 Last additions - Sweeney Family
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1847 - Edward Dunn convict 1769-18507 viewsA legal dispute between Thomas Sweeney and one of his employees, Edward Dunn, was reported by the Port Phillip Herald of Thursday 22nd July 1847. Peter Cuffley has investigated the background of Edward Dunn and this information is captured in the attached image.Jul 31, 2025
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1997-10-19 Pat Sweeney with Peter Cuffley3 viewsThis photo shows cousins Pat Sweeney and Peter Cuffley.
It was taken in 1997 when Pat Sweeney was visiting Victoria from his home in Western Australia.Jul 30, 2025
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1986 Ellie Goss, Jim Murray, Noel Murray with wife Marcella and Cath Cuffley7 viewsThis photo, of cousins Ellie Goss, Jim Murray, Noel Murray and wife Marcella, and Cath Cuffley, was taken at the Murray property, Laurel Hill, Etham North in 1986.
James Eugene ‘Jim’ Murray lived until 1993 and always welcomed cousins to the old house on the hill. Jul 30, 2025
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1971 Pioneers and Painters page 124 viewsIn the years leading up to 1971, the centenary of the Eltham Shire's birth, the Council felt that the publication of a Shire history would fittingly mark the century of achievement. Well known author Alan Marshall, who was an Eltham resident, took on the task and the end result was the wonderful Pioneers and Painters book. As part of his research, Marshall reached out to many people including Peter Cuffley (who was his source for information on Thomas Sweeney) and my uncle Jack Carrucan (who was also very knowledgeable about the early days of the Shire).
Front Cover
Pioneers and Painters is a wonderful history of the early settlement of Eltham and the surrounding towns - Kangaroo Ground, Queenstown, Panton Hill, Christmass Hills, Yarra Glen, Kinglake. It is still generally available for purchase at second hand bookshops and via online vendors and I would recommend it to everyone.
This book is also the first to acknowledge Thomas Sweeney's early footprint in the Eltham district and his pioneering settlement at Culla Hill.
For completeness, here are the 2 pages in 'Pioneers and Painters' that refer to Thomas Sweeney.Jul 30, 2025
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1971 Pioneers and Painters page 106 viewsIn the years leading up to 1971, the centenary of the Eltham Shire's birth, the Council felt that the publication of a Shire history would fittingly mark the century of achievement. Well known author Alan Marshall, who was an Eltham resident, took on the task and the end result was the wonderful Pioneers and Painters book. As part of his research, Marshall reached out to many people including Peter Cuffley (who was his source for information on Thomas Sweeney) and my uncle Jack Carrucan (who was also very knowledgeable about the early days of the Shire).
Front Cover
Pioneers and Painters is a wonderful history of the early settlement of Eltham and the surrounding towns - Kangaroo Ground, Queenstown, Panton Hill, Christmass Hills, Yarra Glen, Kinglake. It is still generally available for purchase at second hand bookshops and via online vendors and I would recommend it to everyone.
This book is also the first to acknowledge Thomas Sweeney's early footprint in the Eltham district and his pioneering settlement at Culla Hill.
For completeness, here are the 2 pages in 'Pioneers and Painters' that refer to Thomas Sweeney.Jul 30, 2025
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1971 Pioneers and Painters Front Cover4 viewsIn the years leading up to 1971, the centenary of the Eltham Shire's birth, the Council felt that the publication of a Shire history would fittingly mark the century of achievement. Well known author Alan Marshall, who was an Eltham resident, took on the task and the end result was the wonderful Pioneers and Painters book. As part of his research, Marshall reached out to many people including Peter Cuffley (who was his source for information on Thomas Sweeney) and my uncle Jack Carrucan (who was also very knowledgeable about the early days of the Shire).
Front Cover
Pioneers and Painters is a wonderful history of the early settlement of Eltham and the surrounding towns - Kangaroo Ground, Queenstown, Panton Hill, Christmass Hills, Yarra Glen, Kinglake. It is still generally available for purchase at second hand bookshops and via online vendors and I would recommend it to everyone.
