"Willie" / "Bill" William Bernard SHERIDAN
Born 1888 in Walebing, Western Australia [5: 31-Jan-1936] [15]
Son of Stephen SHERIDAN and Margaret HUNT [15]
Educated at Christian Brothers College in Perth after which he worked as a jackeroo on a station in Yandanooka [5: 31-Jan-1936]
Grazier on his father's Mongaming Farm in Moora in 1909 and 1910 [50]
Member of the Moora Cricket Club in 1909 [9: 10-Dec-1909]
Groomsman at the wedding of his sister Mary Anne and "Joe" James J. BROWN in Moora on 1 September 1909 [9: 3-Sep-1909]
General Storekeeper and a Land, News & Commission Agent in Salughter Street, Three Springs in 1911 [9: 10-Jun-1911]
The store and business was in partnership with his brother-in-law Joe BROWN [9: 10-Jun-1911]
In their general store they sold groceries, ironmongery, draper, wine, spirits and other items [9: 17-Mar-1911]
Advertised in The Midlands Advertiser, "Highest Quality at the Lowest Prices" and "Every Visitor Becomes a Customer" [9]
A Post and Telegraph Office was opened in premises adjoining their store on Friday 17 March 1911 [9: 24-Mar-1911]
He and Joe dissolved their partnership on 15 May 1911 and the store was sold to William HARRIS [9: 10-Jun-1911, 21 & 28-Jul-1911]
Labourer in Three Springs 1911-1913 [19] [50]
Farmer on his father's Mongaming Farm in Moora 1913-1915 [50]
Purchased Isaac WALLACE's agency business in Three Springs in February 1916 [10: 25-Feb-1916]
Commission Agent in Three Springs in 1916 [19] [30: item 8081941]
His horse Patchwork won the Hack Race at the Sports Meeting held in Carnamah on Thursday 4 May 1916 [10: 16-May-1916]
Attended as a "Nigger" the Plain & Fancy Dress Ball in Three Springs on 19 July 1916 in aid of the Red Cross Society [39: 31-Jul-1916]
He led a band of willing workers who spent four hours polishing the floor for the Plain & Fancy Dress Ball [10: 25-Jul-1916]
The polishing led to a floor "in perfect condition and dancing was a gliding pleasure instead... of being one long gritty grind" [10]
Three Springs' local columnist for The Moora Herald newspaper spoke poorly of his turkey shooting ability [10: 28-Jul-1916]
He was later vindicated by the columnist who repealed his comments after he shot one and gave it to him for dinner [10: 28-Jul-1916]
Successfully applied to enlist in the Australian Imperial Force at Three Springs on 19 October 1916 [30: item 8081941]
Enlisted on 14 November 1916 at Blackboy Hill and after training was appointed to the 24th Reinforcements of the 11th Battalion [30]
He was 5 feet 7 inches tall with light blue eyes, brown hair, ruddy complexion and a crooked little finger on his right hand [30]
Married Ivy May FAIRCLOUGH in Moora in 1917, prior to embarking for active service abroad [66]
Embarked from Fremantle, Western Australia for active service abroad on the H.M.A.T. A28 Miltiades on 29 January 1917 [30]
Disembarked in Devonport, England on 27 March 1917 and after further training proceeded to France on 27 October 1917 [30]
Private 7320 in the Australian Imperial Force's 11th Battalion in France during the First World War [30]
Following the end of the war returned to Australia on the H.T. Leicestershire, arriving back in Fremantle on 12 June 1919 [30]
The Midlands Advertiser of 20 June 1919: "Private W. B. Sheridan has landed... and expects to be demobbed in a few days" [9]
Discharged from the Australian Imperial Force on 21 July 1919; received the British War Medal and the Victory Medal [30]
His name appeared on a Roll of Honour for the Moora district, which was prepared by Rev. Frederick W. GUNNING [10: 1-Sep-1916]
Farmer in Moora 1919-1925 [50]
After returning from the war he was the Farmer of a property on the Walebing Road in Moora 1921-1925 [6] [10: 22-Oct-1925]
