Thomas Sweeney was born in Tipperary, Ireland, in 1803, the son of an Irish farming family. As a young man, he became embroiled in the continuing struggle against colonial domination and the injustices of the land tenure system and was captured when trying to burn down the farm house of Patrick Guyder at Cullahill in 1823. His sentence to be hanged was commuted to Life Transportation to New South Wales. After 8 years as an assigned convict within the confines of the NSW Colony, Thomas's 1831 Ticket of Leave allowed him to work for himself. His 1838 Conditional Pardon allowed him to finally break free of that colony and move to the Port Phillip District to start a new life as a free man.In June 1842, while living on the Yarra in Boroondara, Thomas applied to purchase 110 acres in the Parish of Nillumbik. He called his farm 'Culla Hill' after the place in Tipperary where he had been captured in 1823. With hard work and good fortune, the Sweeney family made their mark in the area which came to be called Eltham.The story of Thomas Sweeney, one of the earliest European settlers, told in this comprehensive book, is significant in telling the early history of Eltham.sweeney family, thomas sweeney, eltham, culla hill, port phillip district

The grave of Thomas Sweeney, former convict turned respectable citizen. The Murray and Sweeney families were both early settlers of the Eltham district and connected by marriage. Their family plots are located side by side in the Catholic section of the Eltham Cemetery. Irish-born Thomas Sweeney is regarded as the first settler in Eltham. He was transported to Sydney in 1823 after being convicted of arson. He was granted his freedom in 1838 and married Margaret Meehan in the same year. They moved to Melbourne and in 1842 Thomas purchased 110 acres beside the Yarra River in the vicinity of present-day Sweeneys Lane. He called the property ‘Culla Hill’ and built a small slab hut (reputedly with Wurundjeri help; Margaret is said to have run an informal hospital for them in return). This was followed in 1846 by more substantial buildings consisting of a three-roomed Irish-style ‘longhouse’ and a barn made of stone and handmade bricks, with doors large enough to accommodate a fully loaded wagon. When the gold rush came, Thomas prospered by selling meat and potatoes to the prospectors, enabling him to purchase a further 308 acres in 1856. He promoted the construction of a bridge over the Plenty River and the establishment of a school at Eltham. Roman Catholic Church services were held at Culla Hill in the early years. When he died in 1867, he was regarded as a respected member of the community. Thomas and Margaret are buried in Eltham Cemetery with many of their descendants. Their first son John continued to farm Culla Hill until his death in 1909. Culla Hill passed out of the Sweeneys' possession in 1939. The house and barn remain today, though lesser outbuildings have gone. The facade of the house is much the same as it was in the 1840s. Sacred To the memory of Thomas Sweeney Who died Sep 6th 1867 Aged 65 years May his soul res in peace Also his wife Margaret Died Oct 3rd 1884 aged 73 years And their daughters Annie Died Aug 22nd 1860 aged 21 years Johanna Died Aug 19th 1872 aged 22 years Margaret Died 7th Sep 1913 aged 72 years R.I.P. Also In Memory Of John Sweeney Died 24th May 1909 Aged 65 years Also of his wife Ellen Died 8th March 1910 Aged 64 years R.I.P Also In Memory Of Caroline Infant daughter of John & Ellen Sweeney Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p55 From the piety and poverty of 19th century Eltham, 20th century artists and environmentalists, to today’s comfortable middle class, Eltham Cemetery records it all — and more. A visit to Eltham Cemetery reveals an important social record since its beginnings in 1858. The cemetery was situated on about six acres (2.4ha) (now around 4.8ha) at the corner of Mount Pleasant and Metery Roads.1* It is thought that Metery Road was originally called Cemetery Road, but in the early 1940s, a resident, possibly a councillor, objected to the name resulting in the change.2 Much can be gleaned about the developing Eltham community from burial styles and the names of former local residents. Originally the cemetery was divided into Christian denominations, like others of that time, following the United Kingdom burial system. In 1861 the cemetery included Church of England, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic and Wesleyans (later Methodist) sites. Graves also indicated social class. Some had grand tombstones, perhaps fenced with ornamental cast iron railing, but most in the 1860s and 1870s were constructed of modest stone slabs.3 This indicated the poverty of the district, which was largely inhabited by farmers on small landholdings. A poignant reminder of the high rates of infant mortality of those times, are the many infants and young children recorded on the headstones. Major changes occurred in the cemetery in the late 20th century as Christian adherence weakened and society became more egalitarian and informal. In the early 1970s a non-denominational lawn section for burials was established. Since then all new areas have been non-denominational to accommodate the more diverse local community. Now, instead of large ornamental headstones, some mourners have chosen boulders, reflecting the natural Eltham style, while others choose graves in the lawn areas or niches in walls. In the late 1970s, the University Donor Section was established north-west of Candlebark Lawn for those who donated their bodies for The University of Melbourne medical research. In the early 1980s the natural Australian garden style, popular in Eltham, was mirrored in a new section called Ashes Walk. Local landscape architect Gordon Ford, who had popularised this style, designed the Walk using boulders shaded by native plants beside curved pathways. Landscape architect Robert Boyle later redesigned Ashes Walk and developed other parts of the cemetery in keeping with this style.4 Appropriately Ford, who died in 1999, was interred in the Native Garden Section in a cluster of sites shaded by a large eucalyptus tree.5 By 2007, about 6400 interments were recorded in the Eltham Cemetery. Close inspection reveals notable names in the district’s history. The grave of Thomas Sweeney, a former convict who became a respected citizen, can be found in the Roman Catholic section near the path. Eltham Primary School’s first headmaster, David Clark, is buried in a modest grave in the Church of England section to the east of the path from the main entrance. Sir William Irvine, Victorian Premier from 1900 to 1902, whose grave is in the north-east Presbyterian section was at various times Victoria’s Chief Justice, Deputy Governor and Treasurer.6 Further south is the grave of social reformer Bertram Wainer, born in Scotland in 1928 and died in 1987. He campaigned to legalise abortion and exposed police corruption in allowing illegal ‘backyard’ abortions. Other prominent local residents interred in the cemetery include: Justus Jörgensen, who founded Montsalvat; Alistair Knox, the mud-brick housing pioneer and Eltham Shire Councillor from 1971 to 1975 and President in 1975; Clem and Nina Christensen, who had a major influence on the literary development of post World War Two Australia. Others were: composer Dorian Le Gallienne; artist Peter Glass; Stephen Dattner, a prominent Melbourne furrier; ALP parliamentarian for Greensborough, Pauline Toner and political scientist and commentator, Professor William Macmahon Ball.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, annie sweeney, caroline sweeney, ellen sweeney, eltham cemetery, graves, gravestones, johanna sweeney, john murray, john sweeney, margaret sweeney, mary ellen drain, mary murray, thomas murray, thomas sweeney

