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Note: Properties Nyngan area with brothers, split up 1923, also Orange & Megalong. Paddy dressed up one Sat morn, to get married. His mother tried to stop him. Born Kilmore 1868 PATRICK WARD. - An Appreciation. (There's more in son Mick's story.) Many friends will mourn the death of Mr Patrick Ward, who died at Orange on May 18th, 1939. He was a picturesque character, with a genial, amiable nature which endeared him to a host of friends, and many practical acts of friendship - and the holding out of a helping hand to those who needed it - will keep his memory green for a long time to come. A sportsman to the finger-tips, he was no mean athlete in his younger days, and was a top-notch footrunner in the days when that branch of sport was booming. Many a handicap he and his brothers won at country sports meetings, while in such equestrian events as flag races, tilting the ring, etc., he won many prizes. But it was perhaps in the racing sphere that he was best known. Not only a good rough rider, he was an accomplished amateur horseman on the racecourse and few could outride him in a tight finish, for he was a rare judge of pace and in numerous races he won, many a victory was snatched right on the post. It was mostly his own horses he rode and one notable triumph was his victorious ride on Miss Benah in Nyngan in 1911, when that mare beat Bas Blen in a match for a 100 pounds aside after a great race. Miss Benah was trained and raced by Mr WM Finn, a friend for over 50 years, was a constant visitor in Mr Ward's last illness and was present at the grave-side. Another good performance was winning the Coonamble Amateur Turf Club 100 pound Cup on his own horse, Goodstep, after a thrilling finish. RODE FIVE WINNERS. On yet another occasion, at Beadlebar Picnic races, near Nyngan, he rode the winners of all five races on the programme, as well as being astride the winner of a match for a side-wager between races. These are but a few of his many sporting exploits, though it may be added that he rode his last winner, Mullaley, at Warren in or about 1920, Mr Ward then being 50 years of age. As a family man, he showed all that was best in him. He married the eldest daughter of the late Mr Robert Leighton and Mrs Leighton (who now resides at Newcastle). A model husband, he and his wife were devotedly attached to each other and were seldom seen apart when away from home. Indeed, Mrs Ward was closely concerned in his business activities and they were associated in very many acts of a charitable or benevolent nature. Any district in which they lived soon learned to appreciate their generosity and now the most profound sympathy is felt for Mrs Ward and family. By his daughters and sons, he was idolised. Between them, as with his wife, existed that spirit of camaraderie which is always grand to behold. Their loss is indeed severe and the family is receiving shoals of messages of condolence by every mail from many places, near and far. As a public man, he did not seek publicity, preferring to do his part in a modest, but nonetheless effective way. He supported practically every public movement. He was a life member of the Nyngan P & A Association and Nyngan Jockey Club, an honour conferred for signal services rendered and the association was represented by a wreath at the graveside. Another wreath among the many sent, was from the Condobolin Jockey Club and Picnic Race Club, both of which he was a member for many years. In his own business, he was a competent judge of wool and sheep, as well as cattle and horses and many prizes were won by his exhibits as adjacent shops...? Was there more? OBITUARY. Mr Patrick Ward. The death occurred at a private hospital at Orange on Thursday, May 18th, of Mr Patrick Ward of Melrose Plains Station, Tullamore, at the age of 70 years. Deceased had not enjoyed good health, suffering from heart trouble and he had been an inmate of the hospital for about a month before his death. The late Mr Ward, who was born at Kilmore in Victoria, came to this State with his parents at the age of ten. For some years his parents lived at Deniliquin. Deceased went to live at Wilcannia for a time, but about fifty years ago he settled in Nyngan. Some 15 years ago, he purchased Melrose Plains. It was in connection with racing that the late Mr Ward was best known and in his young days, he was one of the finest amateur horsemen in the West. He rode his last winner at the age of 54 years when he won on Mullalie at Nyngan. Was there more obituary? PADDY WARD compiled by Tony Ward. Paddy Ward, my grandfather passed away before I was born. I would have liked to have known him. As a matter of fact, all my grandparents had passed away before I was born; only one great grandmother, Jane Leighton (nee