[Editor: Reproduced below are several items regarding Thomas Shanley, an Australian colonist, who migrated from Ireland in 1855. He was the son of Thomas Shanley (senior) and Mary Shanley (née Quinn). He died in 1917, in Killarney (Victoria), at the age of 84 years.]
Deaths
SHANLEY. — At Killarney, on the 12th inst., Thomas, relict of the late Ellen Shanley, aged 84 years. R.I.P.
(Mass will be celebrated at the R.C. Church, Crossley, at Ten o’clock on Saturday Morning for the repose of his soul. The funeral will leave the Church immediately after Mass for the Tower Hill Cemetery).
Source:
Warrnambool Standard (Warrnambool, Vic.), 13 July 1917, p. 2
Obituary.
One of the most honorable and respected men in the district has been removed by the death of Mr. Thomas Shanley, of Killarney. The deceased gentleman, who had reached the advanced age of 84 years, died on Thursday last. He was a very old resident of Killarney, and witnessed the growth and improvement of the district during the past 60 years, having taken up his residence there in the year 1856. The late Mr. Shanley was well known, and earned the respect and esteem of neighbors, as well as people further afield, by his manly and straightforward qualities. For 22 years he occupied the position of road overseer of the Shire of Belfast, and in the discharge of his duties gave entire satisfaction to councillors and ratepayers. Owing to advancing years he relinquished the duties and retired about seven years ago. The late Mr. Shanley’s wife died about twelve months ago, at the age of 85 years. Mr. Shanley leaves seven sons and daughters, all of whom are married, and over fifty grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His death will be universally regretted. The funeral will take place to-morrow, after 10 o’clock mass at the Crossley church, the mortuary arrangements being in the hands of Wilkins and Brennan.
Source:
The Koroit Sentinel and Tower Hill Advocate (Koroit, Vic.), 14 July 1917, p. 2
Obituary
Mr. Thos. Shanley, Senior.
The death of an old and highly respected resident of Killarney, in the person of Mr. Thomas Shanley, sen., occurred at his residence on Thursday evening, 12th inst. Deceased had attained the advanced age of 84 years. He was a native of King’s County, Ireland, and an ardent advocate of Home Rule. He arrived in Victoria in the ship Cairngourm, landing in Portland in 1855. He immediately went to Port Fairy, where for a number of years he engaged in contracting and farming pursuits from which he retired on being appointed to the position of road overseer to the Shire of Belfast. He occupied this position for 22 years, and discharged his duties to the entire satisfaction of the council and ratepayers. He retired from active life about eight years ago, but still continued to take a keen interest in all matters relating to the welfare of the district. His wife predeceased him 12 months ago. He had a family of 12 sons and daughters, eight of whom are living — Mrs. G. Willis (Yarraville), Mrs. G. Moxon (Chelsea), Thomas (Killarney), Mrs. T. Mahony (Killarney), Mrs. T. Ryan (Killarney), Stephen (Killarney), Mrs. W. Dalton (Killarney), and John (Killarney). He also leaves 44 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren. The remains were removed on Saturday morning to St. Brigid’s Church, Crossley, where a Requiem Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Hyland. The funeral left for Tower Hill Cemetery, where Fr. Hyland read the burial service at the graveside. R.I.P.
Source:
The Advocate (Melbourne, Vic.), 21 July 1917, p. 23
Deaths.
SHANLEY. — On July 12th, at his residence, Killarney, Thomas Shanley, senr., loving father of Mrs. G. Willis, Mrs. G. Moxon, Thomas, Mrs. T. Mahony, Mrs. T. Ryan, Stephen, Mrs. W. Dalton, and John. Aged 84. A colonist of 62 years.
Source:
The Tribune (Melbourne, Vic.), 26 July 1917, p. 5
Editor’s notes:
The details of Thomas Shanley’s parents were obtained from his record of death (registration number: 8225/1917), listed on the site of the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria.
Home Rule = self-government (internal autonomy, limited autonomy, or “home rule”) of a colony, dependent country, district, region, or territory by its own citizens (instead of being ruled by a central government or its appointees), especially relating to domestic or internal affairs; Home Rule for Ireland, the desire by Irish citizens, and their supporters, for self-government for Ireland within the political structure of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland (the Home Rule movement was distinct from the Irish republican movement, which desired full political independence)
R.C. = an abbreviation of “Roman Catholic”
R.I.P. = an abbreviation of the Latin phrase “requiescat in pace” (or, in the plural, “requiescant in pace”), meaning “rest in peace”; used in funeral notices, on gravestones, and with other items relating to death
sen. = an abbreviation of “senior”
senr. = an abbreviation of “senior”
Thos. = an abbreviation of the name “Thomas”
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