Himself and a partner purchased the 1,870 acre property in a partly improved state for £4,000 [9: 4-May-1923]
Following the departure of his partner he tried "to make a do of his property" and wished to take his wife in as a partner [9]
Gave evidence at the Royal Commission held in Moora in May 1923 into the Soldier Settlement Scheme [9: 4-May-1923]
Said his trouble was he didn't have enough of his farm cleared "to farm the place as it should be farmed to make it pay" [9]
Stated that he only owed £18 to the Industries Assistance Board and wanted to borrow £450 to clear 400 acres of his farm [9]
In July 1923 he called for tenders for the contract clearing of 300 acres of his farm in Moora [9: 20-Jul-1923]
Member of the Moora Rifle Club in 1925 [9: 26-Jun-1925]
In 1925 sold his farm in Moora and on Monday 17 October 1925 he shifted to Carnamah by train [10: 22-Oct-1925]
Resided in Carnamah from 1925 until his death in 1936 [5: 31-Jan-1936] [10: 22-Oct-1925] [19]
Resided at least some of that time at his house at 12 Yarra Street in the Carnamah townsite (Lot 16 of Victoria Location 1936) [3]
Manager of the Carnamah branch of the North Midlands Farmers' Co-operative Company Limited 1925-1928 [10: 22-Oct-1925] [39: 10-Jul-1928]
The Co-operative's store sold all lines of hardware and farming requisites as well as farm machinery and implements [4: 28-May-1927]
In 1927 the Co-op's store in Carnamah was to be extended with a double-fronted shop attached to its existing building [4: 28-May-1927]
He resigned as "genial manager" of the Carnamah branch of the Co-operative in mid 1928 [4: 28-May-1927] [39: 10-Jul-1928]
Agent / Representative for Westralian Farmers Limited from Three Springs through to Gunyidi 1928-1934 [39: 10-Jul-1928] [5: 28-Sep-1934]
He was the representative for Three Springs, Carnamah, Winchester, Waddy Forest, Coorow, Marchagee and Gunyidi [39: 10-Jul-1928]
In September 1934 purchased Rupert LAFFAN's Elder Smith & Co agency business and his Macpherson Street premises [5: 28-Sep-1934]
Agent in Carnamah for Elder Smith & Co Ltd - "All Requirements for Farmers and Pastoralists" 1934-1936 [4: 30-Nov-1935] [51]
Also an agent for Palatine Insurance Co and Nicholsons Ltd (radios and the "Selfreezer" Automatic Refrigerator) [4: 8-Dec-1934] [5]
Kept stocks of wire, wire netting, cornsacks, woolpacks and seasonal requirements on hand at his business premises [5: 18-Jan-1935]
In 1934 he had branches of his Elder Smith & Co Ltd agency in Carnamah, Three Springs and Mingenew [5: 30-Nov-1934]
His branches were telephone numbers Carnamah-34, Three Springs-15 and Mingenew-39, and PO Box 58 Carnamah [5: 30-Nov-1934]
Had branches of Elder Smith & Co Ltd in Carnamah, Coorow and Three Springs (but not Mingenew) in 1935 [5: 14 & 21-Jun-1935]
Around March 1935 became the Carnamah agent for Pontiac cars, Buick cars, Chevrolet cars, trucks and engines [5: 5-Apr-1935, 4-Oct-1945]
He was the agent for Chevrolet cars, trucks and engines for both Carnamah and Coorow [5: 20-Dec-1935]
By November 1935 he was also an agent for AMP Insurance and Radiola All-Wave wireless sets [4: 30-Nov-1935]
Advertised his business in The North Midland Times newspaper on a weekly basis [5: 5 & 19-Jul-1935]
In April 1935 gained permission from the Carnamah District Road Board to install a petrol pump outside his business [5: 12-Apr-1935]
Also an agent for Cooper's Sheep Dip, Sydney Atkins Motors, Aladdin Products and all seasonable requirements [5: 18-Oct-1935]
In October 1935 advertised for sale the economical, clean and efficient "Selfreezer" which cost 3d. per day to run [5: 18-Oct-1935]
Member of the Carnamah sub-branch of the Returned Soldiers' League [9: 20-Nov-1925, 23-Mar-1928]
He was Foundation Treasurer of the sub-branch from its reformation in 1925 until 1928 [9: 20-Nov-1925, 23-Mar-1928]