Pitt) was alive, born 20/7/1851, died 23/5/1950, nearly 99. This file is an attempt to record all the stories and information about Paddy Ward, including anecdotes from people who knew him. Everyone has said he was a very kindly, gentle man, his only failing may have been that he was a little too soft with people, not a bad failing. However, this gentleness was not evident in race riding, where he rode many winners to the age of 54, excelling in tight finishes. There is a photo of him posing on a racehorse, Miss Benah, it looked like a favourite of Paddy's, the way he was proudly sitting there. Paddy was born on 26 Sepember 1868 at Pyalong, Victoria, the fifth child of eight to Michael Ward and Anne (nee Ryan). The Ryans were a large family proliferating in the Dookie area. Both Michael and Anne came from Ireland; Michael in 1857 on the "Crimea" from Limerick and Anne from Tipperery. Michael and Anne met in Australia and married on 4th April 1861 in Melbourne where they lived for a short time. The Ward clan arrived in Nyngan in 1888 with all the family after a time in Deniliquin and Wentworth. The Wards were the original settlers on "Green Camp" - selected in 1885. Michael Ward was one of the earliest people buried in Nyngan Cemetery. He died 9th Dec 1891, quite young (aged 55) from pneumonia and was buried 11th Dec 1891. Anne died 12th Dec 1902, aged 64, at Katoomba and buried at Nyngan on 15th Dec 1902. In Anne's obituary, her sons were listed as John - "Beetree", Michael - Katoomba, Paddy - "Green Camp", William - Euralla near Katoomba. Omitted were Tom - "Green Camp" and two daughters, Margaret and Norah. Paddy with two of his brothers, John and Tom, acquired properties. There was "Delta", "Beetree", "Redlands" Miandetta, as well as "Green Camp". They had properties in the Megalong Valley also. Paddy owned "Berrilee" on the Pinnacle Road near Orange. There are stories of droving stock from Nyngan to the Megalong Valley. The homestead, "Euroka" in the Megalong Valley, now a resort, was built from timber cut from "Green Camp". William Edmund Ward (Dad's first cousin) was killed off a tractor in 1960 in the Megalong Valley, aged 49, so some Wards presumably had country there at least up until 1960. Originally four of the five Ward brothers had to build a house on the land that the Wards originally selected, later known as "Green Camp", to hold the country according to the title. As there were four blocks in four names, that meant four houses, so one house was built on the intersection of the four blocks, satisfying the criteria. I suppose they could have all lived on their respective properties! The brother's partnership was finally dissolved in 1923, when Paddy sold his share in "Green Camp". John went onto "Delta", the others had taken their share. Tom remained owner of what was left of "Green Camp", until his death on 11th Jan 1960. The property was left to all his nieces and nephews equally, as he was a bachelor. Bill Ward, Tom's brother Michael's son, was running "Green Camp". He and Mick Ward (Paddy's eldest son) were the executors. The beneficiaries decided to sell "Green Camp", although Bert had offered to manage the property. So "Green Camp" was sold not long before the water channel from the Macquarie to the Bogan was completed as a result of Burrendong Dam being constructed. The property was auctioned at the Town Hall in Nyngan on Friday, 3rd March 1961. Described as a 10,706 acres Freehold (Old System Title), of choice mixed grazing property; wool, fat lambs, vealers. Under instruction from the executors of the Estate of the late T M Ward. Homestead block of 5,126 acres and Block 2 of 5,580 acres. Situated about 8 miles North-east of Nyngan on the Back Warren Road, 30 miles from Nevertire, 36 miles from Warren. Road expected to be sealed in 1961; rural power lines being constucted to within half a mile of the homestead; country principally open black-soil plains with small areas of red country, ensuring adequate catchment ground. Grows the best of grasses and herbages. Natural timbers Myall and Leopardwood, with Wilga, Supplejack, Box and a quantity of millable Pine. Carrying capacity regarded as 4,000 breeding ewes and some cattle. Watered adequately and permanently by three miles frontage to Gunningbar Creek, which has not been dry since 1950 owing to the Diversion Channel supplying Nyngan Township, and will be kept full when the Burrendong Dam is completed. Rainfall 16 inches. "Green Camp has been held by the Ward family since selection in 1885. Paddy was on "Green Camp" until he sold his share in Feb 1923. The house on "Greencamp" burnt down about 1920 or earlier. Aunty Sylvia Thompson (nee Ward) remembered coming home from her first day at school to find the house burnt down, then the family moved to "Beetree". There