This book is also the first to acknowledge Thomas Sweeney's early footprint in the Eltham district and his pioneering settlement at Culla Hill.Jul 30, 2025
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1970-11-19 Letter from Alan Marshall to Peter Cuffley5 viewsThe following letter from writer Alan Marshall to Peter Cuffley, dated 19th November 1970, acknowledges Peter's contribution to his book "Pioneers and Painters" and generally discusses Thomas Sweeney. His letter ends with the words "What you should do is later on write a book dealing with the Sweeneys. It would be most interesting."
It took Peter another 55 years to fulfill that request, with The Sweeney Family of Culla Hill Eltham finally published in February 2025.Jul 30, 2025
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1843 Sweeney Boroondara holding - a modern map3 viewsThomas Sweeney's land in Boroondara occupied under licence by the Sweeneys was basically an alluvial river flat with lagoons, some surviving trees and a stockyard. The alluvial flats with flood enriched soils were generally ideal areas for cultivation and grazing, with timber-getting being a reliable income as long as it lasted. The trees were initially felled by squatters for huts and fences, and wood was always needed for cooking and heating. Floods were a problem for anyone living close to the river and when they were severe, crops had to be replanted, huts repaired and fences rebuilt.
This modern map, to which Peter Cuffley has added words and boundaries, shows exactly how the Eastern Freeway has now cut through Thomas Sweeney's 146 acre Boroondara leasehold. Thomas was keen to buy it in the 1840s, but was not to know it would mostly become reserved land and later be affected by a freeway and the Burke Road on and off ramps.Jul 30, 2025
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1843 letter of Thomas Sweeney3 viewsAn important insight into the lives of Thomas and Margaret Sweeney prior to taking up their land in Nillumbik comes from a letter written by Thomas in Melbourne on January 27th 1843 to G.S. Airey Esq., Commissioner of Crown Lands. This letter is reproduced below.
Sir, this is to inform you that I am a Squatter on the South side of the Yarra distant about seven miles from Melbourne – That there is a Mr Bellfleur a Superintendent for Mr. Walker who is a Squatter upon the lands adjoining me – And he makes a continual practice of driving the Cattle under his Charge over my lands and with all I can do or say he still persists in doing so – That some part of my land being under crops it is of a most serious consequence – It grieves me much to have to make a complaint of this kind, but the Law of self protection induces me so to do. I trust therefore that you will take the matter into Consideration and aid in the procuring the wanted – restoration of my rights – Your kind interference in this behalf will Exceedingly oblige – Your very humble and obedient Servant. Thos Sweeney.’
This letter is reproduced courtesy of the Public Record Office Victoria "VPRS-96.P2, Unit 1".Jul 30, 2025
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1842 Campbell's Wharf Sydney by artist John Skinner Prout4 viewsHaving obtained a Ticket of Leave dated 29th of November 1831, Thomas Sweeney is increasingly reported in Sydney newspaper lists of coastal trading vessels between Wollongong and Sydney. This 1842 view of Campbell's Wharf in Sydney illustrates the Sydney docks as Thomas Sweeney would have known them.
Credit: National Library of Australia.Jul 30, 2025
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1924 - Frank Sweeney, Perth7 viewsFrank Sweeney, who was born 26 May 1882 and who died 18 August 1952, was a grandson of Thomas Sweeney. He relocated from Eltham to Perth somewhere around 1904. In the 1906 Electoral Roll, he is a driver living in Park St, Subiaco. He and his wife Ellen (Sullivan) had 7 children, born between 1912 and 1925.
Thanks to Frank Sweeney for this photo shows him at work in his carrier business. The tray is painted "CARRIER FRANK SWEENEY SUBIACO".Jun 09, 2025
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1843 - Michael Connors, Absolute Pardon, 1st of May 1843, 44-9, 36714 viewsThomas Sweeney and Michael Connors arrived in Port Jackson on the Convict Transport Isabella (3) in December 1823. Connors received a Ticket of Leave dated the 15th of December, 1832 which allows him to remain in the District of Bathurst. He was subsequently granted an Absolute Pardon dated May 1 1843. ‘Captain Rock’ had certainly come a long way since that historic night in 1823 at Cullahill, Parish of Bourney, Barony of Ikerrin, County Tipperary.Dec 11, 2024
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1820s Cork Harbour showing the prison hulk Surprise16 viewsOn the 14th of May 1823, Thomas Sweeney and Michael Connors left Clonmel Gaol and under armed escort were transferred to the Convict Depot at Cork. From there they were later taken by steam packet to the Cove of Cork (Cobh) and placed on the Prison Hulk Surprise. This former Royal Navy frigate, built in the shipyards in Milford, Wales in 1812, was modified as a hulk in 1822-23. This 1820s print shows the 'Surprise' in Cork Harbour.