Irish-born Thomas Sweeney is regarded as the first settler in Eltham. He was transported to Sydney in 1823 after being convicted of arson. He was granted his freedom in 1838 and married Margaret Meehan in the same year. They moved to Melbourne and in 1842 Thomas purchased 110 acres beside the Yarra River in the vicinity of present-day Sweeneys Lane. He called the property ‘Culla Hill’ and built a small slab hut (reputedly with Wurundjeri help; Margaret is said to have run an informal hospital for them in return). This was followed in 1846 by more substantial buildings consisting of a three-roomed Irish-style ‘longhouse’ and a barn made of stone and handmade bricks, with doors large enough to accommodate a fully loaded wagon. When the gold rush came, Thomas prospered by selling meat and potatoes to the prospectors, enabling him to purchase a further 308 acres in 1856. He promoted the construction of a bridge over the Plenty River and the establishment of a school at Eltham. Roman Catholic Church services were held at Culla Hill in the early years. When he died in 1867, he was regarded as a respected member of the community. Thomas and Margaret are buried in Eltham Cemetery with many of their descendants. Their first son John continued to farm Culla Hill until his death in 1909. Culla Hill passed out of the Sweeneys' possession in 1939. The house and barn remain today, though lesser outbuildings have gone. The facade of the house is much the same as it was in the 1840s. Sacred To the memory of Thomas Sweeney Who died Sep 6th 1867 Aged 65 years May his soul res in peace Also his wife Margaret Died Oct 3rd 1884 aged 73 years And their daughters Annie Died Aug 22nd 1860 aged 21 years Johanna Died Aug 19th 1872 aged 22 years Margaret Died 7th Sep 1913 aged 72 years R.I.P. Also In Memory Of John Sweeney Died 24th May 1909 Aged 65 years Also of his wife Ellen Died 8th March 1910 Aged 64 years R.I.P Also In Memory Of Caroline Infant daughter of John & Ellen SweeneyBorn Digitalannie sweeney, eltham cemetery, gravestones, johanna sweeney, john murray, margaret sweeney, mary ellen drain, mary murray, thomas drain, thomas sweeney

The Murray and Sweeney families were both early settlers of the Eltham district and connected by marriage. Their family plots are located side by side in the Catholic section of the Eltham CemeteryBorn Digitalannie sweeney, eltham cemetery, gravestones, johanna sweeney, john murray, margaret sweeney, mary ellen drain, mary murray, thomas drain, thomas sweeney

Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 2 stripsKodak CP 100 5094eltham cemetery, thomas sweeney

Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 2 stripsKodak CP 100 5094eltham cemetery, thomas sweeney

Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 2 stripsKodak CP 100 5094eltham cemetery, thomas sweeney

Methods of researching family history. Case studies of Eltham families.x, 197 p., [16] p. of plates : ill. (some col.), ports. ; 28 cm. Includes index. Bibliography p.182-185.ISBN 073445634 Eltham District Historical Society from Peter + Diana Basset-Smith 1/4/07family history research, sweeney family eltham, smale family, cuffley family eltham, eltham families

