Thomas Connor

341

Maureen Withey on 5th August 2021

1828 Census Index Thomas Conner, age 60, A.P. Atlas 2, 1802, Life, catholic, overseer to John Bent, Camden district, Has 200 acres of land, 55 of which are cleared, and 4 cultivated. Mary Conner, age 60, F.S. Wm. Pitt, 1806, 7 years, catholic.

341

Maureen Withey on 5th August 2021

THE HEROES OF '98. AN INTERESTING GRAVE. The gist of the following has appeared before in this journal, but it will bear repetition : — In the romantically-situated Catholic Cemetery at Campbelltown are many historic graves, the resting-place of numbers of the pioneers of Australia, whose memories should not willingly be left to die. ... But at the present time, when Irishmen the world over are celebrating the Centenary of the '98 Revolution, it will be of interest to all men of Irish blood to know that three humble heroes of that period, who were exiled to Australia for their share in the patriotic movement, lie peacefully under the one tombstone. The inscription is a quaint one, and although it has successfully weathered the storms and exposure of half a century, should be retraced before further time renders it illegible. The committee of the Celebration might easily spare a few shillings for the repairs suggested, for there does not seem to be any descendants of the old Irish patriots living in the immediate district. As the inscription is full of interest, it is given in its entirety : — “Gloria in Excelsis Deo.” IHS. Sacred to the Memory of Mr. John Fowler, Who departed this life May 9th, 1833, Aged 71 years. Requiescat in Pace. Also Thomas Connor, Whose death happened by accident on his return from Campbelltown, intending to go to his home at Myrtle Creek. It was extraordinary, as no part of his remains was discovered for several months after his decease, which happened on the 13th day of January, 1835, aged 68 years. Lord have mercy on his soul. — Amen. Also Nicholas Bryan, Who departed this life, November 17th, 1835, Aged 55 years. They were all shipmates and countrymen, and all sent out on a charge of that unfortunate business of 1798. May the Lord have mercy on their souls. — Amen. To which let all free Australians, of every race, say Amen. The delicacy with which the ''unfortunate business” of '98 is referred to is certainly unique, and will doubtless receive a wide record. Freeman’s Journal, 12 Mar 1898. ----------------------------------------------------- Commenced in 1898 and completed by 1901, a substantial memorial to the 1798 Irish Rebellion was constructed at the cemetery. A large and imposing monument of white Carrara marble, intricately decorated with sculptures, plaques, inscriptions, medallions and mosaic and topped with a 30-foot carved cross, the monument was to be a testament to Ireland's struggle for self-government and its patriots who fought in the rebellion. Designed by John Hennessy of architectural firm Sherrin and Hennessy, the memorial is the largest monument to the rebellion in the world. Elevating it to a somewhat sacred status, the memorial contains the interred remains of the leader of the revolution movement, Michael Dwyer (d. 1825) and his wife Mary (d.1860). Originally buried at Sydney's Sandhills Cemetery (the site of today's Central railway station), the Dwyers were exhumed and reinterred at Waverley Cemetery in 1898. Attended by some 100,000 people, the relocation and interment of the Dwyers was the largest gathering of any 1798 rebellion centenary event in the world. Source: Wikepedia. -------------------------------------------------- ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CEREMONY AT WAVERLEY. In this issue will be found the latest list of subscriptions to the '98 Memorial Fund. The foundation stone of the monument in the Waverley Cemetery will be laid on Sunday, 22nd inst. The remains of Michael Dwyer, his wife (from the Devonshire- street Cemetery), John Fowler, Nicholas Bryan, and Thomas Connor (from Campbelltown Cemetery) will be borne in procession from the city to Waverley, and there re-interred. The starting-place of the procession will be announced next week. Delegates from Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, and Tasmania will be present, and it is expected that the principal cities and towns of New South Wales will be represented. The Hon. O'Loughlin and Mr. P. McMahon Glynn, M.P., are to represent South Australia, and Dr. O'Donnell is to come from Melbourne with a large party. Freemans’s Journal, 14 May 1898. ---------------------------------------------------- https://dictionaryofsydney.org/entry/1798_memorial_waverley_cemetery This link has more information about the Memorial and photographs from 1898, showing the crowds at the reinterment of Michael Dwyer.

341

Maureen Withey on 5th August 2021

Irish Convict Database by Peter Mayberry. Thomas Connor, alias Conner, age on arrival, 24, Irish Rebel, per Atlas II, 1802. Tried Wexford. 1800. Life. DOB 1778. Remarks: Buried in the same grave as Nicholas Bryan and John Fowler. Died at Campbelltown. Spouse: lived with Mary unknown. Present in 1811 muster. -------------------------------------------------- Colonial Secretary Index. CONNOR, Thomas. Per "Atlas", Oct 1802. 1824 Nov Of Pitt St, Sydney. Memorial (Fiche 3083; 4/1836B No.217 pp.965-8) ----------------------------------------------------