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The name Mingay is Aboriginal for “Big Plain”.
Mr. P. J. O'Donnell "was a native of Ireland born in Ashford, county of Limerick, and at the time of his death was 66 years of age. In 1858, in company with his father and brother (Mr. James O'Donnell, of Coolac), he came to Australia, landing in Sydney.
His father and brother (about 10 years his senior) engaged in pastoral pursuits at Campbelltown, with deceased's uncle, Mr. J. Fitzpatrick, then a resident in that locality for many years, whilst Mr. P. J. O'Donnell continued his education for about four years.
At the completion of his studies he was offered the choice of embracing the law profession, or of following pastoral pursuits, with the management of Cucumbla estate, near Cootamundra, then the property of Mr. Fitzpatrick. He accepted the latter, and settled in the Cootamundra district. In 1867 Mr. O'Donnell married Miss Hanley, the daughter of a wealthy landholder at Coolac, and soon after the couple settled down at Mingay station, nine miles from Gundagai which place has been their home over since.
A family of ten was the issue of the marriage, and they all survive except Paddy, the victim of the sad bush fire fatality a few years ago." (The Gundagai Independent and Pastoral, Agricultural and Mining Advocate (NSW : 1898 - 1928) Saturday 10 August 1907 p 2 Article).
Reg at 22 was a Bank Clerk and then enlisted in the AIF.
John Impey’s father in-law was Reg O’Donnell who inherited a sum of money that came from the sale of the family property known as “Mingay”. Reg suggested that MCP use this name for their range of pottery.
Reg O'Donnell was the only child of Mr. Jim O’Donnell, the squire of the station.
In the Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga, NSW) Wed 27 Jan 1943 Page 2 it reads:
’Mlngay,' one of Gundagai’s best known properties, will always be associated with the name of O'Donnell. In the early days this property extended from Cootamundra to within five miles of Gundagai. However, with the passing of time and more settlers taking up land, the station was ultimately brought down to a rather extensive holding In the Coolac portion of the district.
The O'Donnell family were the owners of this station and about 20 years ago. the property was put up to auction, and Mr. Jim O’Donnell, the squire of the station, moved to Sydney to reside.
In 1942: “Diamond Pendant from Grandparents. St. Thomas's, Lewisham, was chosen by Margaret Lilian O'Donnell for her marriage with Mr. John Douglas Impey, on the 21st ult.
The bride is the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Reg. O'Donnell, of ‘Brackley,' Teakle-street, Summer Hill.
Rev. Father J. Leonard officiated. Entering the church on the arm of her father, she wore an afternoon frock of French blue embroidered in crystal beads, and added a toque of velvet flowers in the same tonings, over which was thrown a short blue tuile veil. Her pretty ensemble was enhanced by a diamond pendant, the gift of her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J. P. O'Donnell.
Her bridesmaid was Miss Thora Bridekirk, and Dr. Noel Newman attended the groom, who is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Impey, of Concord.
Afterwards a family reception was held at the bride's home, her mother being assisted by the groom's mother to entertain the guests. Upon leaving for a honeymoon at Port Macquarie, the bride looked very sweet in a white linen frock, appliqued in linen lace with a short matching coat, white gros-grain beret and white accessories.”
MINGAY
The solemn tolling of the R.C. Church bell on Wednesday, just on 1 o'clock, heralded the sad news to Gun dagai residents of the death in Sydney that morning of one of the most striking and well-known personalities in this or any of the southern districts.
During the last week or two it has been known to the friends of Mr. P. J. O'Donnell, the squire of Mingay, that he has been in a dangerous state of health, but few were prepared to hear the news of his death. However, to his medical advisers a few days before his death, it was apparent the end was approaching, and all the members of his family were summoned to Sydney.
Ever since his serious illness at Cootamundra some years ago, when his life was despaired of, Mr. O'Donnell has not been a strong man. The illness that culminated in death only became apparent about a fortnight ago, when Mr. O'Donnell was on a visit to Sydney, and established at his old quarters, the Royal Hotel. Drs Scott-Skirving, Brennan, and Morton were in attendance, but their efforts were unavailing, and the squire of Mingay passed peacefully away at the hotel on Wednesday morning. All the family were with him when the last summons came. Right Rev. Monsignor O'Haran was constantly in attendance, and administered the last rites of the Church. The cause of death was diabetes.
Mr. O'Donnell was a native of Ireland, being born in Ashford, county of Limerick, and at the time of his death was 66 years of age.
In 1858, in company with his father and brother (Mr. James O'Donnell, of Coolac), he came to Australia, landing in Sydney. His father and brother (about 10 years his senior) engaged in pastoral pursuits at Campbelltown, with deceased's uncle, Mr. J. Fitzpatrick, then a resident in that locality for many years, whilst Mr. P. J. O'Donnell continued his education for about four years.
At the completion of his studies he was offered the choice of embracing the law profession, or of following pastoral pursuits .....(Ref- The Gundagai Independent and Pastoral, Agricultural and Mining Advocate (NSW : 1898 - 1928) Saturday 10 August 1907 p 2)