G'day Bob, Here is an excerpt from MACLEAN The First Fifty Years 1862-1912 by E. H. McSwan. Available from the Maclean District Historical Society, PO Box 257, Maclean NSW 2463. ISBN 0 909323 12 7 WILLIAM O'CONNOR William O'Connor is best remembered for the store he kept for about 35 years on the corner of River and John Streets, which he opened and called Crown General Store. He came from Ireland as a young immigrant and first worked for McAulay & McLeod, the Ashby butchers, for whom he delivered meat and is listed as a boatman in the 1878-9 Post Office Directory. Next he tried his hand at doing contract bush work briefly, and dealing in horses and cattle. For a short time also before Michael Rush went to Grafton O'Connor worked for him and evidently decided that this was more to his liking as he started his own business and ran it successfully until he left Maclean for Sydney c. 1920. (DE 5 May 1929) As a sideline he worked as a valuator, Stock and Station Agent and Auctioneer for which he was licensed in 1905. In his younger days he was a rower of some note, especially in single sculls in the heavier boat as he was of fine physique and very strong. He married in Maclean in 1855 to Mary Ann Noonan and they experienced the sadness of losing several daughters in infancy. Two others survived and were known as Nella and Mamie, and sons Thomas and Bebe. William O'Connor was an alderman for 17 years and Chairman of the Works Committee. He encouraged and supported the building of the Roman Catholic for which he was a trustee and bondsman. The Hibernian Society was another interest and he assisted with the running of the sports events which were a feature of both the Hibernian and Caledonian Societies. The main if not the first home of the family was on the corner of Stanley and Grafton Streets and what is now called Connor's Lane, but originally called O'Connor's after them. He advised it to let in May of 1919, which was probably the time they went to Sydney. He opened a grocery shop in Sydney although he was then aged 72, and conducted it until his death in 1929. Hope this fills in a few gaps for you Bob. Happy hunting, Ray Hannah Perth, Western Australia -----Original Message----- From: Bob & Glen Brown [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, 10 May 2000 17:46 To: [email protected] Subject: Patrick and Mary O'Connor (1840's-1867) and their children I am seeking info on Patrick (d.1867) and Mary Anne O'Connor nee Palmer (d.1874) both believed buried Grafton. They immigrated from Ireland 1842. Grafton was founded in late 40's. Their kids were born there from 1846. Were they pioneers? Kids were : John, Gerald, Michael, Sophie, Mary Ann, Jane, James. Does anyone have anything about these people ? Any connections ? I believe some of them went to Murwillumbah, some remained at Grafton and some went to the Hastings. Thanks Bob Brown Kingscliff NSW