~Bongongo~
Run No. -
Owner: James (2nd) H GRAHAM
John H (2nd) GRAHAM was born in 1854 to parents James (1st) & Jane GRAHAM
4621/1883 James (2nd) H GRAHAM, . married - Miss Susannah BANKS in PARKES
Susannah Died in 1919
Sasannah GRAHAM died in - 25817/1919 Parents EDWARD & MARGARET in COOTAMUNDRA
1. 1897 - James (3rd) H E GRAHAM was born in 36566/1887 parents JAMES H & SUSANNAH in YASS -, Jim Graham was a key benefactor to the Cootamundra Rugby League, and instrumental in bringing coach Phil Regan to that town.
2. 1891 - Herbert.(Bert) S Graham, of 'Riverview', Gobarralong -Herbert S GRAHAM was born in 11446/1891 parents JAMES & SUSANNAH B in COOTAMUNDRA.. -
Bert Graham (1890-1979) - - Herbert Stanley Graham, the older brother of Fred Graham was a grazier at ‘Riverview’ in the Adjungbilly area before moving to Sydney in 1926. He was also a prominent local cricketer.
3. 1893 - Frederick J GRAHAM was born in 11784/1893 parents JAMES & SUSANNAH B in COOTAMUNDRA. - 1942 - Mr. Fred. J. Graham, of "Bongongo Station" Adjungbilly, was re elected chairman of the Gundagai P.P. Board. He has held the position for the fifth consecutive term. .-(Ref- Catholic Weekly (Sydney, NSW : 1942 - 1954) Thu 9 Jul 1942 Page 18 ).
4. Sid Graham, of 'Bongongo'; GRAHAM SIDNEY C was born in 12205/1895 parents JAMES H & SUSANNAH in COOTAMUNDRA
5. and one daughter, Mrs. H. J. Barber, of North Yass. - GRAHAM EVA M was born in 33503/1884 parents JAMES & SUSANNAH in YASS
HISTORY
1940 - Meals For Troops.
The Catholic United Services Auxiliary Hut, behind St. Mary's Basilica, Sydney, is able to provide roast dinners on Tuesdays at present because of generous gifts from Mr. and Mrs.Graham, of "Bradford," Cootamundra, and Mr. and Mrs. Graham, of "Bongongo." Adjungbilly, who have arranged to send one dressed sheep each week for 20 consecutive weeks.
Each sheep provides servings for 50 men and the cooking is done by ex-students of the Marist Convent, Hunter's Hill, and St. Vincent's College. - (Ref- Goulburn Evening Post (NSW : 1940 - 1954) Thu 3 Oct 1940 Page 4 ).
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1942 - Mr. James Graham sr., of "Bongongo," is a patient in the Sacred Heart Hospital, Cootamundra. - (Ref- The Tumut and Adelong Times (NSW : 1864 - 1867; 1899 - 1950) Tue 1 Sep 1942 Page 2 CHIEFLY PERSONAL).
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BATTLE ON THE BIDGEE STOCKMANS CHALLENGE
BONGONGO ANGUS is proud to sponsor the upcoming event “BATTLE ON THE BIDGEE STOCKMAN’S CHALLENGE” which will be on October 10th, 11th and 12th 2014 at Gundagai.
Visit the website www.battleonthebidgee.com for details.
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PASSING OF H.L.GRAHAM (BILL snr)
HL (Bill snr) Graham 16.11.1921-7.1.2012
On the 7th January 2012 the curtain was drawn on the life of H.L.(Bill) Graham (aged 90 years) that brought to an end a large chapter in the history of “Bongongo”, the Adjungbilly area, the Shire of Gundagai and the wider community in agriculture in this country. The tremendous farewell given to Dad at his funeral was momentous and a tribute to the effect he had on all he encountered. His loss deeply felt by mum, his nine children, their partners and thirty four grandchildren plus so many friends that had such fond memories of Dad.
As stated in his eulogy “His contribution to his profession as a grazier was innovative and visionary, building on the foundation of his grandfather and Uncle Fred – Bongongo – in partnership with his brother Bruce, and enjoying the support of close friends such as Gerry Renehan, Bob Bullman and John Scroope. He worked hard to the high standards that he set himself, deeply attached to God’s own country where he liked his cattle black and his sheep white. Dad could be black and white on a few things, and was very clear thinking. And yet when it was time to hand over the reins to the next generation, he achieved that as well, leading from behind and leaving yet another positive legacy for his family.”
