McShane, Nicholas (Senior)
Photograph of Nicholas McShane senior (1830-1908) circa 1872
Chairman 1892 – 1893; 1898 – 1900 (Campbelltown Ward / River Ward).
Nicholas McShane senior was first elected to the Campbelltown District Council in 1872 – 1874 (2 years) and again in 1890 – 1903 (13 years).
Nicholas McShane senior married Mary Ann Keane (1828-1857) in 1851. Three children were born before she died in 1857. He then married Ann Rice (1831-1870) in 1859. Six children were born, including Nicholas McShane junior. Twins died at the same time as Ann, who died in childbirth in 1870. Nicholas senior then married Catherine Smith (1839-1910) in 1881.
Nicholas McShane senior led a very active community life; one of the earliest positions he held was when he was sworn in as a District Constable in 1869 for Campbelltown. His obituary in 1908 highlights his many activities.
“Mr Nicholas McShane of Maylands… was an old resident of Campbelltown and a pioneer colonist. He was born in Guernsey [Channel Islands, Great Britain] 79 years ago [in 1830], and came to South Australia with his mother [Mary Cromie McShane Herraman, his stepfather, James Herraman, and three half brothers and sisters]. His first employment was as a teamster at the Burra Burra Copper Mine, and later on he worked at the Moonta Mines. He went to the Campbelltown district in a similar capacity and was employed in the construction of the Thorndon Park Reservoir, at the completion of which he settled at Campbelltown, and started business as a market gardener on land now [1908] occupied by two of his sons. At this occupation he was so successful that he was able to retire from active work 26 years ago [about 1882].
He was for many years [1872-74 and 1890-1903] a member of the Campbelltown District Council and was several times Chairman [1892-1893; 1898-1899; and 1899-1900]. During portion of that time he was a member of the St. Peter’s Corporation as the representative of Maylands Ward [1893-1895. He nominated in 1886, 1889, 1897 but was not elected].
He was one of the founders of the East Torrens County Board of Health, and remained a member until his health and sight failed [in 1906 when he was replaced by his son Nicholas McShane junior].
Mr McShane was an authority on all pertaining to local government. His shrewd commonsense and active memory caused his fellow Councillors to frequently seek his advice…”[1]
Nicholas McShane senior was living at Frederick Street Maylands when he died and many of his family are buried at St Martin’s Anglican Church Cemetery, Campbelltown. His mother is buried at North Road Cemetery, Nailsworth.
Researched and compiled by Di Booker, a volunteer with the Campbelltown Library “Digital Diggers” group.
If you have any comments or questions regarding the information in this local history article, please contact Helen on 8366 9357 or hthiselton@campbelltown.sa.gov.au