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. Wedding at Eltham. (1923, April 27). Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. : 1922 - 1939), p. 2 (AFTERNOON). Retrieved February 14, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article56655781 Wedding at Eltham PRESENTATIONS TO MISS SWEENEY. On Tuesday last. Miss Sweeney (a member of an old and respected Eltham family), who recently resigned her position as assistant teacher at the Eltham State School to marry Mr. W. Hooley, of Casterton, was presented with a handsome gold wristlet watch. The headmaster, Mr. Dudtield, in making the presentation on behalf of the school committee, parents, and children paid a high tribute to the excellent work done by Miss Sweeney during her connection with the school, and in asking her acceptance of the present, expressed on behalf of all the fullest measure of happiness to Miss Sweeney in her married life. On Thursday evening, a social evening was tendered to Miss Sweeney, at Mrs. T. Jewell's residence Main street, by the choir and parishioners of St. Mary's Church, Eltham, where Miss Sweeney has for some years acted as choir mistress. Mr. Harold Cox, in handing her a handsome gold and oak silver salad bowl and service, expressed the heartiest good wishes to one who had not only labored so strenuously in organising the choir, but had been always foremost in promoting church and public movements in the community. Congratulatory addresses were also contributed by the Rev. F. Norris and Mr. W. P. McMahon. Miss Sweeney sincerely thanked the donors for their beautiful present, and the speakers for the many kind things said in her regard. She felt very much severing her connection with Eltham. She would carry away many happy-. recollections of her old home, and the kindly people of the town. She hoped after some years to return to Eltham. permanently. (Applause.) On Saturday morning. the marriage ceremony was performed at St. Mary's in the presence of a large number of friends. During the nuptial Mass, celebrated by the Rev. F. Parker. (North Fitzroy), assisted-by the Rev. F. Morris .(Eltham). The choral part of the service including the Wedding March, was very efficiently rendered by the choir. MRS HOOLEY (1940, May 10).Eltham and Whittlesea Shires Advertiser (Vic. : 1940 - 1942), p. 4. Retrieved February 14, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article57491650 MRS HOOLEY Sincere regret was felt, in Eltham and district at the death of Mrs. W. Hooley (nee Miss Ellen Sweeney) a very dear and capable teacher at State Schools in Eltham and other districts, including the Western District. The deceased was one of Nature's ladies, and was a native of Eltham having been born in the historic home, Culla Hill, one of the first settlements on the Yarra. She passed peacefully away on Anzac Day, April 26. The. funeral was the largest and most impressive ever seen in Eltham, and left St. Mary's Church after a requiem mass conducted by Rev. Father Morrison and Father Hollis. The pall bearers were mostly girlhood friends. Deceased leaves a husband, two brothers, Mr. Tom Sweeney of Kew, and Mr. Frank Sweeney of Western Australia and sisters (Mrs. Lane, of W.A., and Mrs. M. Carringham, of Dalton St, Eltham.) POSTCARD 1905-1940s Like the carte-de-visite, postcards enjoyed a collecting craze by large numbers of people, and were often kept in albums through which the interested visitor could browse. Postcards were posted or exchanged in huge numbers. Postal authorities in Australia only allowed the private printing of postcards from 1898. At this time the back of the card was reserved for the address and postage stamp, and the front was used for the message and a picture. In 1902 British authorities allowed a "divided back", so that the left side could be used for the message, the right side for the address and stamp, and the whole of the front was devoted to the picture. France followed suit in 1904, Germany and Australia in 1905, and the United States in 1907. - Frost, Lenore; Dating Family Photos 1850-1920; Valiant Press Pty. Ltd., Berwick, Victoria 1991marg ball collection, postcard, 1922, 1923, ellen hooley (nee sweeney), ellen sweeney, eltham, mrs cox

