[Index]
Margaret QUILTY (1827 - 1905)
Children Self + Spouses Parents Grandparents Greatgrandparents
Bartholomew Robert DOWNING (1844 - 1893)
Thomas Joseph DOWNING (1846 - 1915)
John A DOWNING (1848 - 1922)
Anne DOWNING (1851 - 1856)
Mary Ann DOWNING (1852 - 1939)
Michael Joseph DOWNING (1854 - 1939)
Catherine Cecila DOWNING (1857 - 1936)
Margaret Mary DOWNING (1858 - 1939)
Charles DOWNING (1859 - 1861)
Johanna May DOWNING (1861 - )
Ellen DOWNING (1865 - 1951)
Charles Edward DOWNING (1867 - 1950)
Matthew Sylvester DOWNING (1870 - 1936)
Frederick Simon DOWNING (1872 - 1948)
 Margaret QUILTY (1827 - 1905)

+

Robert DOWNING (1810 - 1891)
 Thomas QUILTY (1786 - 1870)











Anne HAYES (1798 - 1881)











Margaret QUILTY Robert DOWNING
Margaret QUILTY
Margaret QUILTY Robert DOWNING Margaret QUILTY
b. abt 1827 at Co Limerick, Ireland
m. 20 Mar 1843 Robert DOWNING (1810 - 1891) at Gobarralong, New South Wales, Australia
d. 23 Jul 1905 at Tumut, New South Wales, Australia aged 78
Near Relatives of Margaret QUILTY (1827 - 1905)
Relationship Person Born Birth Place Died Death Place Age
Father in Law Bartholomew DOWNING 1789 1869 80
Mother in Law Bridget BURNS 1793 1890 97

Father Thomas QUILTY abt 1786 Co Limerick, Ireland 05 Jun 1870 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 84
Mother Anne HAYES abt 1798 Co Limerick, Ireland 02 Jan 1881 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 83

Self Margaret QUILTY abt 1827 Co Limerick, Ireland 23 Jul 1905 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 78

Husband Robert DOWNING 1810 Co Kerry, Ireland 13 Oct 1891 Gadara, New South Wales, Australia 81

Son Bartholomew Robert DOWNING 25 Dec 1844 Gilmore, New South Wales, Australia 27 Aug 1893 Gilmore, New South Wales, Australia 48
Son Thomas Joseph DOWNING 1846 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 17 Aug 1915 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 69
Son John A DOWNING 1848 New South Wales, Australia 07 Jun 1922 Temora, New South Wales, Australia 74
Daughter Anne DOWNING abt Jan 1851 Gilmore, New South Wales, Australia 11 Jun 1856 Gilmore, New South Wales, Australia 5
Daughter Mary Ann DOWNING 03 Nov 1852 Gilmore, New South Wales, Australia 11 Jan 1939 Jugiong, New South Wales, Australia 86
Son Michael Joseph DOWNING 25 Apr 1854 Gilmore, New South Wales, Australia 22 Aug 1939 Gilmore, New South Wales, Australia 85
Daughter Catherine Cecila DOWNING abt 1857 Gilmore, New South Wales, Australia 13 Jul 1936 79
Daughter Margaret Mary DOWNING abt 1858 Gilmore, New South Wales, Australia 05 Nov 1939 Albury, New South Wales, Australia 81
Son Charles DOWNING abt Aug 1859 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 28 Feb 1861 Gilmore, New South Wales, Australia 1
Daughter Johanna May DOWNING 24 Sep 1861 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia
Daughter Ellen DOWNING 14 Aug 1865 Gilmore, New South Wales, Australia 15 Apr 1951 Bondi, New South Wales, Australia 85
Son Charles Edward DOWNING 1867 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1950 Adelong, New South Wales, Australia 83
Son Matthew Sylvester DOWNING 1870 Gilmore, New South Wales, Australia 07 Apr 1936 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 66
Son Frederick Simon DOWNING 05 Mar 1872 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 12 May 1948 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 76

