1.5 JOSEPH MICHAEL McEVOY

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1.5 Joseph Michael McEvoy born 31-1-1850 died 29-7-1930 aged 80 years, 5th (twin) child of Dennis McEvoy and Ann Jane Carson, married Elizabeth Ann Bridget Case, sixth child of Jane (Starr/s) and Emanuel Case, born 17-9-1857 Gawler, SA died 3-6-1919 aged 61 years in Streaky Bay, at St Martin Church, Redhill on 21-8-1877. His residence at the time was Booleroo Centre.

The pictures show the Muttabee school attended by some of the children of Joseph and Eliza, much deteriorated, the general store at Hammond with W. P. Case still written on the front and Eliza and Joe with their 8 children. The other picture is Eliza by herself. Here is an article about the closing of the Hammond Catholic Church.

There was one child, Herbert, born before Frederick, but he died soon after birth and there seems no point in including him in the numbering system.

They lived at Hammond about 200 miles north of Adelaide, between Wilmington and Carrieton.

Their land was actually at Muttabee Tanks. On the Hammond-Eurelia mail route, the section (125 Hd. of Pinda) was first taken up by Joseph McEvoy, farmer, of Pinda on October 1, 1883. Life was tough on the land at Hammond beyond the Goyder line where rainfall was unpredictable. Eliza worked as a midwife to help with money but eventually, after constant droughts, in 1903 they trekked to Eyre Peninsula to Edilillie, about 25 miles from Pt Lincoln, share farming with the Roberts, Sceales Bay. After a series of floods, they moved again to Cungena, in 1915. Eliza died of blood poisoning related to diabetes in 1919. Joe died aged 80 years at Streaky Bay. They are both buried in Streaky Bay cemetery.

CUNGENA. From our own correspondent. August 1917
A monster meeting was held at Cungena Siding to form a vigilance committee. Mr Joseph McEvoy, senr., was chosen as chairman, with Mr A. B. Quinn as secretary. Names were also taken, in view of forming a branch of the Farmers' and Settlers' association, s ome eight or ten persons being enrolled.
The weather has been all that could be desired for the crops, which are looking fairly good.
West Coast Sentinel, Saturday 18 August 1917, page 2

CUNGENA, February 6, 1930 A large number of friends and relations gathered at Mr. C. McEvoy's house on January 31 to be present at his father's 80th birthday. Mr. Joseph McEvoy also received several telegrams of congratulations from his many friends. The tea table was a scene worth seeing, with-a large three-tier birthday cake and the 80 candles lighting to remind Mr. McEvoy of the various events of his life. After tea Mr. A. Quinn proposed the. health of Mr. McEvoy, and was supported by Mr. J. Travers and Mr. J. Maroney. Mr. F. McEvoy spoke on behalf of the family and Mr. J. McEvoy, jun., the grandchildren. Several items were rendered during the evening, those taking part were Misses E. and D. McEvoy, Mrs. Plush, Mrs. E. V. Barrett, Mrs, F. Feltus, Miss I. McEvoy, Miss A. Feltus, Mr. J. Allen, a nd Mr. M. Daly. Mr. K. Travers obliged the company with a musical monologue, Mrs. J. Reidy and Mr. J. Maroney step dance, Miss M. Quinn Highland fling, Mr. A. Quinn recitation. After a very enjoyable evening, supper was served, and Mr. McEvoy thanked all for coming along to his 80th birthday.
West Coast Sentinel, Friday 21 February 1930, page 4

THE WEST COAST SENTINEL

OBITUARY, MR. JOSEPH McEVOY

Friday, August 1st, 1930: Death has robbed the West Coast of another old and respected identity in the person of Mr. Joseph McEvoy, of Cungena, whose death occurred at the Streaky Bay public hospital early on Tuesday morning. The deceased gentleman, who was 80 years of age, was ill for about a week before his demise, which came as a shock to his friends. The late Mr. McEvoy was of a versatile nature and delighted in controversy. He was conversant with practically all matters of public interest, and until a short while ago was a regular and interesting correspondent to the open columns of 'The Sentinel.'

