GeniAus' Family Site
Tierney Denis
Abt 1813 - 1894 (~ 81 years)-
Name Tierney Denis Born Abt 1813 ,Roscrea, Tipperary, Ireland 
[1] - Searched NLI - April 1814 to Jan 1816 - not found
Gender Male Emigration 18 Jul 1839 ,Waterford,Waterford,Ireland [2] - per ship China
Emigration 17 Oct 1839 Cape of Good Hope,,Africa [2] Immigration 19 Dec 1839 ,Sydney,NSW,Australia [2, 3, 4] - Brought out by the government. Arrived on the ship 'China'
Occupation 19 Dec 1839 ,,NSW,Australia [5] Carpenter Occupation Abt 1840 ,Wallarobba, NSW,Australia [6, 7] Overseer - engaged by the late John Nowland to
take charge, of a settlement at Walla-
robba, which position he held for three
years.
Residence Abt 1840 ,Dungog,NSW,Australia Residence 17 Sep 1845 ,Williams River, NSW,Australia - Settler
Land Grant 13 Nov 1848 ,Dungog,NSW,Australia [8, 9] Residence 1861 ,Dungog,NSW,Australia [10] Occupation 1867 Mackey Street,Dungog,NSW,Australia [11] Wheelwright Occupation 1872 Mackey Street,Dungog,NSW,Australia [12] Wheelwright Residence 1872 Mackey Street,Dungog,NSW,Australia FACT 19 Aug 1874 Temporary Common,Dungog, NSW,Australia [13] Trustee Crime 30 Sep 1874 ,Dungog,NSW,Australia [14] - Victim - Larceny
FACT 9 Apr 1885 Dungog,NSW,Australia [15] Dangerous Illness Residence 8 May 1890 ,Dungog,NSW,Australia [16] FACT 12 Dec 1891 ,Dungog,NSW,Australia [17] Died 3 Feb 1894 ,Dungog,NSW,Australia [18, 19, 20, 21] Cause: General decay, nephritis, exhaustion. - 12 midnight
Buried 5 Feb 1894 Roman Catholic Cemetery Hanly's Flat,Dungog,NSW,Australia [18, 22, 23] - conducted by J. J. Flynn. Witnesses: Michael Tierney, T J Tate
Obituary 6 Feb 1894 [6] Name Dennis Tierney Occupation Carpenter [24] - Carpenter from Templmore. Emigrant. Employed by Denis Danneen at Dungog on arrival.http://tinyurl.com/l6ltdfb.
Probate 5 Jan 1932 ,,NSW,Australia [25] Notes - Starter to the local racing club.
- 'The tale of the rifle' article about Dennis' shooting prowess. Published in Durham Chronicle
- One of Five adult males of Dungog township.
- Robert Scott lived with Dennis Tierney.
- Engaged by John Nowland to take charge of a settlement at Wallarobba for three years
- Carpenter of Dungog, Informant on death certificate of Charlotte Edwards (3734/1860) [26]
- Denis applies to purchase a portion of Windeyer Street but is refused
- not on NSW census
- Victim of Larceny
- 106. Dennis Tierney, 2 roods, ditto, lot 101. [27]
- Donation of 1.1.0 to Irish relief fund [28]
- DUNGOG BENCH BOOKS
Dungog Bench Books, Copies of Letters Sent 1839/42 on AONSW Reel No. 2679.
Police Office, Dungog. 15th Jan. 1841.
Sir,
In reference to a letter received from the Honourable the Colonial Secretary - dated the 31st ultimo - and put into my hands on the 6 instant.
I do myself the honor to inform you that near the west boundary line of this district there are different sheep and cattle stations on the flats around Wallarrobba, belonging to Mr. Coar - Mr. Nowlan and Mr. Burnett, which appear to be improperly conducted - one, and all of them giving shelter to persons illegally at large, while the inhabitants act as spies on all travelers who pass that way, by affording information to the bushrangers of the movements of drays going to, or returning from market- the contents of which have been previously learnt from the people in charge of them, by these shepherds feeding their flocks close to the high road for that purpose and most distinctly proved from the fact that while the grass is all eaten up close to the high way on both sides, a little further in the bush the pasture seems untouched. The police from this on their late pursuit after the mounted bushmen called at all these stations and found that not one of them had a proper person in charge - and from the conversations they had with the inmates, it was quite apparent, all knew something of the movements of the bushrangers though their statements were contradictory unto when they had seen them at their huts. At Mr. Burnett's station all are convicts together but I believe this to be on the Paterson side of the line.