Brother Thomas QUILTY 25 Dec 1818 Co Limerick, Ireland 29 Dec 1893 Windowie, New South Wales, Australia 75
Sister Ellen QUILTY 1820 Co Limerick, Ireland 06 Sep 1888 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 68
Sister Mary QUILTY abt 1822 Shanagolden, Co Limerick, Ireland 05 Mar 1897 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 75
Sister Johanna QUILTY abt 1824 Co Limerick, Ireland 31 Oct 1881 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 57
Brother Michael QUILTY abt 1829 Co Limerick, Ireland 1892 Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 63
Sister Ann QUILTY 27 Dec 1831 Co Limerick, Ireland 24 Mar 1915 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 83
Brother Edward QUILTY abt 1838 Co Limerick, Ireland 17 Jan 1862 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 24

Daughter in Law Rebecca GELLING 1846 England 08 Sep 1920 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 74
Daughter in Law Elizabeth Beatrice CONNOLLY 04 Dec 1861 Carcoar, New South Wales, Australia 21 Feb 1936 Temora, New South Wales, Australia 74
Son in Law Jeremiah Francis SHEAHAN 1850 31 May 1896 Newtown, New South Wales, Australia 46
Daughter in Law Elizabeth M CASSIDY 01 May 1859 Gundagai, New South Wales, Australia abt 17 Feb 1923 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 63
Son in Law James THOM
Son in Law John MCDONALD
Son in Law William C NASH
Son in Law William THOM
Daughter in Law Lillian Frances A PEMBROOK 1868 16 Aug 1910 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 42
Daughter in Law Kathleen FENNELL 1889 1971 82
Daughter in Law Mary Josephine QUILTY 1869 Windowie, New South Wales, Australia 24 Aug 1954 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 85

Granddaughter Margaret Rebecca DOWNING 1868 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1955 87
Granddaughter Mary A E DOWNING 1870 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia
Granddaughter Sarah Blanche DOWNING 1871 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1934 63
Grandson Robert DOWNING 1872 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1935 Petersham, New South Wales, Australia 63
Granddaughter Ellen May DOWNING 1875 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 05 Feb 1943 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 68
Grandson Thomas E DOWNING 1876 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1935 Goulburn, New South Wales, Australia 59
Granddaughter Kathleen Beatrice DOWNING 1878 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1941 63
Grandson Frederick Philip DOWNING 1879 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1951 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 72
Grandson John DOWNING 1881 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1881 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 0
Granddaughter Josephine Maud DOWNING 1882 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 30 Jan 1901 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 19
Granddaughter Anne DOWNING 1883 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1883 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 0
Granddaughter Florence Alice DOWNING 1886 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1956 70
Granddaughter Mona Rebecca DOWNING 1888 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1975 87
Grandson John Gelling DOWNING 1889 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1940 Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia 51
Granddaughter Mary E DOWNING 1889
Grandson Albert E SHEAHAN 1877 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1878 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1
Granddaughter Katherine Aloysius SHEAHAN 1878 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1947 69
Granddaughter Mary Clare SHEAHAN 31 Dec 1878 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 05 Feb 1970 Jugiong, New South Wales, Australia 91
Grandson Robert Downing SHEAHAN 1883 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1951 68
Grandson John Phillip SHEAHAN 1885 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1959 74
Grandson Jeremiah SHEAHAN 1887 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1887 0
Grandson James Daniel SHEAHAN 1889 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1970 81
Granddaughter Margaret Jean SHEAHAN 1891 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1981 90
Granddaughter Bridget Lillian SHEAHAN 1893 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1952 59
Granddaughter Ellen Angela "Nell" SHEAHAN 03 Sep 1895 Jugiong, New South Wales, Australia 1980 85
Grandson William Francis Patrick SHEAHAN 03 Sep 1895 Jugiong, New South Wales, Australia 1975 80
Grandson Frederick James DOWNING abt 1880 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1949 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 69
Granddaughter Margaret Ann DOWNING abt 1880 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1961 81
Granddaughter Mary Ann DOWNING 1882 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1957 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 75
Grandson Robert William DOWNING 1884 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 17 Sep 1947 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 63
Granddaughter Adelaide Kate DOWNING 1888 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1896 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 8
Granddaughter Edith May DOWNING 1890 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 22 Aug 1923 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 33
Grandson John DOWNING 1892 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1892 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 0
Grandson Matthew Sylvester DOWNING 1893 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1955 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 62
Granddaughter Elizabeth DOWNING 1895 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia
Grandson Arthur DOWNING 1898 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1898 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 0
Grandson Michael Joseph "Dixie" DOWNING 1901 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 28 Jan 1939 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 38
Granddaughter Dorothy Lillian DOWNING 1896 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1982 86
Grandson Robert Matthew Sylvester DOWNING 1897 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1898 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1
Grandson Allan John DOWNING 1898 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 30 Jan 1951 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 53
Granddaughter Margaret Elizabeth DOWNING 1900 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia
Granddaughter Maud DOWNING 1902 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1919 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 17
Grandson Matthew Sylvester DOWNING 1903 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 21 Aug 1969 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 66
Granddaughter Josephine Frances DOWNING 1906 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 29 Aug 1957 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 51
Granddaughter Gertrude May DOWNING 07 Apr 1908 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 16 Sep 1990 82
Grandson Patrick Joseph DOWNING 1910 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1985 Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 75
Grandson Robert Patrick DOWNING 1913 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1971 58