Poduced as a supplement to the Diamond Valley News in celebration of the centenary of the Shire of Eltham in 1971. Contains stories of historical note about people and places of the shire as well as numerous advertisng by local businsesses. Also on page 1 lists the program of events commencing Friday, April 2 commencing with a dinner and previewing of paintings by Justus Jorgensen at Montsalvat attended by the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. W. H. McMahon running through to the publication of Pioneers & Painters edited by Alan Marshall. Contents: Page 1 Program of Events Page 2 Wingrove . . man of Eltham Page 3 Council people of 100 years Page 5 Capt. Sweeney, Eltham’s first Irish settler Page 6 Station a tribute to ex-concillor Page 7 Eltham 25 Years Ago just a street Page 9 Kangaroo Ground – once the hub of the shire Page 10 Festival of Arts and Crafts at Montsalvat Page 11 Obelisk honours their memory Page 11 Henry Dendy – an Eltham venture Page 12 Free by rail – if they worked Page 12 The long shadow of Ween Cameron Page 13 McMahon’s – a momentous era Page 14 50 Years Ago . . . Lyon Bros Ford Page 15 Beer at 3d. a pint Page 17 Oldest Home Built in 1850 Page 19 History in black and white . . . . Page 20 Historical Pigeon Bank Page 22 Bridge over log crossing Page 22 Pioneer shot by outlaw Page 23 Milestone for Smith Family Page 24 The Eltham Chamber of Commerce Mardi Gras Advertisers: F.J. & R. Favier (Butcher & Delicatessen Lower Plenty) Eltham Hotel Country Art Store (Eltham) A.R. Warren (Eltham) Heidelberg Travel Service Williams Butcher (Lower Plenty) Greensborough Bulk Store Mac’s Meats (Eltham) Buxton Garden Ornaments (Eltham) Hugh Fisher Photographer (Eltham) Para (Mach. Trading Co. (Greensborough) Westfield Shoppingtown (Doncaster) Clinton’s (Eltham) Gillespie & Lewis P/L (Soft Furnishings Greensborough) T. Hutchinson’s Engineers (Greensborough) Knox & Hellemons Pty Ltd (Builders) Angliss Butchers (Eltham) Rainbow Real Estate (Research) Research Licensed Supermarket Gibsons Research Meat Supply Owen Holmes Motors (Greensborough) Research Pharmacy R. & P. Humphries Delicatessen (Eltham) Montsalvat Eltham Apex Mowerama (Eltham) R.H. Dean & Son Real Estate (Greensborough) L.J. & J.D. Avery Butchers (Eltham) Deylen & Torikov (Motor Engineers Eltham) George Lovitt & Co. Pty Ltd Precision Engineers and Toolmakers Montmorency) Fred’s Mower Repairs (Lower Plenty) Gray’s Milk Bar (Montmorency) Maranne Beauty Salon (Montmorency) Evans Bros. & Newell Pty Ltd (Printing Greensborough) La Ronde Restaurant (Eltham) Terry & Margaret’s Garage (Caltex Lower Plenty) Kevin Dawson Building & Joinery Contractors (Eltham) Montmorency Authorised Newsagency Eltham Produce Store (W.J. Cameron) Consolidated Aluminium (Aust.) Pty Ltd (Eltham) Briar Hill Timber & Trading Co. Pty Ltd Diamond Valley Coaches (Eltham) Lyon Bros Ford (Eltham) The Natural Development Association (Eltham Shire) Alan Whitmore R.E.S.I. (Eltham) Keith Wilkie’s Mensland (Montmorency) Eltham Home Supplies (Eltham) Safeway (Greensborough) Lower Plenty Fish Supply Blue Gum Milk Bar (Eltham) W. Hutchinson Sand Soil & Gravel Suppliers (Greensborough) Keyzers Milk Bar (Greensborough) P.J. Timber & Trading Pty Ltd (Eltham) Diamond Valley Motocycles (Honda Macleod) Neville F. Emerson Real Estate (Lower Plenty) Edon Engineering (Eltham) Mobil Service Centre (Eltham) C.A. & J.M. Kohlman (Panton Hill General Store) C.A. & J.M. Kohlman (Smiths Gully General Store) ANZ (Eltham) Diamond Valley Demolition (Eltham) Volkswagen Specialists (D. Young Greensborough) N.F. Thorpe Pty Ltd Precision Engineers (Briar Hill) Ashley’s Milk Bar (Montmorency) J. Turnbull (General Blacksmith Greensborough) Airlook Service Station (Montmorency) A. & L. Mallios (Grocer Hurstbridge) United Refrigeration Pty Ltd (Greensborough) Peter McDougall & Associates Real Estate (Eltham) Hurstbridge Bus & Taxi Service Pty Ltd Browne Bros. Safeway (Eltham) St Andrews Hotel Eltham Real Estate Pty Ltd Eltham Chamber of Commerce B.P. Evergreen Service Station (Eltham) A.R. Warren Fuel Merchant (Eltham) W. Penna Chemist (Eltham) PPH Produce Paint Hardware (Eltham) Eltham Cake Kitchen (Eltham) Fred Ramak Continental Hairdresser (Eltham) Clinton’s (Eltham) Thompson’s Pharmacy (Eltham) Tillings Timber Supermarket (Eltham) Lyon Bros Ford (Eltham) Bob Clarke’s Men’s Wear (Eltham) Eltham Glen Service Station (Eltham) Miss V. Rampton Naturopath (Eltham) Eltham South Milk Bar (Eltham) Eltham Jewellers (Eltham) Baines Supa-Valu Supermarket (Eltham) Sibbel Builders P/L (Eltham) G. & E. Reivers Fly and Shower Screens (Eltham) Kenton Shoeland (Eltham) Eltham Newsagency (Eltham)One copy marked '1971' on fronta. & l. mallios (grocer hurstbridge), a.r. warren (eltham), a.r. warren fuel merchant (eltham), airlook service station (montmorency), alan whitmore r.e.s.i. (eltham), angliss butchers (eltham), anz (eltham), ashley’s milk bar (montmorency), b.p. evergreen service station (eltham), baines supa-valu supermarket (eltham), blue gum milk bar (eltham), bob clarke’s men’s wear (eltham), briar hill timber & trading co. pty ltd, browne bros. safeway (eltham), buxton garden ornaments (eltham), c.a. & j.m. kohlman (panton hill general store), c.a. & j.m. kohlman (smiths gully general store), clinton’s (eltham), consolidated aluminium (aust.) pty ltd (eltham), country art store (eltham), deylen & torikov (motor engineers eltham), diamond valley coaches (eltham), diamond valley demolition (eltham), diamond valley motocycles (honda macleod), edon engineering (eltham), eltham apex, eltham cake kitchen (eltham), eltham chamber of commerce, eltham glen service station (eltham), eltham home supplies (eltham), eltham hotel, eltham jewellers (eltham), eltham newsagency (eltham), eltham produce store (w.j. cameron), eltham real estate pty ltd, eltham south milk bar (eltham), evans bros. & newell pty ltd (printing greensborough), f.j. & r. favier (butcher & delicatessen lower plenty), fred ramak continental hairdresser (eltham), fred’s mower repairs (lower plenty), g. & e. reivers fly and shower screens (eltham), george lovitt & co. pty ltd precision engineers and toolmakers montmorency), gibsons research meat supply, gillespie & lewis p/l (soft furnishings greensborough), gray’s milk bar (montmorency), greensborough bulk store, heidelberg travel service, hugh fisher photographer (eltham), hurstbridge bus & taxi service pty ltd, j. turnbull (general blacksmith greensborough), keith wilkie’s mensland (montmorency), kenton shoeland (eltham), kevin dawson building & joinery contractors (eltham), keyzers milk bar (greensborough), knox & hellemons pty ltd (builders), l.j. & j.d. avery butchers (eltham), la ronde restaurant (eltham), lower plenty fish supply, lyon bros ford (eltham), mac’s meats (eltham), maranne beauty salon (montmorency), miss v. rampton naturopath (eltham), mobil service centre (eltham), montmorency authorised newsagency, montsalvat, mowerama (eltham), n.f. thorpe pty ltd precision engineers (briar hill), neville f. emerson real estate (lower plenty), owen holmes motors (greensborough), p.j. timber & trading pty ltd (eltham), para (mach. trading co. (greensborough), peter mcdougall & associates real estate (eltham), pph produce paint hardware (eltham), r. & p. humphries delicatessen (eltham), r.h. dean & son real estate (greensborough), rainbow real estate (research), research licensed supermarket, research pharmacy, safeway (greensborough), shire of eltham centenary, sibbel builders p/l (eltham), st andrews hotel, t. hutchinson’s engineers (greensborough), terry & margaret’s garage (caltex lower plenty), the natural development association (eltham shire), thompson’s pharmacy (eltham), tillings timber supermarket (eltham), united refrigeration pty ltd (greensborough), volkswagen specialists (d. young greensborough), w. hutchinson sand soil & gravel suppliers (greensborough), w. penna chemist (eltham), westfield shoppingtown (doncaster), williams butcher (lower plenty), a. roy ford, a.g. thomas, agnes bell, albert h. price, andrew ross, anton w. brinkkotter, arthur brindley, b. bessant, b.w. plant, bell family, charles wingrove, culla hill, dave lyon, david w. bell, e.j. andrew, edwin smith, eltham court house, eltham obelisk, ewen hugh cameron, f.e. griffith, f.v. squire, frank mcmahon, george green, george stebbing, h. eric rundle, harold e. bartlett, henry dendy, henry hurst, henry stooke, herbert a. davies, herbert hewitt, i.g. smedley, j.a. mcdonald, jack baker, jack williams, james k. brice, james rossiter, john lyon, john s. smedley, justus jorgensen, kangaroo ground, larry burke, martin mcmahon, menzies jackson, mott family, mrs andrew, mrs harper, p. harmer, p.j. lester, patrick joseph mcmahon, r.j. galbraith, robert burke, robert charles harris, rosehill, s. willey, shillinglaw cottage, shire of eltham war memorial tower, thomas sweeney, tiny carroll, tom orford, w.b. thomas, william morris

