MICHAEL LANE

MICHAEL LANE

ELLEN MALONEY

During September 1864, the 1807 ton vessel "Great Victoria", under the command of Captain Price, departed Liverpool, England on voyage to Australia. On board were 434 adults, 42 children aged between one and twelve years plus seven infants. The Passenger List included Irish Immigrants comprising 181 and 28 children. The voyage was to take 90 days and the "Great Victoria" arrived in Melbourne at Williamstown in November 1864. Three passengers were to die during the journey.

The Passenger List shows in consecutive order:

Michael Lane, age 23, Bachelor, Occupation - Farmer.

Mary Maloney, age 22, Spinster.

Ellen Maloney, age 20, Spinster.

All were from County Clare, Ireland and arrived on board as unassisted passengers at the same time.

An entry 5 lines down on the shipping manifest is for a Margaret Lane, age 21, Spinster.

Michael Lane, was the first in our direct line to immigrate to Victoria from Co. Clare, Ireland together with his future wife Ellen Maloney (Moloney). He went on to become a very successful farmer in the Western District of Victoria.

Michael Lane was born about. 1838 at Shravokee, Parish of Donass, County Clare, Ireland where his father Thomas Lane, b.1818, was a farmer. His mother was Elizabeth GLEESON of the Glen, Killaloe, Co. Clare, and he had three brothers - Thomas, who stayed on the home farm at Shravokee, James who became a priest and Patrick who also was to have a farm at Shravokee.

The Donass referred to is actually Clonlara, County Clare in the South West of Ireland, just north of Limerick City near the River Shannon. Clonlara was once known as Doonass and many places in the village and surrounds are still called by this name.

Ellen Moloney b. abt.1840, who was also on the "Great Victoria" was the daughter of Michael Moloney, farmer, of Shravokee and Ellen Bolton. She was one of nine children, who included Roderick/Roger (Roddy) Moloney. Michael Moloney died on the 25th April 1875, aged 70 years. Ellen Bolton Moloney died on 21st July 1890, aged 90 years. They are buried at Teample/Teampuill Graveyard, Gilloge, Clonlara, Co. Clare - not far from Shravokee.

. Michael Lane, began farming in the Western District, one or two years after arriving in Victoria, where there were many other Irish emigrants. He commenced farming at Cassady's Bridge and then at Fala Park both near Warrnambool.

On June 1st 1870, Michael Lane, age 29, who was farming at Woodford, married Ellen Moloney, age 26, of Koroit at St. Patrick’s Church, Belfast later known as Port Fairy. The witnesses were Michael Moloney and Bridget Moloney.

Ellen and Michael raised nine children :-

Elizabeth Lane b1872	Michael Lane b22.01.1873	Thomas Lane b1875	Mary Ann Lane b1878	Eleanor Lane b1880	Bridgette Lane b1881	James Lane b1882	Patrick Lane b1884	Margaret Lane b1885
Married
Patrick Wall	Margaret Staunton	Anne Gleeson	Did not marry	Became a nun. Sister Angela	Did not marry	Mary Theresa (Tottie) Willis	Nellie Lynch	Did not marry
Children
Lena Theresa b1899	Patrick b1903	Michael Francis b1906 (Priest)				Michael Stanislaus b1809	Fabian b
Honora Veronica b1899	Michael b1904	Patrick Leo b1908				Mary Ellen (Marie) b1915	Michael Francis b1918
Mary Ann b1900	May b1906	Thomas b1910				James (JIM)	Daniel Vincent (Vince) b1920
Elizabeth Agnes b1902	James b1907	Matthew b1911					Leo (Priest)
John Joseph b1903	Ellen Helena b1908	John Desmond (Priest) b1914
Anne Angela b1904	Thomas Francis (Frank) b1909	Gerald b1916
Bridget Eileen b1905	John b1911	Margaret b1918
Marg. Alphonus b1907	Cyril b1912
Catherine b1908	Rodney b1913
Loretto Francis b1910
Michael Patrick b1911
Bernadette b1913
William Gerrard b1915

Michael Lane died on October 18th 1912. His Death Certificate states he was 74 years of age, a retired farmer, and that his parents were Thomas Lane and Elizabeth Gleeson. It also states that he was born at Shravokee, Ireland. The Informant was Patrick Lane, son, of Koroit. Michael was buried at Tower Hill Cemetery.
Headstone Of Michael & Ellen Lane

His obituary appeared in the Koroit Sentinel and Tower Hill Advocate newspaper on October 19th 1912, as follows:

Michael Lane died at his residence "ERIN VALE", Yangery, on October 18th. He was the son of the late Thomas Lane of Schravokee, Parish of Donass, County Clare.

He had three brothers Patrick, Thomas and James, the latter being a priest - all of whom are dead.