At Mr. Nowlan's - the two overseers are free - but of suspicious character. One of them named Spicer has, within the last two or three weeks absconded from his service and, it is believed, has taken refuge at William O'Neils - another bad character in this district, and his master has craved a warrant for his / Spicers / apprehension - since Spicer left, one of my constables captured a runaway, from Thomas Caswell of Port Macquarie, at work for Mr. Nowlan, who has been harboured and employed by Spicer for the last three months. A man named Tierney - a sort of carpenter and store keeper to Mr. Nowlan -''who is no better than he should be'' is now in charge of Wallarrobba - and under these two worthies / Spicer and Tierney / four government men have been placed for some time back - the master - and a young lad named Hammersly only occasionally visiting the place. This young man, Hammersly, Mr. Nowlan seems to think well of, but Mr. Chapman, and those who have the opportunity of seeing him oftener, say he is too good natured for such a situation - that he frequently gets drunk, smokes and makes too free with the assigned servants - and even confesses frankly that he was present when the bushrangers visited the station, and that they offered him jewelry as a present. The appearance of Mr. Coar's farm looks anything but prosperous - and no assigned servant can do any good there - in short it is Mr. Chapmans belief - as it is now my own, that hardships had driven Mr. Coar's men to lawless practices - and through these the prisoners on the neighbouring farms have been contaminated. You are aware that it was from this station that the bushrangers who robbed so many places on the 30th Nov. last took their start; and it would appear that Mr. Coar knew long before they made their first sally on the unsuspecting inhabitants that they had frequent meetings near his house, but was afraid to give evidence lest his own improvidence should be exposed. Mr. Coar has three men at present undergoing punishments - viz. James Barber per John Barry in tread mill at Sydney; Thomas Clarkson per Surry, Iron Gang 1 and Thomas Buckingham awaiting trial for receiving stolen goods and I would respectfully recommend that neither of these men be returned to service; and that all assigned men on these different stations be withdrawn they having been great harbourers of runaways from this quarter. It having been reported to me on oath the William O'Neil mentioned above, had exchanged some goods with the bushrangers - after leaving Walker's Inn, on the day in question - I granted warrant and had the house searched by the chief and another constable but nothing described in the warrant was found, though in the course of the investigation, they saw many things that surprised them - and among others nearly one hundred sovereigns, wrapped up in some old rags which the mischief seemed anxious to conceal, even from the family. I think it right to mention to you that among the ticket of leave men who were bailed up at Walkers Inn on the 30th Nov. there was one named John Watson per Recovery - who has been overlooked in the report furnished by Mr. Walker though equally deserving with the others of being deprived of the indulgence and which I now recommend. I am not aware whether any report was made from the Paterson bench of the individuals cooped up at Jones Inn on the same day - but I think it is a duty imperative on me to state that a ticket of leave man in the employ of Mr. Chapman as a stock keeper, and strongly suspected to have piloted the robbers on more than one occasion was bailed up there with the others - and as I myself saw him under ......... curious circumstances, while on my way to the Grange, during the late season of alarm - and his master agreeing with me that his Joseph Heales per ship England, conduct was suspicious and I would be glad to hear of his removal also. An assigned servant of Mr. Chapmans named John Shirley per Surry 1834 - was likewise there and allowed himself to be bailed up with the family of Jones - and as His Excellency the Governor kindly said he will not put the settlers to more inconvenience than is absolutely necessary in withdrawing the culprits from their service I would respectfully include the man Shirley in the list of withdrawals, should the Governor approve.
The proposed sweeping example will have a most astounding and salutary effect in that along with showing that class of people on what footing they stand; and that their own permanent comfort depends on the protection they afford to their employer.
Thomas Cook J.P.