The development of the Bongongo herd was testament to his vision of the strengths of Angus cattle being the largest herd in this area for many decades. Dad and Bruce held large on property sales in the 1960’s an innovation that became popular over the last three decades and helped to establish the Angus breed as the predominant breed for future years.
Dad captured the need to keep abreast of developing technologies which saw the early adoption of Artificial Insemination in 1972 and Embryo Transfer in 1980 into the Bongongo Stud.
The purchase of "Boonongo (formerly Boonoke North) near Urana in 1958 " from the Faulkiner family was one of Dad’s great visions. The acquisition of a large merino breeding operation in the Eastern Riverina to supply Bongongo with woolcutters and surplus merino breeders. The development of this property and the sheep flock gave Dad great personal satisfaction. Again early adoption of laparoscopic AI in 1985 plus growing rice crops in the 1990’s to develop the irrigation potential of Boonongo showed the capacity of the man.
He has left the next generations the opportunity of a lifetime with a strong affiliation to be involved with agriculture. The strength of his life and personality will have a profound effect for decades to come. His character has left us with respect for the profession, words of wisdom and dry humour. Comments starting with the phrase “As H.L. (or Bill Graham) would say……” are likely to be heard around cattle sales for some time yet.
Thanks
Dad.
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OTHER BIRTHS named GRAHAM
GRAHAM, WILLIAM ARCHIBALD - 28562/1884 - ARCHIBALD-SUSANNAH-ARMIDALE
GRAHAM, FRANCES - 14107/1900 - ARCHIBALD - SUSANNAH - MARRICKVILLE
GRAHAM, ROBERT L - 23733/1885 - ARCHIBALD- SUSANNAH - WOONONA
GRAHAM, ELIZABETH - 10270/1889 - ARCHIBALD -SUSANNAH - ST LEONARDS
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GRAHAM , MARY A - 29441/1888 - parents EDWARD - SUSANNAH M in WAGGA WAGGGA
GRAHAM, SUSANNAH M - 34931/1890 parents EDWARD & SUSANNAH in WAGGA WAGGA
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The following is an interesting description of the pastoral property of Mr James Graham, 'Bongongo Jim the Stockman' in the 'Independent ' (Gundagai): — This property has a history, but none of that history is so interesting as that connected with the present owner.
About five years ago Mr. Graham took over the property, which contains an area of 7,000 aces. It was looked upon as a God-forsaken part of the world — only fit for blackfellows and dingoes. Overrun with scrub and briars, the people laughed when they heard that Mr. Graham had determined to settle down on 'Bongongo', and endeavor to make it a property worth owning.
But trials and tests of of these kinds prove how much is clear grit and how much is muck in a man, and what Jim Graham — as he is familiarly called has accomplished proves that the analysis gives a return of a plentiful supply of pure grit.
Hundreds of acres of land surrounding the home stead, which were impassable and useless owing to masses of briars, are now good grazing and farming land. Out of the holding of 7,000 acres there have been ringbarked and madocked 6,400 acres; country where it was impossible to see the head of a beast now runs nearly 7,000 sheep and 300 head of cattle Much of this laud cost 15/- per acre to clear, but the owner is satisfied he has done the right thing. So all his neighbours. 'Hang it all,' they say, 'If Graham can make this wild country look so well, surely we can do likewise so they are scrubbing, ringbarking and clearing and the mountain country, which five years ago was thought useless, is now looked upon as a haven of rest for starving stock.
The slopes here have a good depth of soil, and the country is sound as a bell and so formed that even in wet seasons it does not become marshy or swampy. The water supply comes from innumerable mountain streams, which empty into the Adjunbilly, and it is beautifully clear and ever cool.
Mr Graham has since settling at 'Bongongo', erected 43 miles of wire fencing on the run; he has also built a new shearing shed and shearers' quarters, on the most modern plan. The shed been a mile away from the house on the top of a ridge, and this always ensures a get away for storm waters; so that no matter from what quarter rain comes, the sheep yards are always dry.
The shed itself is a substantial building with eight pens, and every necessary convenience, the shoots, races and yards being constructed with a view to comfort and economy of labour. Shearing had been completed a week at the time of our visit and the team was taking away the last load of wool. Over 15 tons were secured from the flock; last year 14 tons were got from almost half the number shorn this season. An example of what can be done by irrigation is to be seen hereabout.