Michael Lane came to the colony of Victoria in 1864 and commenced farming operations a year or two after, first at Cassady's Bridge for a few years and then at Fala Park where he lived for about ten years. Leaving there in 1879 he commenced farming at Thompsons Farm and carried on farming pursuits there for 26 years. In 1905 he left that farm to be carried on by his son Thomas and went to reside at Erin Vale which he purchased from Mr. Taliesen Williams.

He also purchased two other farms at Farnham; one of which is occupied by his son Michael and the other will be occupied by Mr. Thomas Lane after the current harvest.

It was the intention of the deceased's father to settle him on a farm in the old country but like a good many more he was imbued with a desire to try what the new land Australia offered.

He was a staunch adherent of the Roman Catholic Church and was hard working and industrious and by his thrifty habits had succeeded in amassing a goodly share of the world's wealth.

He was elected to Koroit Borough Council in August 1881 and occupied a seat for some years until he retired. Sixteen years later he filled the position for nine years, retiring in August 1906 upon removing from Koroit. In 1910 he was mayor of the Borough.

He was also director of the Koroit Butter Factory for a period of years and he filled the position of Chairman of Directors.

A photograph of Michael Lane appears in the Koroit Council Chambers.

Will of Michael Lane

The details of the Will of Michael Lane dated July 13th, 1910 are as follows:

The executors named in the Will were Michael Lane, Thomas Lane and son- in-law Patrick Wall.

All Real and Personal Property left to his wife Ellen Lane for life and thereafter to:

Michael Lane, Lots 69, 70, 71 and Part 72 on Plan of Subdivision 3869 Part of Farnham, which was at that time occupied by him, and which included a six room house. Plus a share of the residue of the estate.

Thomas Lane, Lots 62, 63 and Part 72 on above plan, was occupied by Catherine Egan, which included a four room house, plus a share of residue of estate, plus 300 Pounds.

Patrick Lane, 100 Pounds, plus share of estate residue, plus one-quarter share of household furniture, plus Factory shares and all cattle and stock.

James Lane, 300 Pounds.

Elizabeth Lane, share of residue of estate.

Mary Ann Lane, one-quarter share of household furniture, plus share of residue of estate.

Margaret Lane, one-quarter share of household furniture, plus share of residue of estate.

Bridget Lane, one-quarter share of household furniture, plus share of residue of estate.

Eleanor Lane, (Sister Angela), One Hundred Pounds, plus share of residue of estate.

Lena Wall, grand daughter, Colonial Bank shares.

To nephews - sons of my brother Thomas Lane, 200 Pounds.

To Priest, Ten Pounds for Masses.

The inventory of assets indicated Real Estate valued at £6910 Pounds and Personal Estate valued at £2070-19s-7d.

Conclusions:

Elizabeth married Patrick Wall of Crossley, who was an executor of the Wills of both Michael and Ellen Lane. Elizabeth was only left an eighth share of the residue of the estate and it is presumed she was provided for elsewhere.

No mention was made of the Fala Park property - refer the Will of Ellen Lane.

James, Bridget, Mary Ann and Margaret were not left anything of substance and perhaps were provided for elsewhere - refer the will of Ellen Lane.

Refer to the Will of Ellen Lane for property left to Patrick Lane.

Ellen Lane died on November 16th, 1921, aged 82, and was also buried at Tower Hill cemetery.

Her obituary appeared in the Koroit Sentinel on November 19th, 1921 as follows:

"Death has removed one of the oldest and respected residents of the Koroit district in the person of Mrs. Ellen Lane widow of the late Michael Lane formerly well known as one of the most progressive farmers of this part of the state.

After an illness extending over 12 months she passed to her eternal reward on Wednesday, November 16th, 1921, bearing her last illness with patience and Christian fortitude.

The late Mrs. Lane and her husband were closely linked with the development and expansion of this part of the Western District and their industry, enterprise and useful life remain as a lasting monument to their memory.

Mr. and Mrs. Lane, and also Mr. John Malone of Koroit were shipmates arriving in Melbourne from County Clare, Ireland, 55 years ago and then coming to settle in this district. Deceased was married at Port Fairy and settled down at Fala Park near Warrnambool. Subsequently the late Mr. Lane leased Thompson’s farm at Koroit where they resided for 28 years and where nearly all the members of the family were born.

Her husband took a prominent part in local matters being one of the early directors of the Koroit Butter Factory and councilor of the borough for many years.

Fifteen years ago the family moved to Williams Farm, Southern Cross, where the late Mr. Lane died nine years ago. Four years later Mrs. Lane and her daughters retired from an active life and returned to Koroit where deceased remained until her death.

The late Mrs. Lane was respected and esteemed throughout the whole of the district and her passing is regretted not only by her old time associates and friends who were best acquainted with her many sterling and womanly qualities but also the younger generations who came into contact with her. She was an exemplary wife and mother, and her family today, who are following in the footsteps of their parents are acquisition to the district.

Strange to say not one of her six brothers came to Australia whilst the five sisters all came and settled in this district.