The late Mr. Joseph McEvoy was born at Dry Creek, near Adelaide, in the year 1850. He lived in the Gawler district for many years, where he learnt the blacksmithing trade. At the age of 28 he married Miss Eliza Case, of Gawler. Later he shifted to Booleroo Centre, and with a brother took up farming. He afterwards farmed in the Wirrabara district, and then went to Hammond where he lived for 23 years, farming with varying success. He came to the West Coast in 1903, and first resided at Lake Wangary, share farming with the late Mr. W.T. Mortlock for four years. From there Mr. McEvoy took up land in the Hundred of Mortlock, and farmed there for four years, but was not very successful in the early days. He sold out and went to Sceales Bay for four years, afterwards taking up land at Cungena, where he farmed with his son, Charles.

Mrs. McEvoy predeceased her husband by eleven years

The deceased always enjoyed good health, and was only ill for one week before his death; he passed away peacefully. It was pleasing to him to have every member of the family at home at Cungena last Sunday.

The deceased's father and mother both came from Ireland. His mother lived to be 96. He had eight brothers and one sister, and four brothers are still living. One (a twin) still resides in the Gawler district. The late Mr. McEvoy could relate some interesting tales of the early days in Adelaide, when, with his twin brother, they used to ride bicycles to the city, the streets of which could then be traversed in about half an hour. He used to tell good stories of the bullock teams in the city streets, and how he spent interesting times watching the shoppers loading their purchases on to bullock waggons and such like.

There were eight children, four sons and four daughters. The sons are Messrs FJ, ER, and CJ McEvoy of Cungena, and AD McEvoy of Port Lincoln. The daughters are Mesdames N. Adkins (Broken Hill), M. Phyland (Sceales Bay), R. Plush (Mortana) and FC Feltus (Piednippie). There are 33 grandchildren.

The funeral was conducted at the Streaky Bay Cemetery on Wednesday afternoon.

McEVOY-On the 29th July, at Streaky Bay Hospital, Joseph Michael, dearly beloved husband of the late Eliza Anne McEvoy, aged 80 years and 6 months. Rest in peace.
The Adelaide Chronicle, page 39, August 7th, 1930

THE LATE MR. JOS. McEVOY.
To the Editor.
Sir - In the passing away of the late Mr, Joseph McEvoy, the district has lost one of the earliest settlers and one of the pioneers of the State. In the many districts in which Mr. McEvoy resided from time to time he was always amongst the leading division, and has done his full share to wards the opening up and development of the outside agricultural areas of the State. He was held in the highest esteem and respect by all who knew him; he was a good citizen, always took a keen interest in public affairs and any movement for the betterment of the district in which he lived always had his generous and whole hearted support. He wrote many letters to the press on matters pertaining to the welfare of the State, and many of the ideas expressed therein were well worthy of adoption. He was always willing to lend a helping hand or do a good turn where possible. I have had the privilege of being a neighbor and friend of the late Mr. McEvoy for the greater part of the last 25 years, and no one wished for a better neighbor, or a truer friend. Although he met with many adversities, he never gave way to despondency, but always looked on the bright side. When times were bad it was always a pleasure to meet Mr. McEvoy and enjoy his conversation and cheerful society. May he rest in peace.
I am, Sir, etc., A. B. QUINN, Cungena, August 2, 1930.
West Coast Sentinel, Friday 8 August 1930, page 4

THE WEST COAST SENTINEL

OBITUARY, MRS ELIZABETH ANNE McEVOY
Saturday, June 7, 1919, Page 2: The death occurred at the Streaky Bay public hospital on Tuesday night of Mrs Elizabeth Anne McEvoy, wife of Mrs (sic) Jos. McEvoy, of Cungena, in her sixty-first year. The deceased lady had been suffering for about eighteen months with diabetes, and during the past few months had been ailing considerably. She bore her trouble with patient fortitude, however, and seldom complained. Quite recently a small skin eruption on the face caused trouble, for which Mr and Mrs McEvoy applied home remedies without avail, blood poisoning eventually setting in. Dr. Boer was summoned from Streaky Bay on Saturday afternoon, and he recommended the lady's removal to the hospital, and she was brought in on Monday, but died the following night. The deepest sympathy is extended to her husband and family of four sons and four daughters, to whom she was a loving wife and mother. The deceased lady possessed a most loveable disposition, and was highly esteemed by both young and old. The late Mrs McEvoy was born at Cockatoo Valley, near Gawler, and was the third daughter of the late Mr and Mrs E. Case, well-known identities of that district many years ago. She married Mr McEvoy over forty years ago. The funeral was conducted on Wednesday afternoon, when the body was interred in the Streaky Bay cemetery, the Rev. Father Prendergast performing the solemn obsequies, in the presence of a large number of mourners and sympathising friends.

