Rediscovering Ginninderra:
Mr Aubrey William McClung
Born: 1874; Died: 1949; Married: Sarah Grace Webb
[Edited extract from Leon Smith, Memories of Hall. p.12
Aubrey McClung was born at 'Hawthorn', Murrumbateman on 8 August 1874, one of thirteen children born to William McClung senior and his wife Margaret Ellen [Sarson]. 1904 he took over the saddlery business previously conducted in Hall by Harry Stear. Aubrey was very good friends with George Kinlyside, their workplaces being more or less next door to one another in Victoria Street; visits to each other were common. Aubrey was a kindly and friendly man and it was quite a common sight to see people sitting at the door of his shop enjoying a social visit, chatting to him while he worked. That was a privilege enjoyed by old and young members of the community alike. He was held in high esteem for his honesty, friendship and good citizenship.
He was an agent for the London Globe Insurance Company and for Ferguson fruit trees. One venture that he made in partnership with George Kinlyside proved to be rather unsuccessful. They tried cattle dealing, purchasing quite a number of animals. Seasonal conditions and prices not being altogether favourable, they sold their stock and refrained from further buying. Like George, Aubrey drove an early model T Ford.
Aubrey married Sarah Webb on 27 October 1906 and they made their home at Hall in 1907. Aubrey had successfully applied in March 1906 for 'after auction' purchase of a Crown Land block in Hall (Allotment 4, Section 4). The block had been offered for sale at auction fifteen years previously in October 1892
Sarah was born at 'Wildfield', Uriarra in 1876, but prior to her marriage the Webb family moved to 'Fairlight', which become associated with the Webb family for several generations.
On 30 November 1930 Aubrey and Sarah left Hall and moved to Camden to be near their daughter Leta (Mrs Harold Smart). Their departure was a loss to the community, and the saddlery business was not continued. Aubrey worked at his trade in Camden until a short time before his death at the age of 72. Sarah survived him by six years, passing away on 30 January 1955, aged 79.
Extract from Claude Brown 'My early Hall days' (p.17)
Not far away from Shumacks old home Aubrey McClung and his wife (formerly Miss Webb) built a new home. Aubrey was a saddler who set up business in a shop that to-day is just opposite R.H. Brown's store at Hall. Aubrey was a good tradesman and made harness, bridles, saddles, and general leatherwork. He gave every one of us children a schoolbag when we first attended school. Aubrey liked a bit of fun. Once his woodheap was mysteriously disappearing. He put a large cracker in some pieces of cut timber and then left them at his wood heap. Next day one of the neighbours complained about the explosion in his fireplace and advised Aubrey to be careful where he bought his firewood. Mrs. McClung was a very lovely lady and took part in local activities and church work. They had two children, one of whom, Allan, was adopted. McClungs later went to live nearer to Sydney with daughter Leta.
Marriage to Sarah Webb
McClung-Webb . On Saturday evening last, at the local Prebyterian Church, by the Rev. E. S. Hender-son, Sarah Grace, second daughter of Mr. W. Webb, 'Fairlight,' Uriarra, was united in the bonds of matrimony to William Aubrey, oldest son of Mr. W. McClung, Murrumbateman. The wedding was a very quiet one, the guests being confined principally to members of the families of the bride and bridegroom. The bride, who entered the church on the arm of her father, looked charming in a very pretty costume of biscuit-coloured voile, richly trimmed with cream silk lace. She also wore a wreath and veil and carried the usual bridal bouquet. She was attended by Miss McClung, sister of the bridegroom, who wore a.pretty costume of white muslin and black hat trimmed with roses.
Mr. G. J. Webb, brother of the bride, acted as groomsman. After the ceremony, there was a reception at Pooley's Hotel, where en excellent dinner was served. The health of the bride and bridegroom was proposed by Mr. Henderson and responded to by the bridegroom. The Rev. R A. Steel proposed the health of the bridesmaid and groomsman to which the latter responded. Mr. John Gale proposed the toast of the bride and bridegroom's parents, whom he had known as his intimate friends for over half a century. Mrs. McClung responded. The speeches were bright and felicitous and, at their close preparations were made for the departure of the bride and bridegroom on their honeymoon. They were accompanied to the railway station by a large number of relations and took their departure for Sydney amidst a shower of confetti. We wish the young couple every happiness in their future career.
[Qbyn Age, Tuesday 30 Oct 1906, page 2]
William Aubrey McClung – Obituary
The late Mr. William Aubrey McClung, a native of Murrumbateman, who died in the Camden Hospital on May 29, at the age of 74, was a saddler by trade. He was an expert tradesman, and for the major part of his life conducted a saddlery business at Hall. He was the second eldest of a large family of thirteen, and was the brother of Mr. Harvey McClung, of Murrumbateman. His death was the first break in the family circle.
Deceased went to Camden about nine years ago when his daughter, Leta, married Mr. Harold Smart. He set up business in Argyle Street, Camden, and soon became recognised for the quality of his saddlery work. He made many friends, who mourn the passing of a grand old gentleman. Deceased learned his trade with Mr. S. S. Faulconer, of Bungendore. He commenced work at the age of 16. Later he was for two years with Mr. Hyde of Dalgety. He was very proud of the fact that he took his first prize at Yass Show for a hunting saddle, beating his employer.