1. Certificate of Title of Lot 22 on Plan of Subdivision No. 7894 and other material pertaining to Mary Frances Carrucan (nee Sweeney) and family connections (Digital file only)eltham, 60 kent hughes road, certificate of title, mary frances carrucan (nee sweeney)

John Brown (Head Teacher 1889-1906), assistant Ellen Sweeney and 53 schoolgirls, Eltham State School No. 209, 1905 Ina Falkiner is top row 4th from left Gertrude Falkiner is bottom row seated 4th from left. John Brown died 23 Sept 1906 after a short severe illness at age 55 and is buried in Box Hill Cemetery (Evelyn Observer 28 Sep 1906 p2). The book "We did open a school in Little Eltham" incorrectly states his date of death as 16/12/1906. Title The Evelyn Observer. (1906, September 28). Evelyn Observer and Bourke East Record (Vic. : 1902 - 1917), p. 2 (MORNING.) Url http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article61129880 Description It is with sincere regret we record the death of Mr. John Brown, State school teacher, Eltham, which sad event took place at his residence, "Pine Brae," on Sunday night last, 23rd inst. after a severe illness of some few weeks' duration. The deceased gentleman was highly respected, and always took a lively and active interest in promoting the progress and prosperity of the district, and his loss will be much felt, He was only 55 years of age, and leaves a wife and large family to mourn their loss, and much sympathy is felt for them. The remains of the deceased were interred in the Box Hill cemetery on Wednesday afternoon last.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 3 strips Associated print from negative (Copy of original print)Fuji 100eltham primary school, state school no. 209, eltham state school, eltham state school no. 209, ellen sweeney, gretrude falkiner, ina falkiner, john brown

Teacher Ellen Sweeney at rear. A former student of the school from 1879 (age 4) to 1889, Ellen was a teacher at Eltham State School from 1891-1898. She returned in 1915 until her marriage to William Hooley of Casterton at St Marys, Eltham, Tuesday, April 24, 1923. Based on Ellen Sweeney's hairstyle, the date is more likely to be in the earlier 1890s Thomas Tennant, photgrapher operated from 116 Johnston Street, Collingwood from c.1891 through to 1900. PANEL 1875-1920 Panels began to be produced around 1875, and were particularly suited, because of their larger size, for capturing family, or even larger, groups. They measured 8.5 by 6.5 inches (22 cm x 16.5 cm). - Frost, Lenore; Dating Family Photos 1850-1920; Valiant Press Pty. Ltd., Berwick, Victoria 1991marg ball collection, shillinglaw family photo album 3, 1891-1898, 1894, class photo, ellen hooley (nee sweeney), ellen sweeney, eltham primary school, eltham state school no. 209, thomas tennent photographer 116 johnston st collingwood