Collection Peter CuffleyDec 11, 2024
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1922 Prayer Book Gift 111 viewsThe small prayer book 'The New Key Of Heaven' had been originally presented to Mrs Foley from her sincere friends the Bayswater Altar Society in October 1912. She gifted it to her little niece Betty Carrucan, Christmas 1922. At that time she was living in Western Australia. Her words to her niece: Pray for me sometimes dear Betty.
Mrs Foley was Annie Cecile Sweeney (1969-1947),the eldest child of John Francis Sweeney and Ellen Mary Kenney.
Erickson CollectionDec 11, 2024
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1820s Cove of Cork19 viewsThis Irish harbour was known as COVE until 1849 when it was changed to Queenstown after a visit from Queen Victoria.Dec 11, 2024
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1922 Prayer Book Gift 213 viewsThe small prayer book 'The New Key Of Heaven' had been originally presented to Mrs Foley from her sincere friends the Bayswater Altar Society in October 1912. She gifted it to her little niece Betty Carrucan, Christmas 1922. At that time she was living in Western Australia. Her words to her niece: Pray for me sometimes dear Betty.
Mrs Foley was Annie Cecile Sweeney (1969-1947),the eldest child of John Francis Sweeney and Ellen Mary Kenney.
Erickson CollectionDec 11, 2024
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Ireland Map showing Limerick Tipperary (inc Clonmel) and Cork Harbour12 viewsMichael Connors and Thomas Sweeney were charged under the Whiteboy Act for a felonious assault on the house of Patrick Guider, at Cullohill, south of Roscrea in Tipperary, and with having set said house on fire. Being found guilty in Clonmel, their death sentences were commuted to life transportation to New South Wales. On the 14th of May, 1823, Sweeney and Connors left Clonmel Gaol and under armed escort were transferred to the Convict Depot at Cork. From there they were later taken by steam packet to the Cove of Cork (Cobh) and placed on the Prison Hulk Surprise in Cork Harbour. Nov 27, 2024
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1907 circa - Thomas and Kathleen Sweeney, postcard to Mary and Fran in WA20 viewsThis is the back of the photo of Kathleen (Kas) and Thomas (Tom) Sweeney which was sent as a postcard to older siblings Tom and Mary in Western Australia. It says in part
"Tom Prior took it as we were returning from a ride. You will recognise the hill; our young stock.....Pigs send their love. Only another 3 weeks to live....Tell Frank to try and come home this year. Anxiously waiting for your next letter. Dad's neck is a bit troublesome now. He is making a new fowl house and it is nearly finished. Went for a ride on my own today."Nov 27, 2024
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Coastal Map of area from Sydney to Illawarra9 viewsAfter a number of years as an assigned convict within the confines of the NSW Colony, Thomas Sweeney became master of a succession of coastal traders transporting goods between Sydney and Wollongong. The first such reference is in the Sydney General Trade List of Thursday the 22nd of October, 1829.Nov 27, 2024
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1915 circa postcard J.H. Clark- Eltham from Bolton Street17 viewsThis photo postcard shows an early view of Eltham looking east from Bolton Street between Bridge Street and Brougham Street (Wellington). The fenced road reserve on the right is Brougham Street.
Originally dated as pre-1877 introduction of the Telegraph (the Telegraph was connected to the Post Office on Thursday, June 7, 1877) given the lack of poles and wires visible, a more recent higher resolution scan has revealed the presence of several Telegraph poles: one about half way between Brougham Street and Dalton Street, one opposite the Police Residence, another opposite W.B Andrew’s Corn Store (Zen Den site), one possibly near the Fountain/Evelyn Hotel. Also, given the photo was originally marked “J. H. Clark Photo” it is safer to assume the image is dated circa 1915.