To; John McLean
Principal Superintendent of Convicts. - APPLICATION TO CLOSE AND PUR-
CHASE ROAD.-His Excellency the Governor, with the advice of the Executive Council, is pleased to notify that the FOLLOWING RE- SERVED ROAD, particulars of which may be
ascertained at the Offices of the Local Land Board
mentioned below, where objections must be lodged, if any have been applied for, to be CLOSED and ALIENATED under the 67th clause of the Crown Lands Act of 1884 ; and all persons interested are invited to state, within three months from this date, their objections, if any, to such road being closed. THOS.GARRETT.-Applicant: Denis Tierney. Description: County of Durham, parish of Dungog, town of Dungog. That part of Windeyer-street lying between Mackay and Brown streets. Land Board Office : Maitland. 2004 [29] - A FINE RIFLE GUN was left by me
with Mr. Denis Tierney, of Dungog, on the fifth (5th) day of April, 1848, for the purpose of being Repaired, and the said Gun cannot at present be found, having been lent or mislaid. The above reward will be given to any person who may deliver the said Rifle Gun to me, at Dungog, and no questions asked. [30] - At last there is a stir about erecting a School of Arts. The contract has been let to Mr. Tierney, of Dungog. It is to be hoped it will be worthy of the place and energy of the few who still take an interest [31]
- DUNGOG.
We abridge from a report in the Empire of Saturday the proceedings at a public meet- ing held at the court house, Dungog, on the 6th instant, in aid of the Patriotic Fund. T. Cook, Esq., was moved into the chair.
The meeting was not so fully attended as it would have been had the weather been favourable, but the rain and a rise of the river prevented several expected speakers from being present.
Mr. E. C. Madgwick moved, and Mr. Dennis Tierney seconded, the first resolu- tion, which was carried unanimously as follows :-" That this meeting regards with the highest admiration and gratitude the gallant conduct of our countrymen who have been engaged in the recent naval and military operations in the East." [32] - DUNGOG.
OUR RACES.-Mr. M. Curran's Doctor Jenner took t'.w head prize with ease, although followed by Coquet and Lady Clare very close ; all of which were Doctor Jenner's get. Mr. Curran's Hector also took the Handicap Race. Mr. J. Wood's Cockroach won the Galloway Race, beating the Maid of the Mill and another. The latter walked the course over for the Pony Race. Al! went off quietly, not a drunken person to be seen, nor any disturbance on the course. Mr. D. Tierney had the leg of a valuable horse broken while chasing Doctor Jenner in the handicap race.
Thomas Bennett was prosecuted by the Chief Constable for indecent exposure on the race course,and was sentenced to two mouths' impri-
sonment.
This morning is both cold and frosty. August 8, 1853. [33] - Mr. Dennis Tierney proposed that W. B. Allen. Esq., was a fit and proper person to represent us in the coming Parliament ; and made a few brief remarks in support of his motion. [34]
- After high mass was concluded, the Bishop of Maitland went into financial details, which showed that a debt of £170 remained over the building. That, he remarked, would be almost liquidated before they separated Subscriptions were then commenced, which left the debt de- creased to the small sum of £40, or less To- wards this grand reduction his Lordship gave £10, and £5 as the contribution of the Very Rev. Dr McElroy, the Vicar General of Goulburn Next in amount was the sum of £3 from Mr. Tierney, and a like sum from Mr T Molían. [35]
- It tested the strength of the strongest tenements in the town ; and our new School of Arts, in its unfinished state, had it not been of the most substantial construction, must have been wrecked. Mr Tierney is the contractor for the work-a sufficient guarantee that the work will be executed in a proper manner. The building was not near so muoh injured as was at first apprehended. He is now getting on rapidly with the work ; they are now just finishing the brick-work, and it will soon be roofed in. It will be a very nice building for the purpose when finished.
Fix [36] - Impounded
At Dungog, on the 3rd day of December, 1851 by Mr.
