James MCGILL
Born C.1852 in New Luce, Wigtownshire, Scotland [20] [28]
Son of Thomas MCGILL and Margaret DOUGAN [28]
In 1881 was working as a farmhand and living with his parents at Dervaird Cottage House in Old Luce, Wigtownshire, Scotland [20]
Later worked as a Shepherd in Old Luce and Mochrum - both in Wigtownshire, Scotland [20] [28]
Married Janet BELL on 30 March 1887 in New Luce, Wigtownshire, Scotland [28]
Witnesses to their marriage were William MCGILL and Mary MCDOWELL [28]
In 1891 he, his wife and their elder two sons were living with his parents on Main Street in Old Luce, Wigtownshire, Scotland [20]
Later resided with his wife and children at Changue Cottage on Changue Farm in Mochrum, Wigtownshire, Scotland [20]
Decided to leave Scotland on the invitation of his brother-in-law to manage a farm in Coorow, Western Australia [P148]
They departed London, England on the steamship Otway and arrived in Fremantle, Western Australia on 26 July 1910 [70]
After arrival in Western Australia proceeded to Coorow to manage a property for his brother-in-law Edward BLYTHE [P147]
Although purchased by his brother-in-law, the farm was owned by his nephew Edward McGill BLYTHE [44] [P147]
Farm Manager in Coorow 1911-1916 [6] [19]
Resided with his wife and children at Coorow House on Victoria Location 385 in Coorow [P147]
The house was described as "an example of the architecture of yesteryear" having been erected decades earlier [388: 26-Aug-1911]
Foundation Committee Member of the Coorow Farmers' Progress Association in 1911 [39: 4-Aug-1911]
When they first arrived in Coorow to gain experience the property was being managed by Edward J. A. CLAIRS [388: 26-Aug-1911]
Provided two rooms of Coorow House for the Coorow State School from its reopening on 2 December 1912 [215]
The Midlands Advertiser had reported on 29 November 1912 "The school will be re-opened shortly at Mr McGill's residence [9]
In 1912 and 1913 he guaranteed to contribute to the Coorow State School teacher's salary if the attendance fell below ten [215]
Submitted an application to the Education Department on 16 July 1913 for the reopening of the closed Coorow State School [215]
Freely provided two rooms of Coorow House for the half-time Coorow State School from its reopening on 3 December 1913 [215]
One of the rooms was 17 by 15 feet in size, contained a large window, fireplace and a door leading out onto the verandah [215]
He advised the Education Department on 25 August 1914 that he would no longer provide the rooms for the school [215]
Others had sent their children away to school and he felt their inconvenience wasn't appreciated or being taken advantage of [215]
The school appears to have closed in September 1914 and in July 1915 its furniture was removed to the Turipa State School [215]
They hosted at their home the presentations and dancing after the Coorow Football Club's Annual Sports in 1913 [9: 10-Oct-1913]
They hosted the public farewell to departing locals Donald M. and Isabella BAIN at their home in Coorow in March 1916 [9: 10-Mar-1916]
After his three eldest sons enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force he wasn't able to continue farming without them [P147]
During the first half of June 1916 left Coorow and shifted to 2 Cavendish Street in the Perth suburb of Victoria Park [30: item 1944135]
Resided at 2 Cavendish Street in the Perth suburb of Victoria Park during the second half of 1916 and in 1917 [6] [30: item 1944135]
Resided on Welshpool Road in the Perth suburb of Queens Park 1918-1920 [6]
Resided on his son James' Toro Brook Farm in Calingiri 1920-1933 [30: items 1944147, 3008521] [P147]
Father of John, Jane, Thomas, James, Margaret, Mary, and Robert [28]
Died 18 September 1933 in Northam; buried at Northam Cemetery in Northam, Western Australia [P147]
| Reference: Carnamah Historical Society & Museum and North Midlands Project, 'James McGill' in Biographical Dictionary of Coorow, Carnamah and Three Springs, retrieved 26 December 2024 from www.carnamah.com.au/bio/james-mcgill-snr [reference list] |
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