Mr. Graham has constructed a two mile race, and water is brought from the Adjunbilly to a point above the sheep dip. From there it is thrown off in various directions, and wherever it runs the grass is long and green. A paddock containing maize and potatoes is treated by irrigation and the result is at once noticeable; water is also laid on the various paddocks to the sheep dip and from the service reservoir to the house.
The homestead is a big roomy place, the front being hidden by a magnificent flower garden, in which the choicest of roses — when we saw it grew luxuriantly, and in profusion.
Among the horses owned by Mr. Graham is a big, well shaped thoroughbred stallion, 'Mark Twain,' who possesses a strain of the famous Yafctendon blood.
Mark Twain broke down early in his racing career, but it will be remembered he used to show a clean pair of heels to Tarcoola, a Melbourne Cup winner in all his track work. At work outside in his portable shop was Jim Murphy, the peregrinating Gundagai saddler and there is a big demand for his services.- (Ref- Cootamundra Herald (NSW : 1877 - 1954)(about) Previous issue Wednesday 10 December 1902 Page 2).
MRS. SUSSANAH GRAHAM.
The death of Mrs. Sussanah Graham, wife of Mr. James Graham, of "Bongongo Station", Gobarralong, occured at the residence of her son, Mr. J. E. Graham, Bradford, Cootamundra, on the 9th instant, after a short but very painful illness.
The late Mrs Graham, who was in her 59th year, was born at Gunninguldrie, near Lake Cudgellico, in 1860, and was married at Parkes in 1883, to Mr. James Graham.
In 188, she and her husband went to Cootamundra, where Mr Graham carried on a business for several years.
He purchased Bongongo Station about 1896, and about 20 years ago the family removed there.
During those years Bongongo has been noted for the generous and unostentatious hospitality of the deceased lady to many visitors from time to time, and her death will be deeply mourned by a large circle of friends in the Tumut, Yass and Cootamundra, districts, where she was widely known.
The late Mrs. Graham was a fervent Catholic, and during her last illness was frequently visited by Father Costello and the Sisters of Mercy.
Her husband, Mr. James Graham, of 'Bongongo', survives her, and also a family of four sons:-
1. 1897 - James H.. E. Grahame, of 'Bradford', Cootamundra
2. 1891 - Mr. Bert Graham, of 'Riverview', Gobarralong
3. 1893 - Frederick J GRAHAM FREDERICK J was born in 11784/1893 parents JAMES & SUSANNAH B in COOTAMUNDRA. - 1942 - Mr. Fred. J. Graham, of "Bongongo Station", Adjungbilly, was re elected chairman of the Gundagai P.P. Board. He has held the position for the fifth consecutive term. .-(Ref- Catholic Weekly (Sydney, NSW : 1942 - 1954) Thu 9 Jul 1942 Page 18 ).
4. Sid Graham, of 'Bongongo'
5. and one daughter, Mrs. H. J. Barber, of North Yass'
The interment took place in the Catholic cemetery, Cootamundra, the burial ceremonies being conducted by the Rev. Father Costello.— R.I.P. - (Ref-
W G & S M
Bongongo Angus
(02) 6945 3130
And
"Riverview"
Gobarralong NSW 2727
(02) 6945 3156
Fax - 0428 245 208
Bill's Mob Bill - 0418 245 208
Shauna's Mob - Shauna
Directions to Riverview
All Bongongo Bull sales are held on property at “Riverview” Gobarralong via Coolac.
Directions:
From Gundagai head north on the Hume Highway take the left exit from the Hume Highway(to Petit) just south of Coolac and follow the road back under the highway and head along the Gobarralong Road to the Murrumbidgee River (approx 12km) and turn left at Crowes Rd and do not cross the Murrumbidgee River. “Riverview” is 12 km along Crowes Road.
“Riverview” is also accessed from Yass by heading South on the Hume Highway and approximately 6 kms south of Jugiong turn left down the Cooininee Road. Riverview is 13 kms down the Cooininee Road.
- LINK - Web Site - Bill and Shauna Graham.