Member of the Carnamah Rifle Club in 1926 [9: 25-Jun-1926]
He was the Club's Secretary in 1928 and their Treasurer 1929-1934 [4: 16-Feb-1929 & 20-Jul-1929] [5: 30-Jun-1933, 24-Aug-1934]
Vice Captain in 1930 and Captain in 1931 and 1932 of the Carnamah Rifle Club [4: 2-Aug-1930, 16-Jul-1932]
Member of the Carnamah Progress Association - was Secretary in 1926 [9: 9-Apr-1926]
Organiser of the very successful Confetti Carnival which was held at the Carnamah Hall on Saturday 3 April 1926 [9: 9-Apr-1926]
Member of the Carnamah Cricket Club in 1926-27 [31: 26-Nov-1926]
In 1926-27 and 1927-28 he owned a Chevrolet car registered with the Carnamah District Road Board with license plate CA-116 [325]
Visited Moora in early June 1926, and reported favourably on the road construction between Watheroo and Winchester [9: 11-Jun-1926]
Vice President in 1927 and a Committee Member 1927-1930 of the Carnamah Race Club [9: 8-Apr-1927] [4: 21-Dec-1929]
He was the Assistant Judge at the Carnamah Race Club's race meetings in 1928 and 1929 [4: 31-Mar-1928, 21-Dec-1929]
Donated a trophy to the Carnamah Rifle Club in 1929, which was known as the "Sheridan Trophy" [4: 30-Mar-1929]
He was among those who attended the Centenary Ball held at the Carnamah Hall on 26 July 1929 [86: 3-Aug-1929]
The ball was to celebrate 100 years since the founding of Perth and the establishment of the Swan River Colony [86]
Became a member of the Carnamah Masonic Lodge No.150 WAC on 8 August 1930 [96]
Attended the funeral of "Father of Carnamah" Donald MACPHERSON at the Winchester Cemetery on 14 August 1931 [4: 22-Aug-1931]
On his suggestion the Carnamah Rifle Club launched the North Midlands Popular Girl Competition in 1932 [5: 30-Jun-1933]
He stressed "the value of bringing the people of the North Midlands districts together in a social function once a year" [5: 30-Jun-1933]
Member of the Carnamah School Board in 1932 [4: 9-Jul-1932]
Pallbearer at the funeral of Carnamah Hotel licensee Charles Joseph Leslie BREWER on 9 July 1932 at the Winchester Cemetery [4]
He was one of 77 ex-servicemen who attended the Sailors & Soldiers Reunion Dinner in Carnamah on 22 October 1932 [86: 29-Oct-1932]
Member of John BOWMAN's XI who competed against the Carnamah Cricket Club at the opening of the 1932-33 season [5: 21-Oct-1932]
Member of the Carnamah Cricket Club in 1932-33, 1934-35 and 1935-36 [5: 20-Jan-1933, 22-Mar-1935, 1-Nov-1935]
Following the creation of two teams within the Carnamah Cricket Club he played for "Carnamah Blues" in 1935-36 [5: 1-Nov-1935]
Pallbearer at the funeral of Inering farmer Herbert MURRAY at the Winchester Cemetery on 26 January 1933 [4]
Member of the Carnamah Committee of the North Midlands Popular Girl Competition in 1933 [5: 30-Jun-1933]
Attended the Carnamah Tennis Club's Dance held at the Carnamah Hall on Saturday 9 December 1933 [5: 15-Dec-1933]
Himself and his family were among those from Carnamah who spent the 1933 Christmas holiday at Dongara [5: 18-Aug-1933]
Member of the Carnamah Tennis Club in 1933-34 and 1934-35 [4: 9-Dec-1933, 15-Feb-1935]
Attended the Dance conducted by the Carnamah Toc H at the Carnamah Hall on Saturday 24 February 1934 [5: 2-Mar-1934]
Attended the funeral of Mrs Christina B. D. FORRESTER of Carnamah at the Winchester Cemetery on 31 August 1934 [4: 8-Sep-1934]
Member of the Carnamah Golf Club in 1934 and 1935 [5: 22-Jun-1934, 17-May-1935]
His car was damaged after it collided with a tree while being driven by his employee Arthur BOOTH on 2 March 1935 [5: 8-Mar-1935]
Came 2nd in the 75 yard R.S.L. Handicap Race at the R.S.L. Sports Meeting in Carnamah on Monday 22 April 1935 [5: 26-Apr-1935]
