Obituaries Australia

Robert McBride, n.d.

from Pastoral Review, 16 November 1921

The death of Mr. Robert James Martin McBride last month removed one of South Australia's most prominent and loved citizens. Born in the north of Ireland 91 years ago, he, while in his early teens, took to the sea as a means of livelihood. This profession he followed for about eleven years, and in 1856 he decided to settle in Australia. He was then 25, and landing in Adelaide with 5s. in his pocket, walked to the Burra in search of work. After spending a short time at the mine he took on a job of fencing, followed by carting. In three years he had acquired 200 miles of leasehold country east of the Burra, known as The Gums Station. This started him in his remarkably successful pastoral career. From The Gums he took up 500 miles of virgin country out towards the New South Wales border, known as Pine Valley and Drayton, which in a few years were permanently improved and carrying 40,000 sheep. His next property was Faraway Hill, part of the old Paratoo holding, and later he obtained Outalpa and Oulnina, paying over £50,000 for the latter. Apart from sheep raising the late Mr. McBride invested much money and assisted in the development of several mining fields, including Broken Hill, Coolgardie, Chillagoe and Mount Morgan.

Mr. McBride was a man of remarkable energy, and retained all his faculties right up to the time of his death. His benefactions were many and most liberal, and it is doubtful if even he had the slightest idea as to how much money or sympathy he freely gave to worthy causes, secular and religious. His death is mourned by a large number of descendants and a host of close personal friends.