Contents: • Why a table? by Jim Connor • Next meeting – 2:00pm Saturday 14th June 2025 • Excursion – Saturday 5th July – Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park • Vale – Diana Bassett-Smith by Liz Pidgeon • Sweeney Family History by Liz Pidgeon • Lost Then Found by Liz Pidgeon (drawing of "Culla Hill" house) • Honorary Life Memberships – Peter and Liz Pidgeon • Recollections Of A Young Journalist by Ash Long • Annual General Meeting – Saturday 12th April 2025 • Greg Burgess, Guest Speaker – Annual General Meeting – 2025The Shire of Eltham Historical Society was formed in October 1967. The first newsletter of the Society was issued May 1978 and has been published continuously ever since on a bi-monthly basis. With the cessation of the Shire of Eltham in late 1994, the Society's name was revised to Eltham District Historical Society and this name first appeared with issue No. 103, July 1995. The collection of the Society's newsletters provides a valuable resource on the history of the Society's activities, office bearers and committee members, guest speakers and subjects of historical interest pertinent to the former Shire of Eltham and the Eltham District.A4 newsletter distributed to members (Digital and A4 photocopy)newsletter, eltham district historical society

Part of the original cottage named Culla Hill built by Thomas Sweeney (a former convict) remains as a small section of today’s house. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme National Estate National Trust of Australia (Victoria) Local Sifgnificance Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p19 Thomas Sweeney, a former convict who became a respected citizen, once lived on a property at what is now the corner of Sweeneys Lane and Culla Hill, Eltham. As Sweeney was one of the district’s first settlers, the property is registered by the National Trust. Thomas Sweeney was born in 1802, son of impoverished tenant farmers in Tipperary County, Ireland. He became a ploughman, then at 21 he was sentenced to hang for setting on fire the house of Patrick Guyder at Gullshill. It is said the arson was due to a dispute over undelivered guns to a social justice guerilla group, the White Boys, of which Sweeney was a member. But the sentence was commuted to life transportation to Australia in 1823.1 Apparently in Sydney he became a servant to James Chandler at Botany. Soon James Chandler leased his farm and became a catechist on the Hawkesbury River, so Sweeney was reassigned to a former convict, John Brown, at Liverpool. Later Sweeney was assigned to George Brown of Lake Illawarra. In 1831, Sweeney was granted a ticket-of-leave and bought a boat to carry goods between Illawarra district and Sydney Town. He married his first wife who had come to Australia as a free woman. However she drowned after bearing him a daughter. In 1838, one month after he had received a conditional pardon, Sweeney married a blacksmith’s daughter, Margaret Meehan, newly arrived from Ireland. They then moved to Port Phillip and squatted on the south side of the Yarra River, about seven miles (11km) from Melbourne. Around 1842, Sweeney bought 110 acres (44.5ha) in the parish of Nillumbik for £110. He built a slab hut 12 x 10 feet (3.6m x 3m) and then his homestead, Culla Hill, a typical Tipperary style cottage, now known as Sweeney’s Cottage. It was here that many generations of Sweeneys lived for almost 100 years. Culla Hill became a social centre for the district and the Catholic community used it as a church. Sweeney was apparently on good terms with a tribe of Aborigines living on the river nearby, who helped him build his house.2 Sweeney proved himself a civic-minded leader. In 1844, he led a call for a bridge over the Plenty River. He was on the first school board and supplied the first grain for Eltham’s mill. Sweeney profited during the gold rush, not by gold digging, but by providing supplies for nearby fields and others as far away as Beechworth.3 Thomas Sweeney died in 1867 and was buried at the Eltham Cemetery, leaving two sons, five daughters, and 300 acres (121.4ha), as well as Culla Hill. Culla Hill – by then reduced to 75 acres (30ha) – was sold out of the family in 1939, then renamed Sweeneys. The present Sweeneys Lane, running diagonally through the original holding, was the track to the house. Part of the original cottage remains as a small section of today’s house. The dining-family room fronted by a veranda is original, and although there have been some changes, the cedar door and most of the small 12-paned wooden-framed windows are original. The walls are made of the original hand-made brick. After buying the property in 1952 Mr and Mrs Burston demolished a dilapidated slab hut, a three-roomed detached kitchen and cellar, as materials needed to restore them were very difficult to obtain so soon after the war.4 However the barn remains almost in its original condition. It is believed to have been built from stone quarried on the property. Now roofed with iron sheets it was probably originally thatched. The sandstone barn has a peaked roof supported by the original saplings and a doorway large enough to accommodate a fully loaded wagon.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, culla hill, eltham, sweeney's cottage, sweeneys lane, thomas sweeney

Bridget was the daughter of John Wright MURRAY(1816-1867) and Mary SWEENEY(1833-1909). She married Hamilton DRAIN(1847-1886) in 1884 and they had a daughter, Mary Ellen DRAIN(1886-1888). Following husband Hamilton Drain’s death in 1886, and her infant daughter Mary’s death in 1888, Bridget married Michael Dillon in 1894. It appears that she and Michael had no children together. Electoral roll records indicate that Michael was a farmer and that he and Bridget lived in Research, Vic. Some damage has occurred to their monument and the Eltham Cemetery Trust would like to locate a next of kin or family member. Unfortunately, there was no purchase information recorded, only the following details; no next of kin. Deceased Location Date of Death Interment Date Michael Dillon Roman Catholic 205 10/12/1916 11/12/1916 Bridget Cecilia Dillon Roman Catholic 206 7/04/1927 19/04/1927 The photo of the headstone is dated 4 May 2016, which provides the best detail of the inscription.The headstone has deteriorated further in the last few years. In Loving Memory of Michael Dillon Died 10th Dec. 1916 Aged 65 years Also Bridget Cecilia Wife of the above Died 17th April 1927 Aged 78 years R.I.PBorn Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, michael dillon, bridget cecilia dillon (nee sweeeney)