Travelled to Perth on Wednesday 26 June 1935 and was accompanied by Dr ROSENTHAL and Sister LAWTON [5: 28-Jun-1935]
The local paper The North Midland Times reported on 30 August 1935 that he had been indisposed for the previous week [5: 30-Aug-1935]
Local farmer Carl OLSON publicly apologised to him via a notice in The North Midland Times newspaper on 18 October 1935 [5]
The apology was for statements that OLSEN had made about him that "were untrue" and "without foundation" [5: 18-Oct-1935]
Attended the Fourth Annual North Midlands R.S.L. Reunion Dinner held in Three Springs on Saturday 19 October 1935 [5: 25-Oct-1935]
Motored to Perth on Friday 8 November 1935 with Robert PALFREYMAN and Herbert E. NINEHAM as passengers [5: 15-Nov-1935]
Returned to Carnamah on Tuesday 12 November 1935 with a new Chevrolet utility truck, for which he was the local agent [5]
When driving from Three Springs to Carnamah at about 9:30 p.m. on Monday 16 December 1935 his car crashed into a tree stump [5]
He had been lighting a cigarette and while doing so the flame from the match temporarily blinded him, and the car left the road [5]
His car collided with the tree stump head-on and he was thrown forward against the steering well, which shattered on impact [5]
He remained in the vehicle overnight in a semi-conscious state until being discovered at about 9:30 a.m. the next morning [5]
He was found by Charles S. TOWNSEND of Carnamah and a Perth representative of Sydney Atkinson Motors Ltd [5]
They took him to the North Midlands District Hospital in Three Springs, where he was reported to be in a serious condition [5]
He was found to have three broken ribs, lacerations and abrasions to his face, and a lacerated leg [5: 20-Dec-1935]
Discharged from the North Midlands District Hospital in Three Springs and returned to Carnamah on Saturday 4 January 1936 [5]
He was making satisfactory progress towards recovery when he suffered a relapse on Friday 17 January 1936 [5: 10, 24 & 31-Jan-1936]
He was admitted to the Carnamah Private Hospital in a serious condition, where it was found he was suffering with meningitis [5]
Nine days later he passed away at Dr Cecil P. ROSENTHAL's Carnamah Private Hospital at 14 Robertson Street, Carnamah [5]
Father of Ross, Max and Bill [14]
Died from meningitis on 26 January 1936 in Carnamah; buried Winchester Cemetery, Carnamah (Row C, Plot 1) [1]
Scheduled matches of the Carnamah District Cricket Association on 26 January 1936 were abandoned as a mark of respect [5]
Rev. Alfred J. TOOMEY of Three Springs officiated at his funeral, which was undertaken by Henry Parkin & Son of Carnamah [1]
His Elder Smith & Co Ltd agency and its premises in Carnamah were sold from his estate to Frank E. BROADHURST [5: 6-Mar-1936]
His house at 12 Yarra Street in the Carnamah townsite was inherited by his widow Mrs Ivy M. SHERIDAN [3]
From The Moora Herald and Midland Districts Advocate newspaper, Thursday 22 October 1925:
"Mr. W. Sheridan, having recently sold his farm on the Walebing road [in Moora], left for Carnamah by Monday night's express, where he has taken the agency of the W.A. Farmers in that centre."
From The North Midland Times newspaper, Friday 28 September 1934:
Business Change - Laffan's Agency
"Mr. W. B. Sheridan the well-known representative of the Westralian Farmer's Co., Ltd. in the North Midlands districts has purchased the premises and business of Mr. R. Laffan in Macpherson Street, Carnamah, and will in future operate for Elder, Smith & Co. Limited in the Road Board districts of Carnamah, Three Springs and Mingenew. This stock agency will be conducted from the present premises and in conjunction therewith Mr. Sheridan will also handle the agencies of Nicholsons and Co. Ltd., Palatine Insurance Co. and other agencies now held by Mr. Laffan."
