Rediscovering Ginninderra:
William McClung (Senior)
Born: 1852; Died: 1929; Married: Margaret Ellen [Sarson]
Residents of the town and district were shocked to learn of the death of Mr. William McClung, which took place suddenly at his late residence, 'Hawthorn',' Murrumbateman, on Tuesday night at 8.30, from heart failure. The end came as a great shock to his family and many friends, as it was quite unexpected. Although he had reached the ripe age of 77 years, he seemed in splendid health and his large family hoped that he would be with them for many years to come. He was in town on Tuesday and had two teeth extracted. His friends who saw him little thought they would lose him so soon. Mr. McClung returned home and after the evening meal he had a bad turn and shortly afterwards passed away.
The deceased gentleman was the elder son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Alexander McClung, of Bungendore, where his father was a miller. He married Miss Sarson, who survives him, 56 years ago, and came to Murrumbateman, where he took up land and spent the rest of his life. The young couple were blessed with a large family, and their thirteen children and one adopted daughter, all survive their father. There are four sons, Aubrey (Hall): Harvey (Murrumbateman), Frank (Gunnedah), Nevill (Sydney), and nine daughters: Mrs. L. McCrae and Mrs. J. Donohue (Murrumbateman). Mrs. A. Dyce (Bega), Mrs. J. Smyth (Croydon), Mrs. Sidney Priddle (Grenfell), Mrs C. Tapkin (Artar-
mon), Miss Leila (Sydney, Miss Eva (Murrumbateman), Miss May (Sydney).
Deceased is also survived by a large number of grandchildren, and an adopted daughter, Mrs. Percy Curry, late of Binalong. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, who had resided with him for many years, Mrs. Sarson, who has reached 97 years of age, and is the oldest resident of the district.
An old resident of the district, the late Mr. McClung was well known and respected. For some years he had the post office at Murrumbateman. Years ago he went in for horse breeding, before sheep became so profitable. He was a great supporter of the P. and A. Association, and one of its oldest members, if not the oldest, at the time of his death. A keen exhibitor, one year he had over 70 entries in the show.
The passing of Mr. McClung is the first break in a large family over a period of 56 years. In fact, we are informed, there have been only two deaths at 'Hawthorn' since the homestead was built many years ago. The funeral took place from Scot's Church, Murrumbateman, to the Murrumbateman cemetery, when the last service was read by Rev. F. W. Gresham. There was a large attendance of relatives and friends. All the family, numbering thirteen, attended the funeral service. (Yass Tribune).
[Grenfell Record and Lachlan District Advertiser, Thursday 14 March 1929, p 4]