Niece Anne Mary QUILTY 27 Sep 1847 Tarcutta, New South Wales, Australia 03 Aug 1907 Carlton, New South Wales, Australia 59
Nephew Timothy QUILTY 08 Oct 1850 New South Wales, Australia 28 Apr 1926 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 75
Niece Ellen M QUILTY 1862 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1917 Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 55
Nephew John QUILTY 1864 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 28 Jul 1942 Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia 78
Nephew Patrick QUILTY 1865 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1922 Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 57
Nephew Thomas QUILTY 1867 28 Jun 1932 Gilmore, New South Wales, Australia 65
Niece Mary Josephine QUILTY 1869 Windowie, New South Wales, Australia 24 Aug 1954 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 85
Nephew Edward Patrick QUILTY 1871 Windowie, New South Wales, Australia 17 Oct 1945 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 74
Niece Margaret Vincent QUILTY 1875 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1943 68
Nephew James Joseph QUILTY 1877 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1959 West Wyalong, New South Wales, Australia 82
Niece Catherine "Kate" QUILTY 1878 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 04 Dec 1959 Turramurra, New South Wales, Australia 81
Nephew Michael Sylvester KENNELLY 1839 Co Limerick, Ireland 1911 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 72
Niece Annie KINEALY 1847 Co Limerick, Ireland 09 Feb 1923 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 76
Niece Johanna KENNELLY abt 1854 12 Jul 1888 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 34
Nephew Jeremiah KENNELLY abt 1855 05 May 1861 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 6
Niece Ellen KENNELLY 1858 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 09 Sep 1951 Chatswood, New South Wales, Australia 93
Niece Margaret KENNELLY 1859 Lacmalac, Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1935 Queanbeyan, New South Wales, Australia 76
Nephew James KENNELLY 1861 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1943 82
Nephew Jeremiah KENNELLY 1866 Lacmalac, Tumut, New South Wales, Australia abt 15 Jun 1895 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 29
Nephew John MCNAMARA 1841 Gundagai, New South Wales, Australia 1923 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 82
Nephew Thomas MCNAMARA 1843 New South Wales, Australia 1908 65
Nephew James Joseph MCNAMARA 1845 New South Wales, Australia 1923 78
Nephew Michael MCNAMARA 1847 Gilmore, New South Wales, Australia 1922 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 75
Nephew Hugh MCNAMARA 24 May 1850 Gilmore, New South Wales, Australia 17 Jul 1907 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 57
Niece Anne MCNAMARA 1852 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1910 58
Nephew George MCNAMARA 1854 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 1918 64
Niece Mary MCNAMARA 1856 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia Feb 1906 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 50
Nephew Edward O'MARA 1844 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 29 Aug 1881 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 37
Nephew Thomas Chrysostom O'MARA 1847 1891 44
Nephew Timothy O'MARA abt 1851 18 Sep 1862 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 11
Nephew James O'MARA 1854 1925 Granville, New South Wales, Australia 71
Niece Catherine Mary O'NEILL 25 Feb 1852 Yass, New South Wales, Australia 27 Aug 1887 35
Niece Mary Johanna O'NEILL 21 Aug 1868 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 24 Dec 1870 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 2