D. Tierney-One black mare, no viable brand, 3 year» old, white star and white snip on none, white on off hind leg, abuut 15 hands high. If not claimed before the 8th of January will be sold [37] - Attended Anti-Transportation Meeting at Dungog [38]
- National School -The examination of the above school took place on the 13th instant, in presence of the patrons, C. L. Brown, Esq., J. P., and Mr. D. Tierney, and a number of the friends of the institution, amongst whom we noticed the Rev. R. Boag, Rev. John Cleaver, Thomas Cook, Esq., J.P., and George Mackay and George Garton, Esqrs. [39]
- Mr DENIS TIERNEY seconded the nomination
These being the only candidates proposed,
The RETURNING OFFICER called upon Captain Watson to address the electors [40] - A LARGE RED BULLOCK, branded MH
on ribs nearside, a blotch brand on rump offside, has taken up with my bullocks lately. The owner can have him by payying the ex- penses ot this notice.
D. TIERNEY.
Dungog, Feb. 23, 1854. [41] - DUNGOG DISTRICT RACES will take
Fix this text
place on Thursday, the 24th, and Friday; 25thAugust. ~
Stewards.
' Mr H Hooke Mr. W. O'Neill
Mr H Jarrett Mr. Rd. Barties. Mr. T. Abbott
Judge- Mr. T Fletcher.
Treasurer.- Mr. S. N. Dark.
Clerk of the Course.-Mr. D. Tierney. [42] - A meeting
of the inhabitants of this district was
held this day at the Court-house, for the pur- pose of expressing their sympathy with the Irish people in their present unprecedented distress, .....
That the thanks of this meeting be given to
Mr. Dennis Tierney for his exertions in
this cause.-Carried. [43]
Person ID I90 GeniAus Family Tree Last Modified 9 Dec 2022
Father Tierney Edward, b. ,,,Ireland , d. Bef 1840 Mother Gleeson Margaret, b. ,,,Ireland , d. Bef 1840 Married Yes, date unknown Family ID F85 Group Sheet | Family Chart
Family Darcy Elizabeth, b. Bef 22 Apr 1816, ,Templemore,Tipperary,Ireland , d. 26 Mar 1858, ,Dungog,NSW,Australia (Age > 41 years) Married 17 Apr 1839 ,Templemore,Tipperary,Ireland [44] Children 1. Tierney Mary, b. 13 Sep 1845, ,Dungog,NSW,Australia , d. 24 Dec 1906, Windsor Hospital,Windsor,NSW,Australia (Age 61 years)2. Tierney Jane Mary, b. 6 Jun 1847, ,Dungog,NSW,Australia , d. 22 Mar 1874, ,Dungog,NSW,Australia (Age 26 years)3. Tierney Eliza Mary, b. 28 Dec 1848, ,Dungog,NSW,Australia , d. 28 May 1873, ,Dungog,NSW,Australia (Age 24 years)4. Tierney John D'arcy, b. 18 Mar 1851, ,Dungog,NSW,Australia , d. 16 Dec 1924, ,Dungog,NSW,Australia (Age 73 years)Last Modified 9 Dec 2022 Family ID F82 Group Sheet | Family Chart
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Event Map 
Born - Abt 1813 - ,Roscrea, Tipperary, Ireland 
Emigration - 18 Jul 1839 - ,Waterford,Waterford,Ireland 
Emigration - 17 Oct 1839 - Cape of Good Hope,,Africa 
Immigration - 19 Dec 1839 - ,Sydney,NSW,Australia 
Occupation - Carpenter - 19 Dec 1839 - ,,NSW,Australia 
Occupation - Overseer - Abt 1840 - ,Wallarobba, NSW,Australia 
Residence - Abt 1840 - ,Dungog,NSW,Australia 
Residence - 17 Sep 1845 - ,Williams River, NSW,Australia Land Grant - 13 Nov 1848 - ,Dungog,NSW,Australia Residence - 1861 - ,Dungog,NSW,Australia 
Occupation - Wheelwright - 1867 - Mackey Street,Dungog,NSW,Australia Occupation - Wheelwright - 1872 - Mackey Street,Dungog,NSW,Australia Residence - 1872 - Mackey Street,Dungog,NSW,Australia 
FACT - Trustee - 19 Aug 1874 - Temporary Common,Dungog, NSW,Australia Crime - 30 Sep 1874 - ,Dungog,NSW,Australia 
FACT - Dangerous Illness - 9 Apr 1885 - Dungog,NSW,Australia Residence - 8 May 1890 - ,Dungog,NSW,Australia FACT - 12 Dec 1891 - ,Dungog,NSW,Australia Died - Cause: General decay, nephritis, exhaustion. - 3 Feb 1894 - ,Dungog,NSW,Australia 
Buried - 5 Feb 1894 - Roman Catholic Cemetery Hanly's Flat,Dungog,NSW,Australia Probate - 5 Jan 1932 - ,,NSW,Australia = Link to Google Earth
-
Documents 
Denis Tierney Obituary
-
Sources - [S2883] Dungog Chronicle : Durham and Gloucester Advertiser (NSW : 1894 - 1954), 6 2 1894.
