Obituaries Australia

James McMahon, n.d.

photo supplied by John McMahon

“The death took place on Sunday night of a well known Windsor identity, Mr James McMahon, who for the past 15 years has been a police pensioner. He was 70 years of age, a native of County Cavan, Ireland, and came to this country when about 19 years old, after serving a short period in the Dublin constabulary. He married in Sydney Miss Phoebe Armstrong, from Kings County, Ireland, and his first colonial appointment was on the Blue Mountains — at a place then known as Eighteen Mile Hollow, now Springwood. He was transferred to St Albans, and was there 15 years, his next appointment being to Windsor. Before joining the colonial forces, however he was for a time an orderly to one of our early Governors, to whom he had a letter of introduction from a relative in Ireland. He was well connected, some of his people having gained distinction in the legal profession in the Emerald Isle. About 15 years ago he was thrown from his horse in George Street, Windsor, and sustained serious injuries to his head. This brought about his retirement, and he was never the same smart and energetic man after the accident. He did good work in the force, and in the early days of outlawry was often called upon to do some intrepid things, for which he got but scant recognition from the authorities. Some of his widow’s relatives are large pastoralists in this State, and her late husband has left her comfortably provided for. His family numbered seven children, the youngest being dead. Those living are Edward A. (headmaster of Concord Superior Public School), William F. (assistant postmaster at Junee), Marshal J. (Police Magistrate at Wentworth), Senior W. (assistant teacher, West Leichhardt S. P. S.), Lucas (teacher, La Perouse), and Joseph (night officer at High Street railway station, Maitland). The funeral took place on Tuesday, and was largely attended, all the sons being present except the one at Wentworth, who was unable to get home. Mr Lucas Armstrong (Mrs McMahon’s brother), and Mr E. Braggert, another relative were also present. Rev Father McDonnell conducted the service and Mr Chandler was undertaker.”