Her sisters were:

The late Mrs. Margaret Downey. (Koroit)

Mrs. Mary Ryan (Formerly of Hopkins Point)

Mrs. Catherine Hennessy (Crossley)

Mrs. Bridget Quirk (Geelong).

The funeral cortege for Mrs. Lane was one and a half miles long.

Coffin Bearers: Michael, Thomas and James - Sons, P. Wall, Dan and Thomas Lane (Killarney).

Pall Bearers: T.Carroll, P.Carroll, M. McGann, M.Bourke, (Lake Gillear), D.Quirk, M.Moloney, (Illowa), James Lynch, M.Downey. "

Details of the

Will of Ellen Lane

dated March 3rd, 1914

First Codicil, June 6th, 1916. Second Codicil, July 16th, 1920.

Executors: Michael Lane and Thomas Lane - Sons.

Patrick Wall – son-in-law.

Mary Ann, Bridget and Margaret Lane to share the sum of One Thousand Three Hundred Pounds deposited in the Colonial Bank, Koroit, which was money received for land sold to Samuel Smith.

Mary Ann, Bridget and Margaret Lane, whilst unmarried, to have the use of the house and five acres of land adjoining, including the lawn and garden together with the furniture and effects in the house but not including the barns, outbuildings and other sheds. The unmarried daughters to also have one buggy and horse and one cow to be selected by them.

After the death of the three daughters, the five acres of land was to pass to her son Patrick Lane.

Patrick Lane, the unsold Portion of Allotment 34, in the Parish of Yangery. The total allotment was 77 acres, 1 rood and 34 perches.

Nazareth House, Ballarat, the sum of One Hundred Pounds.

Elizabeth Wall, daughter, the sum of Three Hundred Pounds.

James Lane, son, the sum of Seven Hundred Pounds.

Parish Priest, Koroit, the sum of Ten Pounds.

Mary Ann, Bridget and Margaret Lane to receive the remainder of the estate, in equal shares, after the payment of funeral and testamentary expenses.

First Codicil to Will. June 6th, 1916.

As my son Patrick is about to be married and I intend to let him occupy the house where I reside, I hereby revoke the life interest of my daughters in the house and five acres of land, therein mentioned and in lieu thereof I charge the land mentioned in my Will to the said Patrick Lane with the payment of Fifty Two Pounds per annum to my daughters.

As I have already given my son James Lane the sum of Seven hundred pounds I hereby revoke the gift of Seven hundred pounds given to my said son James by my said will.

I revoke the gift of One hundred pounds to Nazareth House and in lieu thereof I give the sum of Fifty pounds to the said Nazareth House.

I give my shares in the Western and Murray Districts Co- operative Bacon Curing Company Limited to my said three daughters.

In all other respects, I confirm my said Will.

Second Codicil to Will. July 16th, 1920.

Whereas in my said First Codicil I revoked the gift in my said will of One hundred pounds to Nazareth House and in lieu thereof I gave the sum of Fifty pounds to the said Nazareth House now I hereby revoke my said gift to Nazareth House aforesaid and in lieu thereof I give to my daughter Sister Angela Joseph or to the Home that she may be in at the time of my death or to Reverend Mother thereof the sum of Fifty Pounds to be paid free of Duty within twelve months after my death.

The Inventory of Assets revealed Real Estate of £4400, being the property at Yangery, and Personal Estate of £994-16s-06d.

Family Chart

Michael Lane married Catherine Moloney, County Clare, Ireland
Thomas Lane married Elizabeth Gleeson, County Clare, Ireland
Michael Lane married Ellen Moloney, Belfast (Port Fairy), Victoria, Australia.
Children of Michael Lane & Ellen Moloney
Elizabeth b1872 m Patrick Wall	Michael b22-01-1873 m Margaret Staunton	Thomas b1875 m Ann Gleeson	Mary Ann b1876 Did not marry	Eleanor b1878 Nun	Bridget b1880 Did not marry	James b1881 m Totty Willis	Patrick b1884 m Nellie Lynch	Margaret b1885 Did not marry
	Children of Michael Lane & Margaret Staunton
Patrick (Paddy) b1903	Michael (Mickey) b1904	Mary Eileen (May) b1906	James (Jimmy) b1907	Ellen Helena (Lena) b1908	Thomas Francis (Frank) b1909	John b1910	Cyril b1911	Rodney (Roddy) B1913
m Bridget Russell	Did not marry	m Tom Jackman	m Sheila Hay	m Ted Irwin	m Verda Brookes	m Nancy Lowry	m Dorothy Benson	m Nonie Comber
Children of Thomas (Frank) Lane & Verda Brookes
Allen	Nil	Nil	Brian	Ronald	Gerald	Susan	Shirley	Ian
Patricia			Francis		Geoffrey	John	Barry	Dennis
Kevin			Joan		Margaret		Pamela	Helen
Phylis					Raymond		Murray
					Neville		Terrence
							Maureen
							Gregory
							Carol
							Mary
							Desmond

If you can add or correct any of this information, please email Ray Lane

rjlane@netspace.net.au

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