Henry MCGEARY and Jane LANGDON

Rosewood History

Name: Henry MCGEARY
Occupation: Horse Trainer; Butcher
Birth: 1841 Morpeth, New South Wales (1)
Residence: Hillgrove, Ebenezer
Death: 6th March 1893, at his residence Hillgrove, Ebenezer, Queensland aged 52 years
Burial: 7th March 1893, Stone Quarry Cemetery, Jeebropilly
Father: John McGEARY /McGARRY
Mother: Catherine McAULEY/McCAULEY
Marriage: 14th September 1865, Queensland Australia

Spouse: Jane LANGDON
Birth: Jan-Feb-Mar 1841, Registered at Yeovil, Somerset, Volume 10, Page 553
Baptised: 7th March 1841, St Michael and All Angels, East Coker, Somerset, England
Residence: 1841 Hollywell, East Coker, Somerset, England
Residence: 1851 Back Street, East Cocker, Somerset, England
Residence: 1861, 4 Royal Terrace, Melcombe Regis, Dorset, England
Immigration: 26th April 1863, the Warren Hastings arrived at  Brisbane, Queensland.
Death: 29th November 1910, Rosewood, Queensland aged 69 years
Burial: 30th November 1910, Stone Quarry Cemetery, Jeebropilly
Father: Samuel LANGDON (Mason)
Mother: Sarah THORNE

Children: 7
Edith Emily McGEARY (1867-1938) = William Maximilian ISZLAUB
Susan McGEARY (1868-1870)
Catherine McGEARY (1870-1940) = Henry ARMSTRONG
Emily McGEARY (1872-1943) = William WHITE
Henry George McGEARY (1874-1939) = Harriett Mary GRANT
Mary Jane McGEARY (1876-1942) = Robert ELLIOTT
Minnie Louisa McGEARY (1878-1943)

Jane Langdon had been working at 4 Royal Terrace, Melcombe Regis, Dorset as a House Servant for a boarding house keeper named Ann Bullen before she came to Queensland. Her younger brother George Langdon travelled with her. The Warren Hastings which left London on the 31st December 1862, and Southampton on the 16th January 1863, cast anchor in Brisbane Roads, Moreton Bay at 3 p.m. on Sunday 26th April, after a passage of 100 days from Southampton. It is likely Jane (aged 19) and George (aged 16) boarded at Southampton. There were 252 immigrants on board under the remittance system. 76 came from England, 27 from the “land of the Thistle”, and 147 from the Green Isles.

Most of their siblings were already in Australia by the time Jane and George arrived. Elder sisters Susan (aged 26) and Emily (aged 17) came in 1860 on the Dirigo. Another sister Mary Ann and her husband Ezra Harvey came in 1858 on the Irene. Their brother Frederick (36) came on the Roma in 1884. Another sister Elizabeth (later Ladner) went to Adelaide. Ezra Harvey paid for Jane and George’s passage to Queensland. According to the 1894 Queensland Post Office Directory, Ezra was a selector and grazier at Maroon so it is possible that Jane and George went to live with Ezra and Mary Ann at Maroon. George married Mary Louisa Symes at Rosewood in 1877 and they took up selections at Innisplain before moving to Southport about 1915.

Henry McGeary had a sister named Mary Ann McGARRY (sic.) who was baptised 5th September 1852 in the Roman Catholic Church at East Maitland. 

Henry travelled to Queensland in 1859. For a few years he followed diverse occupations, but was principally connected with horse training and racing. He was bullock driving for John Aitkin, a carrier and butcher at Roma for a while in 1861. Henry made a claim for wages against John Aitken under the Masters and Servants Act and won a judgement for £20 16s.

In 1862 he found employment with by Mr. James Carden Collins, a cattle man of Maroon Station on the Logan River. Mr Carden engaged Henry to train three of his horses. 

Mr. James Carden Collins has three horses under the management of Mr. M’Geary. Vanity is a very pretty two-year old engaged in the Trial Stakes, and has every appearance of being able to go. She is a bay or light brown with black points, with a beautiful head and neck, light shoulders, and good quarters, and is very long in the stifte. All Fours.- We presume the name is given on account of his having four white feet, but being 3 years old at present will not have completed his name until next year. He is bred by Mr. Collins’ imported Arab, and shows signs of the Arab blood in the shortness of the posterns and in his hoofs, which are large. His shoulder also has the Arab peculiarity, and is rather over-heavy for racing. Gamester has more the appearance of a hunter or steeple chase horse than a racer. He looks quite a giant by the side of the other two, and has the appearance of great strength. I believe he is one of the Canning Downs’ horses; in his quarters and hind legs he bears considerable resemblance to Mr. Hardie’s Charles the First; his colour is somewhat similar, being a brownish bay with black legs. (2)

At the Criterion Hotel Ipswich, on 22nd May 1862, entries opened for the North Australian Jockey Club Races to be held on 3rd June. The Ipswich racecourse, which was part of the 220 acre Old Racecourse Estate (Raceview), was situated about a mile and a half (2.4km) to the east of the town. It was purchased by Joshua Peter Bell in 1875. It was said to be located in the prettiest area that could be imagined. It is on a plain with a romantic view, in the distance of hills, enlivened by pretty residences and cottage homesteads in the foreground. 