The heaviest fall of snow since the big fall on August 8, 1899, fell here on Tuesday evening, three inches falling in a few hours. This was quite an unusual thing for this time of the year. During the morning the sun shone out as warm as the hottest day
Mr James Graham, of Bongongo is fitting his shed up with six of the latest improved Wolseley sheep shearing machines. That gentleman is deserving of every credit for the way he has improved the 'Bongongo' holding since he bought it some six years ago. Any body seeing it now could hardly think it was the same place.
Very little mining has been done on the Adjunbilly creek during the winter, the flood water being too hard to battle;watch; but some of the claim holders expect to make up for lost time during the summer months.
Mr G. W. Last, of Fern Hill has just finished lamb marking, with satisfactory results. His maiden ewes marked 80 per cent and his 6 and 8 tooth ewas marked 85% per cent, averaging 83 per cent for the lot.
We have quite an army of rabbit trappers around this quarter. Some of them are making up to £8 per week out of the skins alone.
Mr Kiley, of 'Red Hill', says his ewes are doing remarkably well on his rented country at Narandera. He expects to start them home by the middle of September.
Messrs. Graham, Patrick Kiley (Red Hills), and J. Last (Fernhill) have been, perhaps, the greatest losers in the matter of sheep; still they take their loss philosophically, and hope for better times Mr. Kiley informed me that, although his lambing was fairly good, a great number have since died. "As you drive through the paddocks," said he significantly, "see how many sheep-there are without their lambs." In the course of between a 50 and 60 mile drive I regulary alighted from the - vehicle on many occasions for the purpose of assisting almost dying sheep and lambs to their feet. They all appeared to be perishing from absolute weakness. As a matter of fact, nearly the whole of the southorn districts appear to be suffering the illeffects of the dry Summer and among some, of the greatest sufferers have been the people interested in dairying business.
On the other hand, should the late frosts of August be conspicuous by their absence, the recent rains will have a beneficial effect, for even now a pleasing sight is witnessed in all directions, for the hills and valleys present a verdant hue. The distressing part is, however, that one Severe frost will reduce this delightful appearance to a dirty grey, the young grass will be cut back to the roots. - (Ref- Australian Town and Country Journal (NSW : 1870 - 1907)(about) Previous issue Wednesday 7 August 1907).
Mr Kiley, of 'Red Hill', says his ewes are doing remarkably well on his rented country at Narandera. He expects to start them home by the middle of September.
The Rural
Tumut market breaks the $2000 barrier
By Stephen Burns - April 10, 2015, 1:30pm
Mark Paterson, manager "The Poplars" Tumut for McPhee Properties is pictured with the pen of 34 Shorthorn steers which sold for $850
COWS and calves nudged through the $2000 a head barrier at the 47th annual autumn Tumut store cattle sale.
Pens of heifers with young calves at foot made from $1450 to $2050.
The top price at $2025 was paid for 10 Angus heifers with calves at foot, four to six weeks old, which were offered by longtime vendor Betty Roche, "Arden" Adelong.
Other good sales were recorded by Elaine Mason, 'Jugiong Partnership', Tumorrama who received $1900 for her 14 Angus heifers with 14 Angus calves at foot.
David Graham "Redhill," Adjungbilly sold 30 Angus heifers with calves at foot to a top of $1850.
The Burns family, 'Yaven Pastoral', Adelong sold 12 baldy heifers with four to six week old calves at foot for $1750.
Wayne and Mandy Skein, "Bombowlee," Tumut got $1750 for a pen of 12 black baldy heifers with calves at foot.
Top price in the pregnancy-tested-in-calf (PTIC) section made $1270 for vendor Mrs Mason.
Robert Brennan, 'Eurobin Pastoral', Tumut received $1050 for 12 Shorthorn heifers due to calve July/August and
John Piper "Beaverbrook," Tumut sold seven Hereford heifers to calve to Angus bulls in May/June for $950.
There was a good offering of heavy steers which ranged in price from $980 to $785.
The yarding of heifers made from $450 to $780 with the top priced sold by vendors Tom and Vicki Sutton "Nimbo" Tumut.
The sale was described by selling agents McAlister Saunderson Stubbs Tumut director Rob Stubbs as being "very strong.","There was lots of interest and stock went to widespread areas," Mr Stubbs said. -
This report is submitted in good faith. All endeavours have been made to make all entries authentic and correct. For any corrections and additional valuable information, maps and photos you may have please contact John