Robert Downing (2nd)
DOWNING Rebecca relict of the late Robert Downing, which took place at her residence, the Star Hotel, Tumut, on Wednesday morning last. The late Mrs. Downing was one of the sterling women of her day. Adelong & Tumut Express. September 10, 1920
DOWNING Robert deceased was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Downing, of “Rosebank,” Gilmore, and Star (now Tumut) Hotel. August 16, 1935
DOWNING Thomas J the death took place under very distressing circumstances, the body of deceased having been found by Mr. A. L. Reid, on morning of Tuesday last, and life had then apparently been extinct for some hours. August 19, 1915.
Robert Downing was born 1810 Co.Kerry Ireland,transported on Convict ship " Andromeda 2"
Margaret Quilty was born April 1826 Co.Limerick Ireland,arrived on the "Aliquis" in 1839 with parents Thomas and Ann Quilty and 6 siblings, Robert & Margaret married on 20/03/1843 at Gobarralong.
Robert was 18 years old when he departed Cork Ireland on the transport ship " Andromeda 2 " his brother John aged 19 was also on the ship.
Both had been sentenced for 7 years in the colony for stealing money. They arrived in NSW on 8/12/1830. Robert was assigned to Richard Tress of Appin NSW.
A few years later he entered the employ of Mr Broughton who then owned Bombowlee Run.
Robert was a man of strong physique and determination and was known around the district as " Kerry Bob".
He took up land on the Gilmore, the portion of land then fronting the Gilmore Creek. The aboriginal name being Doolyalah.
In 1848 Robert acquired a run of 6400 acres No. 41 Murrumbidgee Pastoral Area.
In the same year, in partnership with Richard Heavers, he acquired grazing Run No. 62 Murrumbidgee Pastoral Area on the Gilmore Creek.
Robert built the "Killarney" Hotel near the subsequent site of Gilmore railway station and which before it closed was kept by Mrs Rebecca Downing, his daughter-in-law until she purchased The "Star Hotel" Tumut.
In about 1857 he purchased "Riley's" Hotel upper Adelong during the Gold Diggings.
In 1861 Robert in partnership with his brother-in-law, Timothy O'Mara purchased freeholds of 321 & 325 Acres at Rosebank on the Gilmore Creek.
He followed up grazing pursuits & during his lifetime secured broad acres in no less than 5 parishes in the county of Wynyard.
In 1862 he purchased Gadara Estate, which served as a comfortable home for the rest of their life.
Robert took a deep interest in politics and in the days of the hustings platform orations, his stenorian voice would be heard urging the claims of candidatures whose cause he espoused.
Robert Died 13/10/1891 Gadara
Margaret Died 23/7/1905 Gadara
Both are buried in Pioneer Cemetery Tumut.
They left a lineage of Immense proportions, more than half of the people in the district being related in some way.
Three children died young and the remainder introduced the direct descendants of 60 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
Probate on Roberts estate sworn 18th February 1892 at £5726.