Brother in Law John DOWNING abt 1810 Co Kerry, Ireland 17 Apr 1875 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 65
Brother in Law Bartholomew DOWNING abt 1819 Co Kerry, Ireland 24 Aug 1885 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 66
Sister in Law Joanna WALSH abt 1856
Sister in Law Mary CLIFFORD 1838 Co Tipperary, Ireland 10 Oct 1888 Windowie, New South Wales, Australia 50
Brother in Law Jeremiah KENNELLY 1817 Co Limerick, Ireland 06 Nov 1886 Lacmalac, Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 69
Brother in Law John MCNAMARA abt 1813 Ireland 25 Nov 1855 Gilmore, New South Wales, Australia 42
Brother in Law Timothy O'MARA 1810 Co Tipperary, Ireland 21 Oct 1860 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 50
Brother in Law John Henry CASSIDY abt 1824 Lowell, USA 03 Jun 1873 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 49
Sister in Law Sarah Mary QUILTER 1836 1921 85
Brother in Law Hugh O'NEILL 1816 1868 Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 52
Sister in Law Ellen M BOW
Events in Margaret QUILTY (1827 - 1905)'s life
Date Age Event Place Notes Src
abt 1827 Margaret QUILTY was born Co Limerick, Ireland 69
16 Mar 1839 12 Immigration Sydney, New South Wales, Australia per Aliquis 69
20 Mar 1843 16 Married Robert DOWNING (aged 33) Gobarralong, New South Wales, Australia Downie
25 Dec 1844 17 Birth of son Bartholomew Robert DOWNING Gilmore, New South Wales, Australia
1846 19 Birth of son Thomas Joseph DOWNING Tumut, New South Wales, Australia
1848 21 Birth of son John A DOWNING New South Wales, Australia
abt Jan 1851 24 Birth of daughter Anne DOWNING Gilmore, New South Wales, Australia
03 Nov 1852 25 Birth of daughter Mary Ann DOWNING Gilmore, New South Wales, Australia
25 Apr 1854 27 Birth of son Michael Joseph DOWNING Gilmore, New South Wales, Australia
11 Jun 1856 29 Death of daughter Anne DOWNING (aged 5) Gilmore, New South Wales, Australia
abt 1857 30 Birth of daughter Catherine Cecila DOWNING Gilmore, New South Wales, Australia
abt 1858 31 Birth of daughter Margaret Mary DOWNING Gilmore, New South Wales, Australia
abt Aug 1859 32 Birth of son Charles DOWNING Tumut, New South Wales, Australia
28 Feb 1861 34 Death of son Charles DOWNING (aged 1) Gilmore, New South Wales, Australia
24 Sep 1861 34 Birth of daughter Johanna May DOWNING Tumut, New South Wales, Australia
14 Aug 1865 38 Birth of daughter Ellen DOWNING Gilmore, New South Wales, Australia
1867 40 Birth of son Charles Edward DOWNING Tumut, New South Wales, Australia
1870 43 Birth of son Matthew Sylvester DOWNING Gilmore, New South Wales, Australia
05 Jun 1870 43 Death of father Thomas QUILTY (aged 84) Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 73
05 Mar 1872 45 Birth of son Frederick Simon DOWNING Tumut, New South Wales, Australia
02 Jan 1881 54 Death of mother Anne HAYES (aged 83) Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 73
13 Oct 1891 64 Death of husband Robert DOWNING (aged 81) Gadara, New South Wales, Australia
27 Aug 1893 66 Death of son Bartholomew Robert DOWNING (aged 48) Gilmore, New South Wales, Australia
23 Jul 1905 78 Margaret QUILTY died Tumut, New South Wales, Australia 73
Personal Notes:
The Tumut and Adelong Times 28 Jul 1905
OBITUARY NOTICES. MRS. MARGARET DOWNING. When giving the sad information in our last issue of the death of one of our oldest and most respected residents, Mrs. Downing, widow of the late M. Robt. Downing, who had predeceased her some 14 years (a figure 3 being substituted for a 1, in our previous report, gave the term as 35 years, 15 having been meant), we stated that we would, as soon as we were able to procure such, give a biographical sketch of the career of that grand old pioneer, deeming that one with such a grand record as she was possessed of deserved more than a brief passing notice. The deceased was most highly esteemed by all acquaintances, she having enjoyed the reputation of being extremely friendly and good natured, the acme of honesty and integrity, and imbued with the highest qualifications of a christian lady. Her life, indeed, was one well worthy of emulation, and it was led under circumstances far from being akin to what now prevails. Residences were few and far between when our honored friend first settled down in these parts, and civilization was then only in its primitive stages here. The late Mrs. Downing came lo the country from her native home in the Emerald Isle, with her parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Quilty, in the year 1839, and settled down in what was then a wilderness on an area of land situated between Jugiong and Gobarralong. After remaining there about four years a move was made to Tumut, the portion of land then chosen being that fronting the Gilmore Creek and now occupied by Mr. Richard Rivers, the aboriginal