From Occurrence Book 1 of the Carnamah Police Station, 26 January 1936:
"Sister Lawton of the Carnamah Private Hospital reported to Const Fiebig at 5:30 a.m. that William Bernard Sheridan passed away at the Hospital at 4:40 a.m. this date, Sheridan died from Meningitis brought about by injuries received in a motor accident about six weeks ago on the main Geraldton Road a short distance south of Three Springs, the Doctor will give a Certificate of Death. Telephone message at 9:15 a.m. to Mr Dougall, Resident Magistrate Geraldton, reporting the death of W. B. Sheridan, and requesting that Mr John Bowman J.P. be appointed Acting Coroner, which request was granted."
From The North Midland Times newspaper, Friday 31 January 1936:
Obituary - The Late Mr. W. B. Sheridan
"The death occurred at 4 a.m. on Sunday, January 26, at the Carnamah Hospital, when Mr. W. B. Sheridan, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. S. S. Sheridan, of Queens Park, Perth, passed away after an illness resulting from injuries received from a motor car accident when his car crashed head-on into a stump on the Carnamah-Three Springs Road on December 16. As a result of injuries received from the accident Mr. Sheridan was an inmate of the Three Springs Hospital for three weeks when he returned to his home at Carnamah. On January 17 he suffered a relapse necessitating his removal to the Carnamah Hospital where he was found to be suffering from meningitis. His untimely demise came as a shock to the residents of the district and the deepest sympathy is felt for his sadly bereaved wife and sons. The deceased, who was 46 years of age, was an old and highly esteemed resident of the Midlands. Born at Walebing, the late Mr. Sheridan was educated at Christian Brothers College, Perth, after which he was engaged as a jackeroo on a station in Yandanooka. He enlisted for the Great War as member of the 10th L.H., being one of the earliest to leave for the front from this State. Returning from the war he followed farming pursuits at Moora. After relinquishing farming operations Mr. Sheridan was engaged as district representative for the North Midlands Farmers Co-op, retaining that position until about 18 months ago, when he purchased Messrs. Elder Smith & Co's. Agency at Carnamah from Mr. R. Laffan, in which business he was engaged in until his death. The late Mr. Sheridan, possessed of a quiet and unassuming manner, was possibly the most well known and popular identity in the Midlands. He was a great sport and until later years took an active part in practically every game. His prowess as an all-round cricketer was above the average. He was a keen rifle shot and in later years became an ardent golfer. He always took a keen interest in the affairs of the district and held many executive positions in various bodies and clubs. He was also a member of the Masonic fraternity. The funeral, which was one of the largest seen in Carnamah, approximately 60 cars forming the procession, took place at the Winchester Cemetery on Monday morning. The Rev. A. J. Toomey, who performed the last rites, conducted a service in the Carnamah Church from where the cortege moved to the cemetery. The chief mourners were Mrs. W. B. Sheridan (wife), Ross, Max and Tom (sons); Mr. and Mrs. S. S. Sheridan, snr., (father and mother) and Mrs Buzzard (sister), of Queens Park; Mrs. Fairclough, snr., (mother-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. T. Fairclough and Mr. and Mrs. W. Fairclough (brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law), of Moora. The pall-bearers were Messrs. J. K. Forrester (Carnamah Road Board), J. C. Haig (Carnamah Masonic Lodge), G. F. Brown (R.S.L.), A. C. Bierman (Cricket Club), I. Johnson (Golf