Death.— It is with deep regret that
we announce the death of one of the
oldest residents of the district, Mr
Denis Tierney.- Deceased was 83
years of age, and had been ailing for
some time past, hisv end being not un-
expected.He was born in Roscrea
Tipperary, in the year 1811, and emi-
grated to this colony ,in 1838, and he
helped to erect Sir William Macleay's
residance, at Rushcutter's Bay during
that year. -He was shortly afterwards
engaged by the late John Nowland to
take charge, of a settlement at Walla-
robba, which position he held for three
years. He came to reside in Dungog
when there: were only a couple , of
housess here; and had been living in the
district for 55 years. He was a car-
penter by trade, aud was the first under-
taker in the district. As a young-man
he was a well known figure in. the dis-
trict, being a great lover of racing, and
all outdoor sport. He held the po-
sition of starter for the local Racing
Club for many years, and generally
had one or two race horses of ther old
stamp, viz. : horses that ran their two
and three miles. He always took a
deep interest in all public matters af-
fecting -the welfare-of the town. He
leaves a son, Mr - John Tierney, of
Dungog, and one daughter, Mrs
Thompson, of Bourke, to mourn their
loss. His funeral took place yesterday
afternoon, and was one of- the largest
ever seen in Dungog. His remains
were interred in the Roman Catholic
portion of the cemetery, the Rev
Father Flynn conducted the burial
service. His death occurred on Satur-
day night last at 12 o'clock. -
Says born 1811 - [S2857] The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842) (, Sat 21 Dec 1839 Page 2 .
From Waterford (Ireland), via the Cape of
Good Hope, same day, having left the former
port the 28th July, and the latter 17th October
the ship China, Captain Phillips, with 264 Go-
vernment Emigrants, under the superintendence
of Christopher O'Brien, Esq., Surgeon R. N.
Passengers, Captain Jobling, of the 104th Regi-
ment, Lady, and three children, from the Cape. - [S2813] SRNSW, TIERNEY Dennis 26 - China 19/12/1839 374 2654 [4/4780].
- [S48] Ancestry.co.uk, State Records Authority of New South Wales; Kingswood New South Wales, Australia; Entitlement certificates of persons on bounty ships; Series: 5314; Reel: 1300.
Name: Dennis Lierney
Birth Year: abt 1813
Age: 26
Gender: Male
Arrival Date: 20 Dec 1839
Vessel Name: China
Origin Location: Lemplemore, County Tipperary, Ireland
Transcription errors for name and place - [S2813] SRNSW.
Engaged by Denis Danheen, Dungog. 52 pounds. 1 year. Rations:with - [S2883] Dungog Chronicle : Durham and Gloucester Advertiser (NSW : 1894 - 1954), 6 2 1894.
Death.— It is with deep regret that
we announce the death of one of the
oldest residents of the district, Mr
Denis Tierney.- Deceased was 83
years of age, and had been ailing for
some time past, hisv end being not un-
expected.He was born in Roscrea
Tipperary, in the year 1811, and emi-
grated to this colony ,in 1838, and he
helped to erect Sir William Macleay's
residance, at Rushcutter's Bay during
that year. -He was shortly afterwards
engaged by the late John Nowland to
take charge, of a settlement at Walla-
robba, which position he held for three
years. He came to reside in Dungog
when there: were only a couple , of
housess here; and had been living in the
district for 55 years. He was a car-
penter by trade, aud was the first under-
taker in the district. As a young-man
he was a well kuown figure in. the dis-
trict, being a great lover of racing, and
all outdoor sport. He held the po-
sition of starter for the local Racing
Club for many years, and generally
had one or two race horses of ther old
stamp, viz. : horses that ran their two
and three miles. He always took a
deep interest in all public matters af-
fecting -the welfare-of the town. He
leaves a son, Mr - John Tierney, of
Dungog, and one daughter, Mrs
Thompson, of Bourke, to mourn their
loss. His funeral took place yesterday
afternoon, and was one of- the largest
ever seen in Dungog. His remains
were interred in the Roman Catholic
portion of the cemetery, the Rev
Father Flynn conducted the burial
service. His death occurred on Satur-
day nightt last at 12 o'clock. - - [S13] WWW, http://www.jenwilletts.com/searchaction.php.