name of the place being Doolyalah. In 1850 Mr. Downing sold out his interest in that holding to the late Mr. R. Wilson, and with his brother-in-law, Mr. T. O'Mara, bought that magnificent property, Rosebank, the original owner of which was the late Mr. R. Hever. After a lapse of time the husband of the subject of our article purchased the holding known as Killarney, built the hotel which now stands there, and occupied it until the year 1862, when he selected Gadara, which served as a comfortable home until death brought about a separation of the happy couple, the family of whom consisted of seven sons and four daughters, viz. — Robert (since deceased), Thomas, John, Michael, Matthew, Charles, and Frederick, and Mesdames Sheahan, Nash, McDonald, J. Thom and W. Thom. The brothers and sisters of deceased were— Thomas, Michael, and Edward Quilty, Mesdames Kenneally, O'Mara, McNamara, and O'Neill. By thrift, combined with wise and careful management, the late Mr. aud Mrs Downing were enabled to become possessed of a fair supply of wealth; but they never stinted in any way expenditures, that were necessary to properly educate their children, all of whom are possessed of good scholarly attainments, and the cost of obtaining such in the early history of this colony was considerably greater and much harder to get than it is at the present time. Mrs. Downing remained at Gadara after her husband's death and until she was called hence herself, and completed a record as a pioneer that we doubt whether there is another person in N.S. Wales that can approach it. She leaves a lineage of immense proportions, more than half the people of the district being related in some way to the grand old patriarch, whose memory will ever remain green in the minds of those of the present generation. Two members of the family a boy and a girl, died when young ; and the remainder introduced the direct descendants of 60 grandchildren and 8 great grand-children. Deceased's age was given at 78 years at time of death, and although many people who knew the old lady were of opinion that it was greater, the computation agrees with the history we have been provided with. Until the last year of her life she had always been most hale and hearty ; but during the past few months it was realised that her end was approaching. About a couple of months ago she suffered from an illness it was thought impossible for her to survive ; but, under Dr. Mason's careful attention, and with the excellent constitution she was possessed of, the battle of life was renewed. Not for long, however, for shortly afterwards another fit of illness came on, and, weakened by the first attack, she was unable to bear the strain, and passed away peacefully and quietly, surrounded by the sorrowing members of her family, who were able to be present, and with whom, on behalf ot our numerous readers who were all friends of the departed one, we most heartily sympathise over the sad bereavement they have experienced in losing so fond and loving a parent. For many years the family chain Was firmly, linked together ; But, oh ! that chain is broken now — One great link has gone for ever.
Source References:
63. Type: Web Page, Abbr: Trove, Title: Trove National Library of Australia, Locn: http://trove.nla.gov.au/
- Reference = The Tumut and Adelong Times 28 Jul 1905 (Name, Notes)
69. Type: Book, Abbr: Relict of, Title: Relict of … Lives of Pioneering Women of Tumut and District, Auth: Tumut Family History Group, Publ: Tumut Family History Group, Date: 2001
- Reference = 11 (Birth)
- Reference = 11 (Name, Notes)
73. Type: Book, Abbr: Pioneers of Tumut Valley, Title: Pioneers of the Tumult Valley , The History of Early Settlement, Auth: H.E. Snowden, Publ: Tumut & District Historical Society Incorporated, Date: 2004
- Reference = 43 (Death)
76. Type: Web Page, Abbr: Find a Grave, Title: Find A Grave, Locn: https://www.findagrave.com/
- Reference = https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/209490288/margaret-downing (Name, Notes)
- Notes: OBITUARY NOTICES.
MRS. MARGARET DOWNING.
When giving the sad information in our last issue of the death of one of our oldest and most respected residents, Mrs. Downing, widow of the late M. Robt. Downing, who had predeceased her some 14 years (a figure 3 being substituted for a 1, in our previous report, gave the term as 35 years, 15 having been meant), we stated that we would, as soon as we were able to procure such, give a biographical sketch of the career of that grand old pioneer, deeming that one with such a grand record as she was possessed of deserved more than a brief passing notice. The deceased was most highly esteemed by all acquaintances, she having enjoyed the reputation of being extremely friendly and good natured, the acme of honesty and integrity, and