Sourced from the Eltham District Historical Society.Nov 27, 2024
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1912 circa St Mary's Catholic Church cnr Main Road and Henry Street Eltham12 viewsSt Mary's Catholic Church, cnr Main Road and Henry Street, Eltham was opened/blessed October 13, 1912. The wooden church was built to replace an earlier brick church also known as St Mary's (1865-1912), which had been situated on the main road near present day Wingrove Park. The church and land cost £1,400 (Evelyn Observer). The wooden church was destroyed by fire in 1961.
Sourced from the Eltham District Historical Society.Nov 27, 2024
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1895 circa Eltham State School No. 209 Dalton Street Eltham19 viewsThe Eltham Elementary School in Dalton Street (School Number 209) had been started in the 1850s and all the Sweeney children attended. At its peak, 2 teachers had to teach up to 100 children ranging in age from 3 to 14 in the old sandstone schoolroom. The early schooling was general in nature and focused on rudimentary reading and writing and basic farming capabilities.
Sourced from the Eltham District Historical Society.Nov 27, 2024
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1841-1845 circa Catholic Chapel Melbourne by Henry Gilbert Jones, etcher c1804-1888, State Library of Victoria16 viewsThis engraving is in the collection of the State Library of Victoria. It is by Henry Gilbert Jones who in 1850 purchased Allotment 6 of Portion 5, Parish of Nillumbik and became Sweeney's next neighbour on the west. The picture is dated to c1841-c 1845 which encompasses the time the children of Thomas and Margaret were baptised at St Francis Church. It had not been built when Patrick was baptised in 1839. Jones employed John Sweeney in the 1880s and died in 1888.Nov 27, 2024
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1835 Illawarra Lake painting by Conrad Martens, Wollongong Art Gallery11 viewsThe 1835 painting 'Illawarra Lake' by Conrad Martens shows remnant forest including a Cabbage Tree Palm, along with a horse and figures and the lake beyond. Thomas Sweeney was one of those who transported the cut wood from the Illawarra to Sydney in his coastal cutter.Nov 27, 2024
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1909-06-16 Nellie Bourke postcard to Frank Ryan - Bridge St and Bourke Residence - Ryan Collection - writing on back13 views Tim Keary, brother of Eliza Bourke married Kate Sweeney. The Bourke residence was named "Woodville" after the town in Galway where the Keary family lived. Tim wrote letters home to the family in Galway from 'Little Eltham' and two of them are in the Sweeney Family book. Nellie has headed this postcard "Woodville" and written "Bourke's Road" at the bottom of the postcard. She writes about last going up to Culla Hill the day John Sweeney was buried in 1909. It is dated 16th of June 1909.Nov 23, 2024
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1909-06-16 Nellie Bourke postcard to Frank Ryan - Bridge St and Bourke Residence - Ryan Collection - writing on back14 views Tim Keary, brother of Eliza Bourke married Kate Sweeney. The Bourke residence was named "Woodville" after the town in Galway where the Keary family lived. Tim wrote letters home to the family in Galway from 'Little Eltham' and two of them are in the Sweeney Family book. Nellie has headed this postcard "Woodville" and written "Bourke's Road" at the bottom of the postcard. She writes about last going up to Culla Hill the day John Sweeney was buried in 1909. It is dated 16th of June 1909.Nov 23, 2024
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1907 circa - Thomas and Kathleen Sweeney, postcard to Mary and Frank in WA12 viewsThis photo of Kathleen (Kas) and Thomas (Tom) Sweeney was sent as a postcard to older siblings Mary and Frank in Western Australia. It says in part
"Tom Prior took it as we were returning from a ride. You will recognise the hill; our young stock.....Pigs send their love. Only another 3 weeks to live....Tell Frank to try and come home this year. Anxiously waiting for your next letter. Dad's neck is a bit troublesome now. He is making a new fowl house and it is nearly finished. Went for a ride on my own today."Nov 23, 2024