52927 Tierney - - 1840 Wallarobba An Organised Banditti, p.77
Overseer employed by Timothy Nowlan - [S2934] Ancestry.com.au, State Records Authority of New South Wales; Kingswood, NSW, Australia; Archive Reel: 1742; Series: 1216; Description: Copies of Deeds of Grant to Land Alienated by Grant, Lease or Purchase Volume 109 Town Purchases 1848-1849.
Name: Dennis Tierney
Record Type: Land Deeds, Alienated by Grant, Lease or Purchase
Event Date: 13 Nov 1848
Event Place: Dungog, Durham, New South Wales, Australia - [S37] Find my past.
- [S48] Ancestry.co.uk, State Records Authority of New South Wales; Kingswood, New South Wales, Australia; Series: 13846; Roll: 1726.
Name: Denis Tierney
Residence Date: 1861
Residence Place: Dungog, New South Wales, Australia
Purchase Date: 1861
Purchase Place: New South Wales, Australia
Description: Index to Registers of Town Purchases
Series: 13846
Box Number: 8
Roll number: 1726 - [S13] WWW, http://books.google.com/books?id=Wt4NAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA927&dq=dungog+tierney&lr=&cd=1#v=onepage&q=dungog%20tierney&f=false.
- [S14] Rootsweb Australian Records, http://userdb.rootsweb.com/aus/cgi-bin/aus.cgi?main_id=296456&database=Australian%20Records&return_to=http://userdb.rootsweb.com/aus/&submitter_id=.
- [S2959] NSW Government Gazette, Fri 21 Aug 1874 [Issue No.203] Page 2521.
[1770] Colonial Secretary's Office,
Sydney, 19th August, 1874.
NOTICE is hereby given, that a letter has been received
notifying the election, under the Commons Regulation
Act of 1873, of Mr. Denis Tierney as a Trustee of the Temporary
Common at Dungog, vice Aldrich, resigned.
HENRY PARKES. - [S48] Ancestry.co.uk, Ancestry.com. New South Wales, Australia, Police Gazettes, 1854-1930 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. This collection was indexed by Ancestry World Archives Project contributors.
Name: Denis Tierney
Event Place: New South Wales, Australia
Event Type: Theft
Publication Date: 30 Sep 1874
Page #: 273 - [S9] Maitland Mercury, Thursday 9 April 1885.
Very general regret was manifested in this district on hearing that Mr. Tierney, who is employed in the erection of the Public School buildings at Stroud, had been seized with a dangerous illness, for he is one of our oldest inhabitants, and one of the most highly re- spected by all Who know him; and it is pleasing to record that word arrived in Dun-
gog to-day that he is now out of danger, and pine hopes are entertained that he will soon be himself again. - [S48] Ancestry.co.uk, Ancestry.com. New South Wales, Australia, Government Gazettes, 1853-1899 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc. This collection was indexed by Ancestry World Archives Project contributors.
Name: Denis Tierney
Event Date: 8 May 1890
Event Place: Dungog, New South Wales, Australia
Event Type: Other
Page Number: 3630 - [S9] Maitland Mercury, Saturday 12 December 1891.
The influenza epidemic appears to be abating. We hear that all those who have been suffering are now convalescent. Our old friend, Mr. Dennis Tierney, has been very ill, but I am thankful to hear that he is getting better. He is a good man, and one of the oldest residents, and justly esteemed. We will be pleased to- see him moving about again. - [S24] Death Certificate.
