Jandowae Centenarian Dies

Mr. J. McNamara Passes

THURSDAY AFTERNOON, April 2, 1942
Mr. James McNamara of Jandowae, whose age was 100 years and seven months died in the Dalby Hospital yesterday morning.

Born in Pitt street, Sydney on August 9th 1841, he was among those who saw the first sod turned for the first railway line to be laid in Sydney.

He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. John McNamara, and accompanied his parents to Brisbane when he was 10 years of age.

Completing his education in Brisbane, he obtained employment at Burrandowan station, in the South Burnett district , after which he took a position as sheep overseer on Auburn station.

At the age of 21 he was married to Miss Mary Fuller of Nanango, and the pair lived in that district for some time.

Mr. McNamara was one of the best horsemen in the district, and rode in the first hurdle race held on the Nanango racecourse. He also rode at the races at Mt. Perry at the time the copper field was being worked there.

He spent a good deal of his younger days droving and shearing at sheds in the Dawson and Burnett districts, and often came into contact with savage blacks.

At age 16 he could shear 100 sheep a day with hand shears. On one occasion he went from Kingaroy to Brisbane with a mob of brumbies. At the time the city of Brisbane had not been surveyed.

Jandowae Selector

Accompanied by his wife, he went to the Jandowae district 55 years ago. He selected land near the township and went in for farming.

Except for deafness, the deceased was in full possession of his faculties shortly before his death. He read his newspaper regularly and corresponded with members of his family, his handwriting being wonderfully steady in spite of his great age.

He had a remarkable memory, and up to a few weeks ago took an active interest in world affairs.

For some years he had resided with his son, Mr. James McNamara, at Jandowae, and it was only three weeks ago he entered the Dalby Hospital.

His wife predeceased him some years ago.

Mr. McNamara's family consisted of 10 children. They are: James, Frank and John (Jandowae), William (Brisbane), Edward (Bell), Charles (Burrandowan), and J. J. McNamara. Mesdames T. Cherry (Jandowae) and G. Fontaine (Cairns). Another daughter, Miss Sabina McNamara predeceased him. There are 24 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

The deceased was buried in the Jandowae cemetery at the side of his wife this morning, the funeral moving from the Roman Catholic Church at 10 o'clock.

The Rev. Father Schuhkraft conducted the last sad rites.