imbued with the highest qualifications of a christian lady. Her life, indeed, was one well worthy of emulation, and it was led under circumstances far from being akin to what now prevails. Residences were few and far between when our honored friend first settled down in these parts, and civilization was then only in its primitive stages here. The late Mrs. Downing came to the country from her native home in the Emerald Isle, with her parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Quilty, in the year 1839, and settled down in what was then a wilderness on an area of land situated between Jugiong and Gobarralong. After remaining there about four years a move was made to Tumut, the portion of land then chosen being that fronting the Gilmore Creek and now occupied by Mr. Richard Rivers, the aboriginal name of the place being Doolyalah. In 1850 Mr. Downing sold out his interest in that holding to the late Mr. R. Wilson, and with his brother-in-law, Mr. T. O'Mara, bought that magnificent property, Rosebank, the original owner of which was the late Mr. R.
Hever. After a lapse of time the husband of the subject of our article purchased the holding known as Killarney, built the hotel which now stands there, and occupied it until the year 1862, when he selected Gadara, which served as a comfortable home until death brought about a separation of the happy couple, the family of whom consisted of seven sons and four daughters, viz. — Robert (since deceased), Thomas, John, Michael, Matthew, Charles, and Frederick, and Mesdames Sheahan, Nash, McDonald, J. Thom and W. Thom. The brothers and sisters of deceased were— Thomas, Michael, and Edward Quilty, Mesdames Kenneally, O'Mara, McNamara, and O'Neill. By thrift, combined with wise and careful management, the late Mr. and Mrs Downing were enabled to become possessed of a fair supply of wealth; but they never stinted in any way expenditures, that were necessary to properly educate their children, all of whom are possessed of good scholarly attainments, and the cost of obtaining such in the early history of this colony was considerably greater and much harder to get than it is at the present time. Mrs. Downing remained at Gadara after her husband's death and until she was called hence herself, and completed a record as a pioneer that we doubt whether there is another person in N.S. Wales that can approach it. She leaves a lineage of immense proportions, more than half the people of the district being related in some way to the grand old patriarch, whose memory will ever remain green in the minds of those of the present generation. Two members of the family a boy and a girl, died when young ; and the remainder introduced the direct descendants of 60 grandchildren and 8 great grand-children. Deceased's age was given at 78 years at time of death, and although many people who knew the old lady were of opinion that it was greater, the computation agrees with the history we have been provided with. Until the last year of her life she had always been most hale and hearty; but during the past few months it was realized that her end was approaching. About a couple of months ago she suffered from an illness it was thought impossible for her to survive ; but, under Dr. Mason's careful attention, and with the excellent constitution she was possessed of, the battle of life was renewed. Not for long, however, for shortly afterwards another fit of illness came on, and, weakened by the first attack, she was unable to bear the strain, and passed away peacefully and quietly, surrounded by the sorrowing members of her family, who were able to be present, and with whom, on behalf of our numerous readers who were all friends of the departed one, we most heartily sympathize over the sad bereavement they have experienced in losing so fond and loving a parent. For many years the family chain was firmly, linked together; But, oh ! that chain is broken now — One great link has gone for ever.

The Tumut and Adelong Times (NSW : 1864 - 1867; 1899 - 1950) Friday 28 July 1905
77. Type: Book, Abbr: Tumut Pioneer Cemetery, Title: Tumut Pioneer Cemetery, Auth: Gay Stuckey and Pam Archer, Publ: Tumut Family History Group, Date: 1989
- Reference = page 26 # 113. (Name, Notes)
- Notes: DOWNING Robert, died 13 Oct 1891 aged 80 years; also
DOWNING Margaret, relict of above, died 23 July 1905 aged 78 years. (Left side of monument)
DOWNING Anne, died 11 June 1856 aged 5 years 4 months; also
DOWNING Charles, died 28 Feb 1861 aged 1 year 6 months. (Front of monument).
DOWNING Lillian Frances, wife of Mat DOWNING, died 16 Aug 1910 aged 42 years. (Right side of monument)
DOWNING John, died 17 Apr 1875 aged 65 years; also
DOWNING Bartholomew, died 24 Aug 1885 aged 66 years. (Back of monument).
Created on a Mac™ using iFamily for Mac™ on 2 May 2025