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1843-03-31 Culla Hill Land Purchase 110 acres No 17160 7817 viewsThe first land allocations in Eltham took place as part of a subdivided lot of 1040 acres advertised as Lot 69 in a Government Notice dated 4th of February 1841. The large portions of land found no buyers, so were cut into smaller allotments. It was one of these allotments that Thomas Sweeney bought in 1843. In relation to the Certificate of Title dated the 31st of March 1843, we read: ‘Port Philip. Land Purchase, A. Whereas in conformity with the Regulations made for the Sale of Crown Lands in that part of Our Territory of New South Wales, Known as the Southern or Port Phillip District Thomas Sweeny of the Yarra Yarra River near Melbourne has become the purchaser of Land hereinunder described, for the Sum of One Hundred and Ten Pounds Sterling. One Hundred and Ten Acres, be the same more or less, situated in the County of Bourke and Parish of Nillumbik. Allotment number Seven of Portion number Five.’ Nov 22, 2024
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1840s Sweeney leasehold Boroondara14 viewsThis hand drawn map, based on a drawing from around 1845, shows the Boroondara allotments which were then up for sale and on which Thomas Sweeney was one of the squatters. The Sweeney hut was marked. The huts of David Balfour and John Walker were also recorded. The land sale notices stated that huts and bush fences were still there.Nov 22, 2024
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1838 Marriage Thomas Sweeney Margaret Meehan12 viewsOn the 30th of January, 1838, Margaret Meehan lands in Sydney from the 476 ton barque ‘Strathfieldsaye’ as an assisted immigrant. She marries Thomas Sweeney on the 23rd of April, 1838 at St Mary’s Church, Sydney, and the witnesses are Daniel Meehan and Peter Bodecin. The priest is Father John McEncroe and given that Margaret cannot sign her name he witnesses the cross she makes.Nov 22, 2024
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1833 Darling Harbour Sydney National Library of Australia13 viewsHaving obtained a Ticket of Leave dated 29th of November 1831, Thomas Sweeney is increasingly reported in Sydney newspaper lists of coastal trading vessels between Wollongong and Sydney. To sail into Sydney was no mean feat as the captain had to negotiate ‘The Heads’, the entrance to Port Jackson, and then navigate a passage to a selected mooring such as in Cockle Bay (Darling Harbour).
Nov 22, 2024
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1831 Thomas Sweeny Ticket of Leave19 viewsAfter 8 years as an assigned convict in the colony of New South Wales, Thomas Sweeney's Ticket of Leave, dated the 29th of November 1831, allowed him to work for himself. There is a notation on his Ticket of Leave butt dated 21st of March, 1834 which reads: ‘The holder of this Ticket is permitted to voyage between Illawarra & Sydney for trading purposes.’ It is signed, Alexander McLeay, Colonial Secretary’s Office. The Ticket of Leave has a further notation in 1835: ‘Allowed by the Colonial Secretary’s letter No. 35/613 dated 9th November 1835, Trade between Manning River and Sydney but not allowed to cut cedar.’Nov 22, 2024
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1824-04-22 Sweeny in Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, Thursday, April 22, 1824, page 4 19 viewsIn the Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser of Thursday, April 22, 1824, there is an interesting advertisement: ‘TEN DOLLARS REWARD. – Whereas on Sunday the 11th inst. two Saving Bank Receipts of One Pound each, belonging to my Government assigned Servant, Thomas Sweeny, were stolen from the Men’s Hut on my Farm of Bexley, near Cook’s River; This is to give Notice, that I am willing to pay the above Reward, on discovery of the Individual who presented them for Payment, and endorsed the Name of the said Thomas Sweeny upon the back, as an Acknowledgement. JAMES CHANDLERNov 22, 2024
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1840s Robert Hoddle map of Parish of Nillumbik16 viewsThis Robert Hoddle map of the Parish of Nillumbik shows that a number of the subdivision sections have names allocated to them but not all. Thomas Sweeney has a 110 acre section adjoining the Yarra River. He subsequently leased section No. 6 of 810 acres, thus giving him a total of 920 acres to farm. An annotation on blocks 6 and 7 records "Stringy bark range thickly wooded".