is an old grave on "Beetree" believed to be of Leslie Ward, the infant son of Paddy and Liz. Leslie was born in October 1916 and died in 1916, and being buried at "Beetree", it is very likely that they were living there at that time. That puts the fire date fairly close to that date on Aunty Sylvia's reckoning. Contrary to that burial spot, Aunty Sylvia says she remembers Leslie was buried beside Grandfather Michael's grave in Nyngan cemetery. We still have to check on the Beetree grave. After selling his assets at Nyngan, Paddy and family moved to the Tullamore district where he bought "Melrose Plains", a 72,000 acre property, made up of about 25,000 acres of freehold and the rest lease country. The leases ran out in 1931. The Touts, coming from the Young district and once owning Ungarie Station, were the first to improve this country buying Melrose Plains in 1875. There was a post office/agency there called Toutville. The Touts built a huge house in 1904, after the old house burnt in February 1904 in a drought. The magnificent new homestead had 15 or 16 foot high ceilings and the hall is striking, about 10 foot wide and the timber is beautiful dressed cypress, sawn on the property. The building is unfortunately vacant at the moment. It is owned by Des Ward, Fred's son, who bought it from Frank Ward. Nobody has lived there since Frank and Jane moved out. The Touts also built a very large woolshed. Ducky Clements, of Tullamore, made a model of the shed, which he has exhibited at Shows with his shearing memorabilia. Picnic races and balls were held at Melrose Plains in the Tout's heyday and family weddings were very lavish, marrying in the hall and feasting in the huge dining room. Australia was founded with sheep and wool. Horses were extremely important. Horse-racing became a natural sport. The Wards had a great love of horse racing and bred and trained them. Paddy was a very good rough-rider and jockey and won many races up to the grand age of 54, when he rode his last winner. He was also a good sportsman and footrunner. According to Paddy, when quite young, the Ward children (Paddy and his siblings) were visited by bushrangers (apparently when the adults were away). The bushrangers wanted fast racehorses to outrun the law. Paddy used to joke that he had to get the horses for them, as he was the only one with boots. Paddy married on 21/2/1898 to Elizabeth Leighton, the eldest daughter of Nyngan Publican, Robert Leighton and Jane (nee Pitt). Robert, who had tried his hand at a few things and moved around quite a bit, was one of the first Mayors of Nyngan. Jane often stated that she descended from William Pitt, the Elder, Prime Minister of England. There are also three convicts on Jane's mother's side, James Wilbow, Mary Martin and Elizabeth Mitchell. The story goes that Paddy got all dressed up one Saturday morning, and when asked by his mother where he was going, announced that he was going into town to marry Elizabeth. His mother was not impressed as she tried to stop him and sent for one of his brothers, who was working down the paddock, to help stop him. The reason for her disapproval may have been that Elizabeth was not Catholic at the time. The marriage proceeded without Mrs Ward's blessing, obviously not invited and Elizabeth later became a staunch Catholic. Things must have settled down, as Paddy and Elizabeth stayed at Nyngan and were on "Green Camp" and "Beetree" from 1908 until 1923 after living near Green Camp after they married. Anne Ward (Paddy's mother) died in 1902. Paddy and Elizabeth reared 8 children. The eight children all married - Mick m. Nell Looney in 1928, Vera m. Herbert Devlin in 1925, Cath m. Harold Stuckey in 1934, Frank m. Jane McCumstie in 1935, Sylvia m. Jim Thompson in 1936, Bert m. Doris Clements in 1940, Ethel m. Arthur McCumstie in 1936 and Fred m. Sheila McMahon in 1944. Grandchildren are scattered far and wide and at last count there was exactly 100 living great-grandchildren of Paddy and Elizabeth Ward and a growing number of great, great grandchildren. Some of the original Melrose Plains is still in Ward name with Des and myself. There seems to be a predominance of Ward boys born, so there is still a lot of Wards about. One of my teachers in Sydney, who had previously taught at Red Bend Forbes, told the whole class one day that Wards bred like rabbits up around Forbes! Paddy Ward died in Orange on 18th May 1939, aged 70, after heart problems and Elizabeth died on 20th October 1947 in Sydney, aged 70. They are both buried at Orange. From Aunty Sylvia 8/7/99 : Paddy Ward was the only Ward interested in horse racing when young. His mother was fairly tough, although she did a good job rearing the family after Michael (her husband) died quite young of pneumonia. Paddy would hide some good clothes