- [S2883] Dungog Chronicle : Durham and Gloucester Advertiser (NSW : 1894 - 1954), 23 February 1894 P2.
The Late Mr. D. Tierney.
(BY A DISTANT FRIEND.)
In the death of Mr D. Tierney. re- corded in your issue of the 6th inst., just received, Dungog loses one of its most characteristic members. At once one of the oldest residents and a man of pronounced individuality, the late Mr Tierney commanded much atten- tion on the part of his fellow towns- folk and might be said to have occupied
a privileged position among them. He had for years past the undisputed right to criticise the sayings and doings of all Dungog and district, and dearly did the old gentleman love to exercise this right. Few have escaped his censure, and that pronounced in the most vigorous and explicit terms, but com- ing from Tierney it was always taken calmly, or at least with the best grace possible. For one reason, perhaps, the old man possessed a caustic wit that it was just as well not to provoke, though in nine cases out of tea I honestly believe no harm was meant, and the criticism merely resulted from the very pleasure of exercising his pri- vileges and creating amusement. Many amusing stories might be related of Tierney's onslaughts on those who dif- fered from him in politics or religion, traceable, as we all know, not to any inherent bigotry in the man, but purely and simply to the feeling and dispose- tion just mentioned. It not unfree- quently happened, in fact, that those he "tackled" (to use his own expres- sion) the oftenest, be valued very highly, and never missed an oppor- tunity of rendering them a service. Typically Irish as he was in his appre- ciation of humor, he was none the less so in his warm-heartedness and whole- souled generosity. Tierney's house and property were well known to be parish institutions, available to all, without class or distinction, who chose to make use of them. Everyone un- derstood him, and to understand him was to appreciate him. I venture to say, further, that those he so often "tackled" on Home Rule and kindred topics will feel his loss and miss his familiar figure quite as much as his immediate friends. Nor do I think I exaggerate if I state my conviction that the old man will be missed as much by one and all for his harmless vanity and other little foibles as for his originality, his wit, his candor, and his many other merits. Who will not remember kindly his claims to be an Irishman of uncommon mould, and the only local authority on time and time pieces ? Or who will evev forget the pride with which he exhibited his in- comparable blackthorns, and related their history, as the gifts of distin- tinguished admirers, in one as being the very stick that Daniel O'Connell pointed out with scorn in opening his famous encounter with Biddy Mori- arty ? Above all, what visitor to his domicile will ever lose recollection of the supreme satisfaction it gave him to show his "patriotic art gallery" as he proudly termed it, where hung in state (the room being consecrated thereto) large sized portraits of Grat- tan, Emmett, O'Connell, etc., ranged as he stoutly maintained against all- comers in the true order of their merit? So much for the humorous side of the old man's character. Turning to what was practical in him, he enjoyed the reputation in his younger days of being a skilful tradesman, and one who brought a good deal of ingenuity to bear upon whatever he undercook to do. Of late years, however, he was unequal to the strain of continuous labor, and worked very little at his trade. Like many other of the old pioneers of the district, he may not have been very successful, but per- haps, as it is said of a fellow-country- man, "his heart and hospitality had much to do with that." After all, the measure of a man's success is not al- ways the measure of his worth in this luck-influenced world. But, as a sportsman, few will deny his claims to rank among the very first in the dis- trict in which he spent more than half a century of his existence. In days gone by it might almost be said that horse racing, at least, was impossible without Tierney's guidance and assis- tance. Even to the last he was no mean judge of horsflesh. It was only a couple of years ago that, as he and I were standing together on the Dun- gog course, he tipped the first and se- cond horses as they cantered by, and all have heard him tell how he did the same thing at Randwick on a particular occasion. As a marksman also, he owned few equals in the Williams River district. His William Tell-like performances with the rifle well-known to all Dungogites, how he put a bullet through a bucket of water carried on the head of one man, to that individual's great discomfiture, and broke a bottle by the same means on the stump- protected cranium of another, for I think a five-pound wager. All his actions in those days proclaim him to have been a man of nerve and vigor, and one of a class fast dying out. Nor in milder forms of pastime was he less proficient, being for one thing a draught- player of the very toughest order, as those who have encountered him in a game will readily admit. His exten- sive taste also included a turn for mathematics, at which he was originally n0 mean hand. Well do I remember him putting his "posers" from the old Irish mathematicians to groups of us boys coining home from school, and the strictures passed upon us and our teachers when, as often happened, we were obliged to own ourselves "licked." His talented daughter, Jane, inherited this mathematical bent from him, as well as other intellectual gifts the old man possessed. But like her, and his wife, and other relatives, he has now been laid to rest in Hanley's Flat — that peaceful spot in which he has himself laid so many. Yet he shall not be soon forgotten, and I for one will feel, when I visit Dungog again,
that it possesses for me one charm the less, and one sad memory the more.