As supplied by Peter Cuffley to Alan Marshall for his book Pioneers and Painters.Nov 11, 2024
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1926 - Family photo at Dalton St - Nana (Hooley), Betty and Mary Carrucan14 viewsOn the front porch at the Dalton St Eltham farmhouse circa 1926. Mary Carrucan (nee Sweeney) is back right and her daughter Betty is back left. Mary's sister Ellen (Nana) Sweeney is seated.Nov 07, 2024
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1924 - Frank Sweeney, Perth16 viewsFrank Sweeney, who was born 26 May 1882 and who died 18 August 1952, was a grandson of Thomas Sweeney. He relocated from Eltham to Perth somewhere around 1904. In the 1906 Electoral Roll, he is a driver living in Park St, Subiaco. He and his wife Ellen (Sullivan) had 7 children, born between 1912 and 1925.
This photo shows him at work in his carrier business. The photo is captioned "With Compliments, Autocars (1924) Ltd. The tray is painted "CARRIER FRANK SWEENEY SUBIACO".Nov 07, 2024
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1921 Eltham Elementary School grades 3 and 4 - Patrick and Jack Carrucan Nellie Sweeney Teacher19 viewsThe Eltham Elementary School in Dalton Street (School Number 209) had been started in the 1850s and was just a stone's throw from the Carrucan farms and not too far from Culla Hill. All the Carrucan and Sweeney children attended and this photo of the 1921 Grade 3 and 4 class shows 40 children ranging in ages from about 10 upwards. Nellie Sweeney is the teacher on the right. Patrick and Jack Carrucan are amongst the children. Nov 07, 2024
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1999 Cullahill Farmhouse, Parish of Bourney, Tipperary North - taken by Brian Cuffley14 viewsBrian Cuffley returned in 1999 and captured the Cullahill homestead in this photo. This is the same homestead that Thomas Sweeney tried to burn down. In those days, it would have had a thatched roof which would have easily caught fire.Nov 06, 2024
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1973 Cullahill Farm outbuildings, Parish of Bourney, Tipperary North - taken by Brian Cuffley16 viewsPhoto taken by Brian Cuffley in 1973, when the Guider family were still in residence. Photo shows the barn and outbuildings at Cullahill, Tipperary.Nov 06, 2024
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1930 circa at Culla Hill - Nellie Sweeney, Nellie Oliver, Nellie Murray and Nellie (Nana) Hooley nee Sweeney - Nana owned Culla Hill at this stage27 viewsA wonderful 1930 photo showing 4 Nellies on the front verandah of the Culla Hill homestead.
Ellen Mary (Nessie) Sweeney (1869-1955) - daughter of Patrick Carrucan and Mary Fitzsimons
Ellen (Nellie) Oliver nee Smith (1885-1956) - daughter of Jack Smith and Annie Sweeney
Ellen Mary (Nellie) Murray (1907-1938) - daughter of James Murray and Julia Brennan
Ellen Irene (Nelly) Hooley nee Sweeney (1874-1940) - daughter of John Sweeney and Ellen Kenney
A note on Ellen Mary (Nessie) Sweeney. She never married and worked at the Foy & Gibson factory in Collingwood. In later life, she lived with her niece Nelly Oliver so to save confusion people called her 'Nessie'.
I notice in lots of old references that people used both spellings, Nellie and Nelly. Patrick 1838-1919 calls his sister Ellen 'Ellie'. so that's another variation!Nov 06, 2024
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1927 Christmas Card - Mary Ellen (Nellie) Murray12 viewsCard signed "Sincerely Yours,Nellie, Xmas 1927
Nellie Murray, Diamond Creek, Victoria, Australia"
The AGE of Wednesday 3rd August 1938, p14, reported
DEATHS: On August 2, at a private hospital, Albert Park, Mary Ellen, beloved and only daughter of James and the late Julia Murray of Eltham, and beloved sister of James, aged 30 years, RIPNov 06, 2024
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1923 Frank and May Ryan with Sheila Kitty and Ellie on their way to Eltham on motorbike and sidecar for Ellen Sweeney's wedding41 viewsFrancis Michael "Frank" Ryan (1887-1965) was one of the children of John Francis Ryan (1855-1921) and Ellen Sweeney (1845-1932).