Club) and R. W. Clark (Carnamah Agricultural Society). A representative gathering of returned soldiers were present at the graveside, including, Messrs. J. C. Haig, J. K. Forrester, C. A. Mettam, R. McW. Diamond, W. Bodycoat, R. W. Clark, C. J. Dallimore, E. K. Wells, C. Kroschel, C. Townsend, A. P. Tucker, J. L. Brown, A. S. Heales, E. C. Andrews, M. Clark, T. Young, H. Edwards, G. A. Bradshaw, S. Gooch, W. G. Mulligan, J. Iles, O. S. Sowerby, W. J. Price, W. T. White, J. Burns, W.A.T. Sargent, H. Blazill, C. Ryan, S. Blay, C. Nineham, J. Tully, R. Byrne and J. S. Garland. Others present included Messrs. E. and R. Clark; W. H., N.R. and A. Watson; A. Cowderoy; M. J. Clune; J and D. Bowman; P. K. and N. Haig; R. D. Gell; E. Hellewell; A. J. Mortimer (Midland Railway Co.); W. J. Gaunt; T. Buckingham; R. Shaw; J. McGowan; T. Stayt; M. P. Baker; R. R. Wylie; R. A. Pike; W. H. Moore; W. H. G. Howard; P. Teede; C. Robertson; W. Atkinson; A. S. Timms; A. Gould; E. and F. Bradley; H. H. Chappel; Geo. Raffan; S. E. Broad, H. and T. Parkin; V. Pope; W. M. Carmody; T. Allen; N.Moorhead; B. Wallace; A. A. McGilp; R. Niven; L. McLaren; T. J. and T. Berrigan; W. Davison; I. Wallace; G. John; Geo. and Guy Greenwood; M. J. C. Baker; E. Hunt; B. Evensen; M. Williams; N. McKenzie; J. McLean; J., J. and S. Rowland; E. K. and B. Byrne; H. H. Rhodes; C. M. Caldow; J. G. Russell; B. Thomas; T. K. Bickell; T. Byrne; Sutton; A. Gersch; A. Fitzgerald; F. Poole; G. Clune; Read (2); J. J. Powell; H. Nineham; L. Keamy; T. Jones; J. Tully; L. Ferguson; C. Martyn; H. Dowding; H. Fowler; H. Lee; H. W. Bothe; F. J. Kau; J. McIntosh; J. L. Adams; T. Lawson; C. Turner; E. Chapman; G. Raffan; Mr and Mrs W. G. Jordan; Mr and Mrs S. L. Hidden; Mr and Mrs C. Rowland; Mr and Mrs H. Jones; Mr and Mrs F. Bingham; Mr and Mrs E. K. Wells and Mrs Mayrhofer. Beautiful floral tributes were received from the W.M., Officers and Brethren, Carnamah Lodge, 150 W.A.C.; Comrades of the Yandanooka Sub-Branch R.S.S.I.L.A.; R.S.L. Leage, Carnamah Sub-Branch; Three Springs, Arrino and Yandanooka Sub-Branch R.S. League; Loving Wife and Family; Mr and Mrs G. A. Bradshaw and family; Mr and Mrs W. A. T. Sargent; Mr and Mrs G. Booth and family; Mr and Mrs Stanley L. Hidden; Mr and Mrs L. Ferguson and family; Mr and Mrs J. M. Haig and family; Mr and Mrs W. J. Perthick and family; Mr and Mrs P. W. Hunt; Mr and Mrs T. J. Berrigan and family; Elder, Smith and Co., Ltd.; Dr and Mrs Mayrhofer; Mr and Mrs C. A. Mettam and family; Mr and Mrs Turner and family; Mr and Mrs J. H. Rowland an family; Mr and Mrs Harold Barnett and family; Mr and Mrs A. J. Mortimer and family; Mr J. K. Forrester and Mrs Forrester, snr.; Mr and Mrs W. H. Watson and family; Mr and Mrs E. K. Wells and family; "The Home Farm [Bowman family];" Mr and Mrs I. Johnson and family; Mr and Mrs W. G. Jordan and family; Mr and Mrs R. W. Clark and family; Mr and Mrs Bingham and family; Mr and Mrs A. C. Bierman and family; Mr and Mrs E. Hunt and family; Mr and Mrs A. R. Strutton; Mr and Mrs Morgan and family; Mr and Mrs R. Laffan; Messrs. E. K. Byrne & Sons; Sister Lawton and Dr Rosenthal; W. and F. Atkinson and family; Morrison families; Hollingsworth family; Mrs Sara Maley; Mr R. J. Evens; Messrs. H. Parkin and Son; Chairman, Secretary and Members Three Springs Road Board; Chairman, Secretary and Members, Carnamah Road Board; Carnamah Rifle Club; and Max Wilson."
| Reference: Carnamah Historical Society & Museum and North Midlands Project, 'William Bernard Sheridan' in Biographical Dictionary of Coorow, Carnamah and Three Springs, retrieved 5 December 2024 from www.carnamah.com.au/bio/william-bernard-sheridan [reference list] |
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