Besides his brothers and sisters, he leaves a widow, who unfortunately has been confined to a wheel chair for the last eight months; his son, Allan Alexander, of Camden and daughter, Leta, well known in Camden as Mrs. Harold Smart. So great was the bond of love in the family, when their daughter married, her father and mother came to Camden to still be with her; and the son, Allan, an accountant in Sydney, then saw his way clear to transfer his home to Camden. The funeral took place at St. John's Church of England cemetery, Camden.
[Yass Tribune-Courier Thursday 23 June 1949, page 1]
William Aubrey McClung [1874-1949] – Obituary
Late Mr. W. A. McClung
The late Mr. William Aubrey McClung, a native of Murrumbateman, who died in the Camden Hospital on May 29, at the age of 74, was a saddler by trade. He was an expert tradesman, and for the major part of his life conducted a saddlery business at Hall. He was the second eldest of a large family of thirteen, and was the brother of Mr. Harvey McClung, of Murrumbateman. His death was the first break in the family circle.
Deceased went to Camden about nine years ago when his daughter, Leta, married Mr. Harold Smart. He set up business in Argyle Street, Camden, and soon became recognised for the quality of his saddlery work. He made many friends, who mourn the passing of a grand old gentleman. Deceased learned his trade with Mr. S. S. Faulconer, of Bungendore. He commenced work at the age of 16. Later he was for two years with Mr. Hyde of Dalgety. He was very proud of the fact that he took his first prize at Yass Show for a hunting saddle, beating his employer.
Besides his brothers and sisters, he leaves a widow, who unfortunately has been confined to a wheel chair for the last eight months; his son, Allan Alexander, of Camden and daughter, Leta, well known in Camden as Mrs. Harold Smart. So great was the bond of love in the family, when their daughter married, her father and mother came to Camden to still be with her; and the son, Allan, an accountant in Sydney, then saw his way clear to transfer his home to Camden. The funeral took place at St. John's Church of England cemetery, Camden.
[Yass Tribune-Courier Thursday 23 June 1949, page 1]
Details of Aubrey McClung family can be found in the obituary of his father Wiiliam [1929]:
Mr William McClung [1851-1929]
We regret to record the death of Mr William McClung, which occurred at his residence, Murrumbateman, at 8.30 on Tuesday night week, (says Yass Courier) at the age of 77 years. He had been in ill health for a long time, consequent upon an over exertion at the bush fires which occurred over a year ago, but latterly he seemed to be in better health. He was present at the Yass Show the previous week, and was in town on Tuesday (the day of his death). The cause of death was heart failure. Coming suddenly as it did it was a severe shock to Mrs. McClung and those of the family who were at home including Mrs. McClung's mother, who is 96 years old. The late Mr. McClung was a native of Bombala. Fifty years ago he went to Murrumbateman, and ever since has been a grazier there.
He leaves a family of thirteen, all of whom are living. They are : Mrs. McCrea, Murrumbateman; William Aubrey McClung, Hall; Mrs. Donohue, Murrumbateman; Mrs. Dyce (wife of the Inspector of Police at Bega, and recently of Gundagai) ; Mrs. Smythe, Croydon; Alexander Harvey McClung, Murrumbateman ; Nurse May McClung, Sydney; Mrs. Priddle, Grenfell; Miss Eva McClung, Murrumbateman; Frank Faulkner McClung, Gunnedah; Miss Leila McClung, Sydney; Neville Murray McClung, Chatswood; Mrs. Tapken, North Sydney. The golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. McClung was celebrated about two years ago.
The late Mr. McClung took a great interest in shows. He was a breeder of high class horses, cattle, sheep, and poultry, and won many prizes. He was also judge at various shows. He was the owner of the once famous Clyesdale stallion 'Scotland's Glory'; he also owned the well-known pony 'Rex', and other good ponies. The late Mr. McClung was one of the best known residents of the district and also one of the most influential He was trusted by everyone, and his advice on any subject was well worth following. Thoughout his life he maintained a reputation for honesty and fair dealing, and held the esteem and respect of all who at any time made his acquaintance.
His death is a matter for sincere regret. Mrs. McClung and her family are deeply sympathised with in their sad bereavement, and the village of Murrumbateman must feel that one of its guiding lights have been extinguished through Mr. McClung's decease. The remains were interred in the Presbyterian cemetery, Murrumbateman, and gathered round the graveside were deceased's widow and 13 children.
Related Photos
References
Claude Brown, My early Hall days. Hall School Museum and Heritage Centre, 2020
Leon Smith, Memories of Hall. Roebuck, Canberra, 1975
Claire Lewis, On the back of two sheep Pub'd Merrilee Webb, Canberra, 2012 [on the Webb family]
Dorothy Mulholland, Far away days (A history of the Murrumbateman, Jeir and Nanima Districts). Murrumbateman Old School Grounds Cttee, 1995 [on the McClungs of Murrumbateman]