The following is a summary of Henry’s entries at these races.

On the first day of the races Henry entered b.g. (breezing from the gate) “Gamester” 6 years, in the first race, The Maiden Plate (prize 125 sovereigns). The jockey weighed 9st 11lbs and wore blue and black colours. Gamester didn’t make it to the second heat.
The second race on the first day was the North Australian St Leger 1862 (prize 100 sovereigns). Henry entered b.c. (best condition) “All Fours”,  a three year old imported Arab by “Talisman” out of a thoroughbred mare. The jockey weighed 8st 7lbs and wore a black cap and blue jacket. “All Fours” was distanced, which meant it was so far behind the rest of the field of runners that it was out of contact and unable to regain a position of contention.
On the second day of racing, 4th June, Henry entered “Gamester” in the third race, the Queens’ Plate. The jockey was Henry McGeary and he weighed in at 10st 11lb. “Gamester” came last.
On the third day of racing, 5th June, Henry entered a horse in the second race, The Queensland Trial Stakes, for 3 year olds. He entered two year old b.f. (beaten favourite) “Vanity” by “Young Waverley” out of a thoroughbred mare. Vanity didn’t make the top three.

Henry also worked for Sir Joshua Peter Bell from (Jimbour House) and rode Bell’s horse “Madcap” in the Corinthian Cup at the Queensland Turf Club races at Eagle Farm in 1866.

Henry selected land in the Rosewood area in 1871.   See Land Purchase
20th March 1871 – Conditional Purchase – Henry M’Geary, 88 acres, agricultural, Mutdapilly; accepted.
20th March 1871 – Conditional Purchase – Henry M’Geary, 94 acres,  pastoral, Mutdapilly; accepted
1st July 1881 – Certificate was granted for 182 acres at Mutdapilly. (Portion 169)            

Henry farmed and also grew cotton, and at the same time continued butchering. On 12th January 1872, a butchers’ slaughtering license was granted to Henry M’Geary, of Box Flat, Seven-mile Creek. On his property at Mount Walker he slaughtered the cattle and then carted the meat to Rosewood via the Seven Mile. At that time there was no bridge over the Bremer River.

Customers would meet the cart on a block near what was known as Mason’s Bridge and Henry would cut their orders. He also did some butchering work for Smith & Burgoyne, who were graziers on the Bremer Flats.

Henry purchased Portion 11 (119 acres) from Cribb & Foote, retailers in Ipswich, around 1875. It originally belonged to Michael O’Brien. The first old Rising Sun Hotel (O’Brien’s) building was on this land and Henry converted the bar portion into a butcher’s shop. This land passed to his son Henry George McGeary sometime after Henry’s death.

In 1876 he went exclusively into butchering. He opened the first butcher shop in Rosewood in the main street, John Street (main photo).  

Henry involved himself in the community. In March 1878, the following persons were appointed as members of the committee of the State school at Rosewood Gate: Mark Bensley, William Matthews, John Farrell, Henry McGeary and James Moran. He resigned in August 1887.

There really were some wild colonial days in Rosewood. This often resulted in court cases.

It seems that there may have been a bit of professional rivalry not long after James Ryan began his butchering business at Rosewood Gate. Henry McGeary summonsed James Ryan for threatening him on 15th June 1878. The matter was heard in the Ipswich Police Court. Henry stated that he was driving a spring cart through the railway gate when Ryan struck one of his horses. Henry said, “Ryan, don’t strike those horses.” Ryan replied, “I will and by ….. I’ll pull you out of the cart too”. Henry drove on but Ryan followed him. A witness, Richard Mason, backed up Henry’s story and the Bench found Ryan guilty. He was fined 20s. plus 10s. witness’s expenses and 6s. 4p. Court costs. Non payment would have resulted in a 14 day jail term. 

