Ballarat - the father returned to his farm and JAMES took up shearing as an occupation. Later in life he was appointed an Australian Workers Union organiser with headquarters at Goulbourn, N.S.W. South Australia was a British Colony during the first twenty years, governed by decree under a Governor. It was unlawful to join or belong to a Union, and apparently this law prevailed throughout Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia. Shearers were paid 15/- per hundred to shear sheep. If the Boss did not like your methods of shearing he had the right, by decree, to pay the shearer off at 12/- per hundred. Twelve shillings was often the rate. This injustice prompted four shearers to form a Union. Their names were JAMES McInerney, George Pearce, Alex Poynton, and another man whose name is forgotten. They formed what later became known "The Shearer's Union of Australiasia". It spread throughout New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. In the year 1883 or 1884 a big strike took place at Cuthero Station on the River Darling, New South Wales. The strike was brought on by the management calling in non union shearers against the newly formed Union. JAMES Mclnerney and others were involved. We think the three others previously mentioned were also involved. However, they were arrested, charged, prosecuted and jailed in connection with the burning of a river boat or barge called "The Rodney" carrying the wool down stream from the station. It transpired that JAMES Mclnerney and the others charged took no part in causing the fire. It was deliberately set on fire by two men from Sydney not charged with the act. About the year 1886 the newly formed Union became known as "The Shearer's Union of Australasia". A photo held, with names attached, shows thirty one delegates to the Fifth Annual Conference of "The Shearer's Union of Australasia" held at the Town Hall, Adelaide, in the year 1891. The photo gives the names of JAMES Mclnerney, Geo. Pearce, Alex Poynton, and possibly the man whose name is forgotten as delegates to the Conference. The photo shows a man by the name of W.G. Spence as President of the Shearer's Union of Australasia. The name of The Shearer's Union of Australasia was later changed to the Australian Workers Union. W.G. Spence and JAMES Mclnerney were great friends. The newspapers of New South Wales at the time of JAMES Mclnerney's death, gave him a big write up in appreciation of his work in founding the Union. W.G. Spence was one of the chief mourners at his funeral at Goulbourn, N.S.W., in 1910. It is unfortunate that the newspaper containing the report of his work in connection with the Union has gone astray. Geo. Pearce was elected to Parliament in the House of Representatives N.S.W. He was a great friend of W.H. Hughes who afterwards became Prime Minister of Australia. Geo. Pearce was Minister of Defence in W.H. Hughes Government and was Knighted Sir George Pearce after World War 1. Alex Poynton was elected to Parliament in the House of Representatives for the District of Grey, South Australia, and appointed Minister of Posts and Telegraphs. Of the fourth man, also responsible for laying the foundation of the Australian Workers Union, no record is available. "Death of Organizer McInerney: Ike Smith, Secretary of Central Branch wrote - I feel sure that members will regret to hear of the death of our old organiser, Jim McInerney, which took place on the 11 February, at Mummell, near Goulburn. Elected by members as the delegate to the last AWU Conference, he was unable to attend owing to his illness, in fact he had been ailing for some considerable time, and game old chap that he was, he struggled on best as he possibly could. When forced to take to his bed he wrote that he did not expecty to leave it alive, and asked that the committee appoint some one in his place to attend the conference. Old Jim was one of the very first to join the Union, and almost from its inception has held official positions in the organisation. In 1887 or 1888, he was organising for the Young Branch. When the Goulburn Branch was started he was appointed Secretary, and held office until its close. The following year he was organizing for the Creswick Branch, and from that time on to the end of last year he was organizing for Central. Well liked by members, who recognised in the old chap a good sturdy worker for the cause, he was elected every year in the branch ballot as organizer and delegate to the AW Union Conference. He leaves a wife and little child in straitened circumstances, and I feel sure that members will respond to the appeal that will be sent out from each branch on their behalf during the present season. No straighter Unionist than Old Jim could be found, and if good work on this earth is a guarantee of future happiness in the Great Beyond, then our old battler is reaping his just reward. At the general meeting of members held in Orange during the past week, the following resolution was carried, "That a letter of condolence be sent to the widow of Mr McInerney, expressing the sympathy of members with her in the death of her husband." Jim McInerney (for the Worker): Dear old Jim! His was a turbulent life indeed. Imbued in youth and age with one desire: To fight the serried powers of affluence and greed. Ev'n to the edge of death he did not tire. Back in the early days when strike and strife held sway, he bore his part - a mate, a friend, a man. Now that he's crossed the Bar (as all men must some day), Speak to his memory words of praise who can. Far in the future years to north, south, east and west, The men who roam to shear, and roam again, Will call to mind one good old battler gone to rest, Who fought the fight that no man fights in vain. So may his soul find peace beyond that endless space, Of mystery which ends our knowledge here; Though friends and mates no more may see his face, his work will live to cover up a tear. Mayhap, when sheep and plains and squatters are no more, And lords and rousies on a level meet, When all swags lie unrolled the shining Throne before, Our comrade, good old Jim, again we'll greet. - Alick Dawson
				James married (1) Mary Agnes SMITH in 1880.
				James married (2) Catherine J MADDEN in 1886.
	15	M	iii	John MCINERNEY was born on 3 Feb 1846 in Adelaide, South Australia. He was christened on 28 Feb 1846 in Adelaide, South Australia.
	16	F	iv	Anne MCINERNEY was born on 9 May 1849 in Sturt, South Australia. She was christened on 5 Jun 1849 in Sturt, South Australia. Sponsors: Thomas Monhouse & Mary Burly