or suit in a log down the paddock, get dressed there, meet a few mates and go to the races without his mother's knowledge. One time he was a bit late getting back and galloped the horse home. The horse was a lather of sweat when he got back and his mother came out and put her hand on the horse and the game was up. (Paddy used to court Liz the same way according to my sister, Lynne). Aunty Sylvia remembers her mother holding the baby (Leslie) the day the Green Camp house burnt down. As the house started to burn, the men were down at the sheepyards, so Elizabeth couldn't get them because she had the baby in her arms. They were never told why the baby died; it was hushed up. Aunty Sylvia remembers the baby, Leslie, being buried in an unmarked grave beside Michael and Ann Ward in the Nyngan cemetery. PADDY WARD by Lynne Walsh (nee Ward). Patrick (Paddy) Ward was the third child of Michael Ward and Anne (Ryan). Born in Kilmore in Victoria in 1868. Others in the family were born at Nagambie. The oldest boys moved north to select land and the family gradually followed to Nyngan where they selected four blocks, later called Green Camp in 1885 or 1887 (in the late 80's). To hold these blocks, the conditions were that they had to be lived on, thus a house was built with a corner on each block. On the 9th December 1891, Michael Snr. died in Nyngan aged 55 and the five sons and two daughters were left to continue the businesses with their mother. In 1898, Paddy married Elizabeth Leighton and lived in a small house on the Ward property over the Old Warren Road from Green Camp house. After Anne's death on 12th December 1902 in Katoomba and buried in Nyngan, two brother's, Michael and William sold their share of land and with their families moved to Katoomba leaving John, Paddy and Tom to continue the Ward Bros. partnership. Paddy and family moved to Green Camp house with Tom. Nora lived in Nyngan. Other land was purchased - Delta, Red Lands, Beetree.... Paddy and Elizabeth's children were all born in Nyngan, except for Frank and Ethel who were born in Blackheath as the family had a few months holiday in the summer to get away from the heat. The children went to the Convent School in Nyngan and Cath was one of the first boarders at the Convent. In 1920, the Green Camp house was burnt down where Paddy and family were living. They moved to a two-story house at Beetree, where John had a wool scouring plant. In 1923, Paddy sold his share of Green Camp, 10,000 acres, to McLaughlins, which is a large portion of Whitewood. He bought Melrose Plains between Condobolin and Tullamore, which was 10 square miles (64,000 acres) of freehold and leasehold country. The family moved to Melrose Plains in 1924, driving the sheep by road the 100 miles. The large weatherboard homestead had 16 foot ceilings in Federation style, beautiful wide hall with cellar and underground rain water tank. It had been built from timber cut and sawn on the property by previous owners (Touts). A mail delivery by sulky terminated at Melrose in the early days and mailmen stayed overnight to serve the settlers in the district. e.g. small letter box. Some of the children had finished school but Bert and Ethel went to Red Bend in Forbes and Sylvia to boarding school in Sydney. Ethel followed on to Sydney later. Paddy was well known for his love of horse racing and was very successful as an amateur jockey in the West. He had a gentle nature, was a good citizen helping a lot of people in trouble. The family were very hospitable and often had large gatherings for meals. The following poem was written by Father Gallagher, who had convalesced at Melrose Plains for many weeks in 1924. --- In 1930, the lease country expired and Melrose Plains then consisted of about 20,000 acres. Bad times were experienced in 1930's and during 2nd WW, but after the war and during the 50's prosperity came to the land - wool. The eight children all married - Mick m. Nell Looney in 1928, Vera m. Herbert Devlin in 1925, Cath m. Harold Stuckey in 1934, Frank m. Jane McCumstie in 1935, Sylvia m. Jim Thompson in 1936, Bert m. Doris Clements in 1940, Ethel m. Arthur McCumstie in 1936 and Fred m. Sheila McMahon in 1944. All settled in the Condobolin/Tullamore area, therefore children all grew up together with lots of picnics and get-togethers in school holidays. Paddy died in Orange on 18th May 1939 and his estate continued until about 1950, when Frank, Bert and Fred divided the property. Mick, the eldest son, had moved to his own property, Moorefield. Elizabeth died on 20th October 1947 in Sydney and was buried in Orange. Later on, Frank sold his land to Fred and son Des of Berrilee and after Bert's death in 1975, his youngest son Tony, carries on the property Flemington.
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