At the same court sitting, James Ryan was charged with assaulting and beating Henry McGeary. On the day after the last incident, one of Henry’s rams got amongst Ryan’s sheep. When he went to retrieve the ram, it charged at Ryan’s son and knocked him over. Ryan rolled up his sleeves and threatened to knock Henry’s head off. He hit Henry on the back of the head knocking him to the ground and telling him in colourful language to take his sheep and get out. Henry got onto his feet only to be hit and knocked down again. Ryan threatened to shoot Henry and his ram. Once again Ryan floored Henry and tried to kick him while he was on the ground. Henry left to get police help and when he and the police returned, Ryan tried twice more to hit Henry as they approached his doorway. Edward Boughen, who worked for Henry, was also present, and he stated that he tried to retrieve the ram but had to run when Ryan came toward him. Edward ran too as he was frightened of Ryan due to a previous attack made on him by Ryan on Easter Monday. Two other witnesses at the hearing were Thomas Goodwin, a miner, and a lad named William Edwards, who both gave corroborative evidence. Ryan was found guilty and fined 40s. for the offence and ordered to pay 30s. witness’s expenses, 7s. 2p. court costs and £1 1s. professional costs, in default of one months imprisonment.

James Ryan retaliated and summonsed Henry McGeary for threatening him, but that case was dismissed. However, the Bench “bound James Ryan over” for the sum of £40 and also for one surety of £20 to keep the peace for six months or else be imprisoned for that time.

Soon after Ryan was summonsed by Jane McGeary for insulting her with “the most disgusting language” on Sunday 14th June 1878. He was fined 10s., court costs 4s. 6p. and £1 professional costs or spend 14 days in jail. 

Henry Mc Geary found himself involved in at least 3 other court cases.

In 1879 Henry was involved in an incident when he was called to testify as a witness at a hearing where John Jones was suing John Lane for £30 for slander. It was reported that one night John Lane came to Henry McGeary’s house looking for 3 men (John Jones, John Lewis and William Harvard) who lived at McGearys. Lane stated that he had been “stuck up” by three men near Brandy Gully and believed the three men were the perpetrators. Jones told Lane he was at John Owen’s place at North Ipswich at about 5 o’clock on the night that the alleged sticking up took place. Henry told Lane he did not believe the three men were guilty. 

The conversation went like this:-
Lewis said to Lane, “Do you blame me for sticking you up on the road last night?”
Lane replied, “I do. You stuck me up the second time, and the next time you do so I will give you powder and ball.”
Henry asked, “Do you mean to say you were stuck up the second time on Sunday night?’
Lane said, “Yes, and they threatened to take my life”.
Jones said, “Lane, do you mean to say I was one of them?”
Lane said, “Yes, I can swear to you and that long fellow there (pointing to Harvard) and I can bring a witness to prove it.” 

In court there were testimonies about Jones and Lane both being decent men, and, because all of the slanderous words were not made in public and nobody suffered pecuniary damage, Lane said he was sorry he had accused the Jones wrongfully and apologised to him.

Another court case: Henry M’Geary was charged at the police court with having at Rosewood, on the 23th August last, sold spirituous liquors, he not being licensed to do so. Defendant pleaded not guilty, and was defended by Mr. Cardew, who admitted the sale of drink, but stated that defendant had merely acted as servant for W. B. Tompkins, the holder of a publican’s license. From the evidence adduced it appears that defendant was employed to sell liquors at the late Rosewood Show on behalf of Mr. Tompkins, proprietor of the Royal Oak Hotel, at Walloon, who had received authority from the Bench to extend his license to Rosewood on the day of the show. After a deal of evidence had been taken Senior-sergeant O’Driscoll asked the bench whether a publican could keep his licensed house open when his rights and privileges were transferred to some other places, such as a sports or show grounds. In answer to this question, the bench said that such transfer was simply an enlargement of the license, giving extra authority, and a publican was bound to keep his house open or ho would be liable to a penalty under the Act. The case was dismissed. (3)

In June 1882 there was another matter heard in the Petty Debts Court in Ipswich concerning Henry McGeary.  HENRY MCGEARY V. JOHN W. VANCE 

In March 1880, a committee of men was formed. They were determined to start athletics in Rosewood and follow the example set by other districts. They held the first athletics sporting event in the paddock adjoining the Rosewood Hotel. Walter Gosling was the licensee of the hotel at the time. Competitors came from Ipswich, Normanby and Laidley and 200 people came to watch. The officials were:- Treasurer, Mr. Henry M’Geary; secretary, Mr. H. J. Ludlow; starter, Mr. J. Sherrin and judge, Mr. R. Hingston. Also Mr. T. A. Kelleher and Mr. J. Harris.

Henry was a member of the Rosewood Racing Club and he was the “starter” at many of their events. He liked to sing and at the end of some of their meetings and he was rumoured to have rendered a song in his most brilliant and effective style.