- [S37] Find my past, New South Wales Deaths 1788-1945 Transcription.
First name(s)
Dennis
Last name
Tierney
Birth year
-
Death year
1894
Registration year
1894
Age at death
-
Registration district
Dungog
State
New South Wales
Country
Australia
Father's first name(s)
Edward
Mother's first name(s)
Margaret
Registration number
4907
- [S3024] NSW Death Index, NSW Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages, 4907 / 1894 .
TIERNEY DENNIS 4907 / 1894 EDWARD MARGARET DUNGOG - [S53] Jill Patricia Curry.
- [S2825] Headstone.
Inscription : Also/Denis Tierney/Died 2nd Feb 1894/Aged 83 years/R.I.P. - [S2813] SRNSW, http://srwww.records.nsw.gov.au/ebook/list.asp?Page=NRS5313/4_4780/China_19%20Dec%201839/4_478000164.jpg&No=2.
- [S2813] SRNSW, http://api.records.nsw.gov.au/items/199187.
Dennis Tierney - Date of Death 03/02/1894, Granted On 05/01/1932
Item number:
Series 4-178355
Date range:
unknown
Descriptive note:
Dennis Tierney - Date of Death 03/02/1894, Granted On
05/01/1932
Access direction:
359
Availability:
Available - [S12] SAG Primary Record, 04\\020010 Page 14.
- [S9] Maitland Mercury, 31 Jan 1849.
- [S9] Maitland Mercury, 14 October 1846.
- [S9] Maitland Mercury, Saturday 24 March 1888.
- [S9] Maitland Mercury, Wednesday 13 June 1849.
- [S9] Maitland Mercury, Saturday 8 April 1876.
- [S9] Maitland Mercury, 21 March 1855.
- [S9] Maitland Mercury, Wednesday 10 August 1853.
- [S9] Maitland Mercury, Tuesday 22 November 1864.
- [S9] Maitland Mercury, 18 October 1870.
- [S9] Maitland Mercury, Tuesday 7 November 1876.
- [S9] Maitland Mercury, 3 12 1853.
- [S9] Maitland Mercury, 28 September 1850.
- [S9] Maitland Mercury, 29 March 1854.
- [S9] Maitland Mercury, 31 December 1874.
- [S9] Maitland Mercury, 1 March 1854.
- [S9] Maitland Mercury, Wednesday 16 August 1848.
- [S9] Maitland Mercury, Wednesday 30 September 1846.
- [S2876] rootsireland.ie/, http://ifhf.rootsireland.ie/view_detail.php?recordid=1584689&type=mch&recordCentre=tipperarynorth&page=2.
Date of Marriage: 17-Apr-1839
Parish / District: TEMPLEMORE County: Co. Tipperary
Husband Wife
Name: Denis Tierney Elizabeth Darcy
Address: Not Recorded Not Recorded
Denomination: Roman Catholic Roman Catholic
Occupation: Not Recorded Not Recorded
Age:
Status:
Husband's Father Wife's Father
Name: Not Recorded Not Recorded Not Recorded Not Recorded
Address:
Denomination:
Occupation: Not Recorded Not Recorded
Husband's Mother Wife's Mother
Name: Not Recorded Not Recorded Not Recorded Not Recorded
Address:
Denomination:
Occupation:
Witness 1 Witness 2
Name: Richd Laffan Mary Darcy
Address:
Notes:
** Eliza
- [S2883] Dungog Chronicle : Durham and Gloucester Advertiser (NSW : 1894 - 1954), 6 2 1894.