He married Mary Ann "May" Smale in January 1916.
Frank and May are shown on their motorbike with children Cecelia Mary "Sheila" (born 1916), Catherine Ellen "Kitty" (born 1917) and Eileen Margaret "Ellie" (born 1919). They had one further child, John Francis "Jack" who was born in 1924. At the time of this photo, there were only the 3 older daughters.Nov 06, 2024
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1902 - John Francis Ryan and Ellen Elizabeth Sweeney with children Thomas John Margaret and Francis (Frank)17 viewsEllen Elizabeth Sweeney (1845-1932), one of the daughters of Thomas Sweeney, married John Francis Ryan in 1880 in Cormandel, NZ. They are shown here with their 4 children Thomas Joseph "Tom" (born 1882), Margaret Katherine "Tissa" (born 1883), John Desmond "Des" (born 1885) and Francis Michael "Frank" born 1887. They were living in Waihu, NZ, at the time.Nov 06, 2024
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1902 John Francis Ryan and Ellen Elizabeth Sweeney with children Thomas John Margaret and Francis (Frank)20 viewsEllen Elizabeth Sweeney (1845-1932), one of the daughters of Thomas Sweeney, married John Francis Ryan in 1880 in Cormandel, NZ. They are shown here with their 4 children Thomas Joseph "Tom" (born 1882), Margaret Katherine "Tissa" (born 1883), John Desmond "Des" (born 1885) and Francis Michael "Frank" born 1887. They were living in Waihu, NZ, at the time.Nov 06, 2024
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1830s Coastal Cutter - Peter Cuffley20 viewsUpon obtaining his Ticket of Leave in 1831, Thomas Sweeney set about becoming a coastal trader between Wollongong and Syddey. By 1833, he owned a half share in a small vessel called Sarah and was building a craft of some 40 tons. This old engraving, provided by Peter Cuffley, is typical of the sort of boat that Sweeney would have sailed. Nov 06, 2024
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1834 - 1867 Thomas Sweeney Signatures11 viewsThomas Sweeney could sign his name and could probably read well enough to survive in business, but he always had a friend or professional scribe write the letters he sent to government departments.
Peter Cuffley has collected a number of signatures from Thomas Sweeney, ranging from 1834 to 1867.Nov 06, 2024
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1868-11-10 John Francis Sweeney and Ellen Mary Kenney marriage at St John's Church in Heidelberg33 viewsThis historic photo captures the wedding of John Francis Sweeney and Ellen Mary Kenney on the 10th of November 1868 at St John’s Church in Heidelberg. Investigation of the original photo showed writing under a glued over backing sheet. Some of the text is indecipherable but it does include ‘To Dear Nellie with fondest love from E..DE..NE Culla Hill Eltham Victoria.’
The original is in the collection of the Eltham Historical Society and a copy has been purchased for our Sweeney archive.Feb 19, 2024
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1922-04-16 Ellen Sweeney in Mrs Cox's garden Eltham Easter Sunday 192214 viewsThis photo shows Ellen Sweeney in Mrs Cox's garden in Eltham on Easter Sunday 1922. The writing on the back is as follows
Jackson St Casterton Aug 18. 23
Dear Girls, I was very pleased to receive your nice letters with news of your doings in Eltham. You put Casterton S.A., so your letters were a long time reaching me. As I hope to see you all very soon I shall just send a p.c. of me taken in Mrs Cox’s garden Easter Sunday 12 months ago. The river here has been in flood twice and people who lived along its banks had to move. I believe the Eltham PS is greatly improved. Betty says I shall get lost there now. Casterton is on the Glenelg R. in Vic so you will remember that next time. Best wishes to you all.
From E. Hooley
Ellen Sweeney was a former student of Eltham State School in the 1880s, She became a teacher at the school from 1891-1898. She returned in 1915 until her marriage to William Hooley of Casterton at St Marys, Eltham, Tuesday, April 24, 1923. see the following 2 articles, recording her wedding (http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article56655781) and her death (http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article57491650).Feb 19, 2024
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