Local Cemetery Excursion Sunday 27 May 1990 departed Eltham Shire Office at 9.30am and finish mid afternoon. Visits to Eltham , Kangaroo Ground, Queenstown (Smiths Gully), Nillumbik (Diamond Creek), St Katherines (St Helena) Hurst family graves at Hurstbridge and a little known early cemetery at Grteensborough. Attended by 20 members. In each case we were introduced to the cemetery with a brief talk. At Eltham, Frank Burgoyne gave us the benefit of his knowledge as a member of the cemetery trust and at Kangaroo Ground, Bruce Ness spoke in a similar capacity. The lunch stop was at Hurstbridge where we visited the Hurst family graves. The President of Nillumbik Historical Society, Jock Ryan, joined us at the Nillumbik (Diamond Creek) cemetery. He travelled on to St Katherines, St Helena, where he talked on the history of the church and cemetery.35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Agfachrome Agfa CS System black 8 dotseltham, activities, shire of eltham historical society, cemetery excursion, eltham cemetery, graves, annie sweeney, caroline sweeney, ellen sweeney, johanna sweeney, john sweeney, margaret sweeney, thomas sweeney

Plaque: "Sam Burston & Co Proprietory limited pneumatic maltsters". Vincent and Vi Burston owned the Culla Hill property through the 1940s and 1960s. Vi Burston was active in the Shillinglaw Cottage movement. Barrett Burston Malting operated today with "its origins in the various families of Burston, Hood, Smith and Barrett, pioneers who established the malting industry in Australia in the 1860's". https://bbmalt.com.au/ Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 2 strips Associated 10 x 15 cm colour print Fuji HR100burston, maltsters, barn, plaque, stonework, eltham, film - fuji hr 100, scan - 35mm negative, sweeney, sweeney's cottage, sweeneys lane

Weatherboard house with cast ironwork decoration on the verandah. Three women, two men and four children with rocking horse stand for a photograph. Family unknown. Yarra Brae Park was situated on Yarra Brae Road, off Sweeneys Lane, Eltham. Research in historical newspapers reveals that the Hautrive family lived there 1904-1906, followed by the Bindoon family in 1907. In the 1930s it was occupied by Hubert Rutter, his wife Beulah and four children. Hubert was an Eltham Shire Councillor. On 13 January 1939, the house burned down in the Black Friday bushfires. After the fire, the family relocated to Toorak. Reproduced on p91 of 'Pioneers & Painters'This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image 4 x 5 inch B&W Neg Sepia postcard and B&W printsepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, eltham, yarra brae park, verandah, cast iron work, hautrive family, bindoon family, rutter family, pioneers and painters, houses, groups

Whilst the three original Carrucan pioneers and their spouses are all buried at Eltham, only one gravestone (that of Patrick Carrucan) exists. Like many of the poor farmers of these early times, their graves were not marked with any permanent stone monuments and have deteriorated to become unmarked graves over the years. Patrick Carrucan, born in 1831 in Ireland, was the second oldest son of Patrick and Bridget Carrucan. He married Mary O'Brien in Ireland in 1856 before migrating to Australia, accompanied by Mary’s father, to join his sister Bridget Coleman in Eltham who had migrated in 1853. Patrick and Mary purchased a farm at the corner of Dalton and Bible Streets, initially living in a hut. After a few years, a more substantial house was built with assistance from Mary's father, who then returned to Ireland. The farm gradually prospered, with cattle, poultry and an orchard. Patrick and Mary had ten children (Bridget, Michael, Susan, Patrick, Thomas, Mary Anne, Catherine, Margaret, Frances and Annie) and lived in Eltham for the rest of their lives. In later years, the Sweeney and the Carrucan families intermarried, as did most of the old Catholic farming families of the Eltham District. Patrick died 6 October 1894 aged 63, reputedly from a broken back after being run over by his own bullock cart. Mary died in 2 Nov 1927 aged 90. They, together with other family members, are buried in a family plot in Eltham Cemetery, though only Patrick is recorded on the gravestone. Patrick's gravestone was in such disrepair that Betty Erickson (nee Carrucan) paid to have a new one erected in the late 1970s. Unfortunately, this gravestone, like the original, only honours Patrick Carrucan and does not record the other family members buried in this family plot. Betty wrote in 1989 "our people were farmers; the Sweeneys well-educated and prosperous, the Carrucans on a somewhat less favoured scale, but solid workers and providers." Patrick Carrucan Who departed this life 6 Oct. 1894 Aged 63 yearsBorn Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, patrick carrucan

Folder of information on Carrucan Family, Elthamcarrucan, patrick carrucan, agnes hayes (nee carrucan), bridget carrucan, carrucan family, eltham cemetery, hannah carrucan (nee woods), mary carrucan (nee o'brien), mary carrucan (nee sweeney), michael carrucan, peter carrucan, thomas hayes, thomas sweeney