The "writing letters to the paper" gene obviously comes from both Kermode and McEvoy sides of my family.

Joseph McEvoy was a keen correspondent all his life.

This little snippet suggests that Joseph and brother Dennis may have got up to some mischief when young:
Police Courts: Joseph McEvoy, for assaulting and resisting the police, was mulcted in a penalty of 10s; and Dennis McEvoy, for resisting the police was fined 10s.
Northern Argus (Clare), Fri 13 Nov 1874 Page 3


1.5 Joseph Michael McEvoy born 31-1-1850 died 29-7-1930, 4th (twin) child of Dennis McEvoy and Ann Jane Carson, married Elizabeth Ann Bridget Case, sixth child of Jane (Starr) and Emanuel Case, born 17-9-1857 Gawler, SA died 3-6-1919 in Streaky Bay, at St Martin Church, Redhill on 21-8-1877, 8 children, 4 boys and 4 girls born when Eliza was aged 23-43 years:

  • 1.5.1 Frederick Joseph McEvoy 2-12-1880 to 25-1-1962
  • 1.5.2 Rose Ellen McEvoy 18-9-1882 to 9-10-1953
  • 1.5.3 Alexander(Alec) Dennis McEvoy 22-3-1884 to 2-11-1951
  • 1.5.4 Anne Laura McEvoy 25-3-1886 to 28-1-1968
  • 1.5.5 Jessie Florence McEvoy 1-10-1887 to 9-9-1951
  • 1.5.6 Edwin Robert McEvoy 19-9-1889 to 14-6-1963
  • 1.5.7 Amelia Agnes McEvoy 3-4-1892 to 9-3-1966
  • 1.5.8 Charles Joseph McEvoy 11-2-1900 to 17-10-1970

The first music played in the Cungena Hall in 1921 was on button accordions by the McEvoy brothers, Fred, Charles and Ed, among others.


  • 1.5.1. Frederick Joseph born 2-12-1880 at Wirrabara died 25-1-1962 at Pt Lincoln, buried Streaky Bay Cemetery married Annie Edith Puckridge born 13-5-1890 at Lake Wangary, SA, (parents Hannah Tapley and Horace Puckridge) died 13-3-1954 buried Streaky Bay cemetery, on 24-11-1908 at the residence of Horace Puckridge at Ulina Station, Warrow. They had 10 children:

    • 1.5.1.1 Dorothy Hazel 31-8-1909 to 17-3-2000
    • 1.5.1.2 Ella Patricia (Ellie) 20-4-1911
    • 1.5.1.3 Mary Heather(Molly) 29-7-1913 to 23-9-1997
    • 1.5.1.4 Nora Clare 19-9-1915 to 8-7-1998
    • 1.5.1.5 Norman Frederick 13-7-1918 to 2-3-80
    • 1.5.1.6 Mona Joan (Joan) 19-5-1922 to 2-7-1976
    • 1.5.1.7 Frederick Joseph 11-10-1924 to 26-12-1990
    • 1.5.1.8 Carmel Therese 10-3-1926 to 4-4-1995
    • 1.5.1.9 Martin Michael 21-8-1928
    • 1.5.1.10 Laurence Norton 13-9-1930 to 18-5-2002

Norman Frederick McEvoy was my father and I am particularly interested in getting all my aunties, uncles, cousins and the next generations listed now rather than waiting for it all to be too hard to trace everyone in the future. All of this information is contained on the next page.



Picture shows sisters Rose Adkins, Annie Phyland, Jessie Plush and Millie Feltus