Henry entered exhibits in the Rosewood Shows. Some examples of his success are shown below.
1880 – Henry entered some preserved pumpkin, citron marmalade, and spiced beef and bacon of tempting appearance.
In the Farm and Dairy section he entered these categories:
Best side of Bacon (special prize by Mr. Mathew). First prize, £1; second prize, 10s. – Henry McGeary 1st; L. Smallbone 2nd
Best Ham – Special prize, 10s.; second prize, 6s.- Henry McGeary 1st; J. Ponting 2nd.
Best 3lb. any other kind of Jam – Prize, 2s. 6d.- Henry McGeary.
In the entry for “the Best Foal got by M’Geary’s Horse” (special prize by Henry M’Geary) the First prize of £1 and second prize of a certificate were won by C. Berlin, 1st and James Smith, 2nd.

In 1883, in the category “Best Ox, the property of a person owning not more than 100 head of cattle”, Henry McGeary’s fat ox won the first prize of £1.

In 1886 Henry won second prize for his aged boar and sow and was highly commended for his exhibit of two pigs. In the Poultry category he won first prize for his two turkeys.

In 1887 Henry’s spiced rolls (beef and bacon) were highly spoken of and….
The pigs, though few, were generally pretty good, notably Mr.Rogers’s pair of improved Berkshires and Mr. M’Geary’s boar. The two prize sows were “fat pigs” and some people really gave the preference to a brood sow apparently the mate of Mr. Mr M’Gearys boar, which was small-boned, long sided, and short-legged, though not fat.

In June 1882 Henry built a “handsome residence replete with every comfort”. He bought the Hillgrove Estate in May 1887 and retired from business. He grew grapes and went extensively into wine-making. 

Elias Harding, auctioneer, was engaged by Henry to hold a clearing out sale at Hillgrove  in February the next year. 18 herd fat cattle, 20 steers and heifers (2-3 years), 6 heavy draught mares with foals at foot, and 8 draught colts went under the hammer. There was another auction in 1889.

At 3 o’clock in the morning of Tuesday, 4th December 1888, an old unoccupied and dilapidated house belonging to Henry McGeary, on the Toowoomba Road (Portion 11), burned down. This was the remains of the old Rising Sun Hotel (O’Brien’s). There was a detached kitchen about 20 ft away from the house which had been used as a camping place by five men but they didn’t’ t see anyone in the building at the time the fire was noticed. It was insured for £100 with the Commercial Union Insurance Company.

In the early hours of the morning of Tuesday 8th June 1891, the residents of the Rosewood township were woken by the sound of roaring flood waters. Both the Western Creek and Bremer Creeks had broken their banks. The Bremer was about a mile wide through Moorelands, while the Western Creek covered all the open ground, between the railway line and itself from Calvert to Rosewood. Henry McGeary lost three valuable horses and several cattle and fences. His pumpkin and corn lined the banks of all the creeks.

After being plagued by illness for several years Henry McGeary died at 6 o’clock one Monday evening in March 1893. He left Jane £776 and his land:
Portion 11, resubdivision 9 of subdivision 2 of Free Selection 7L, parish of Walloon (119 acres)
Portion 169, parish of Mutdapilly 182 acres
Portions 252 (61 acres) to  253 (121 acres) 254 (102 acres 1 rood), parish of Jeebropilly (Henry McGeary bought this land from Charles Henry Victor Emanuel Gibbs, son in law of John Clark Foote. The original selector was Henry Jacobs.) This was the property known as Hillgrove (see map below).

Jane continued to run the butcher shop. A slaughtering license was granted to her on 31st December 1897.

Jane paid £30 for 6 acres in the parish of Walloon (19th August 1903), adding Portion 414 to her list of properties. (Situated on the left bank Western Creek, between it and the railway line, and extending south westerly from Rosewood railway Station.) I have marked it on the second map from the top in this article .

Jane McGeary died in 1910. Her Bereavement Notice said: The Relatives of the late Mrs. M’Geary, of Rosewood, desire to express their sincere thanks to all those who expressed sympathy with them in their sad bereavement, more especially to Mrs. J. R. Keane, of Moorlands, and Mrs. C. Klewe. Also to those who forwarded floral tributes and letters expressive of sympathy.

There was a clearing-out sale of the Hillgrove Estate in December 1910.

© Jane Schy, 2024

Sources:
1. Headstone at Stone Quarry Cemetery; Aldine History of Queensland 1888 – Frederic W. Morrison
2. Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald and General Advertiser, Tuesday 27 May 1862, page 3
3. Brisbane Courier, Wednesday 20 September 1882, page 6
England & Wales Civil Registration Index 1837-1914
Somerset Church of England Baptisms 1813-1914
1841, 1851, 1861 Census England