Situated near Sweeney's Lane, the house in the picture was owned by the man who was Commissioner that looked after the Aboriginees - Ivy Reynolds. Labelled by Ivy Reynolds' mother who had a good sense of humour.The Reynolds family were early settlers in Research. The Reynolds/ Prior collection of photographs were taken by Tom Prior, the maternal uncle of Ivy Reynolds, around 1900 and the 60 photos in the album give a fine overview of many of the landmarks of Research and Eltham over 100 years ago. lvy lived in the family home for many years at 106 Thompson Cres Research. Ivy's father, Ernst Richard Reynolds and grandfather, Richard Reynolds, lived at the same address. Ivy's father Richard worked for Mr. Trail on his property in Research. Reynolds Road is named after the family. Mr Tom Prior (wife Eva) worked at the Melbourne zoo. He was very innovative and made his own camera, using the black cloth hood to exclude the light. The photographs are a reminder of the rural nature of Research and Eltham and its rich heritage. Black and white photograph mounted in an album, the Reynolds/Prior Photograph Collection, this being one of 53 reproduced black and white images of early Eltham.The Reynolds/Prior Photograph Collection, Presented to the Eltham District Historical Society, 14 June 2006 by Ross McDonald. A second copy was also presented to the Andrew Ross Museum, Kangaroo Groundreynolds prior collection, eltham, yarra river, sweeneys lane

Sarah Bird 4th from left (seated) and Edward Pepper on her left (standing). George Bird, 2nd from right (seated). George Bird her great-grandfather and Sarah Bird and Edward Pepper, her grandparents. [from Evelyn Observer and Bourke East Record, morning edition, 18 November 1904, p. 3:] ORANGE BLOSSOM. The marriage of Miss Sarah A. Bird, eldest daughter of Mr George Bird, of "View Hill," Eltham, to Mr Ernest Edward Pepper, of Diamond Creek, was celebrated at the residence of the bride's parents on Wednesday, 9th November, 1904. The ceremony took place at 4 p.m. and was performed by the Rev Percey Knight, B.A., of Alphington. The bride entered the drawing room with her father who gave her away, and the Wedding March, was nicely played by Miss Wild. The bride was prettily dressed in creme voile nicely tucked and gathered, trimmed with guipure lace and silk ruching, sprays of orange blossom, wreath and veil, and she carried a shower bouquet. Her travelling dress was a very pretty blue. The brides-maids were Miss Ethel Barker dressed in pale green voile trimmed with creme guipure lace and silk ruching; and Miss Button in creme voile, guipure lace, silk ruching; both carried pretty bouquets. The groomsmen were Mr Lorimer, of Diamond Creek, and Mr George Bird, brother of the bride. Between forty and fifty relatives and friends partook of a bountifully provided and nicely laid out breakfast. The usual toasts were honored, and congratulations were freely tendered "to the happy couple". The decorations were very tastefully executed by Miss Beatrice Nelson, and Mr Sayers. The evening was very pleasantly spent in singing, recitations, games, and other suitable pastimes, while others "tipped the light fantastic toe". About 10 p.m., "while all was merry as a marriage bell", the bride and bridegroom departed secretly "to cheat surprise and prying eyes". The presents were numerous and handsome:– Parents of the bride, sewing machine; Miss A. Bird, silver breakfast cruet; Miss N. Bird, bread board and knife; Master A. Bird, pair glass dishes; Master R. Bird, pair photo frames; Mr Sayers, tea set; Miss Kidd, silver jam dish and spoon; Miss Wilkinson, carpet; Mr J. Kilpatrick, cheque; Mr W. Kilpatrick, clock; Miss Kilpatrick, silver butter knife; Mr J. H. Kilpatrick, hand painted mirror; Mrs Kerwin, pictures; Mrs Gilsenan, the handsome wedding cake; Mrs Nelson, Japanese occasional table; Misses Nelson, jugs and candlestick; Mrs Bunker, silver cruet stand; Miss Bunker, hand-painted vases; Miss E. Bunker, epergne; Mr E. Bunker, crumb tray and brush; Miss Jessie Gilsenan, cake stand; Mr Harold Gilsenan, auger basin and ornaments; Mr Lorimer, silver breakfast cruet; Mr A. Collins and Miss Jones, epergne; Miss Cassie Sweeney, jardiniere; Miss Ida and Ollie Cooper, silver butter dish; Miss Mills, large vases; Misses M. and F. Shillinglaw, handsome oak clock; Misses C. and E. Shillinglaw, pair large pictures; Mr Lucas and Miss Sutton, silver butter dish and knife, and silver jam dish and spoon; Miss M. and A. Short, teapot, cheese dish, and tumblers; Mr and Mrs J. Anderson, butter dish; Miss Williams, pen tray; Miss Griffiths, vases; Mr I. Hill, cheque; Miss Wild, biscuit barrel; Mr, Mrs and Miss Brown, trifle bowl and crystal jug; Mrs Weller, water jug and glasses; Mrs Hadfield, pair glass dishes and butter dish; Mr and Mrs Blackney, photo frames; Mr Wilson, beaded basket pin cushion; Mr Linsy, cheque; Mrs Linsy, fruit dish; Mrs Stebbing, pair candle sticks; Mrs Blanchard, pictures.Digital copy of framed sepia photographanderson, bird, blanchard, blackney, bunker, collins, cooper, edward ernest pepper, george bird, george bird jnr, gilsenan, griffiths, hadfield, hill, jones, kerwin, kidd, kilpatrick, linsy, mills, nelson, sarah ann bird, sayers, shillinglaw, short, stebbing, sutton, sweeney, view hill, wedding, weller, wild, wilkinson, williams, wilson, brown, lesley mitchell (nee pepper) collection