Memory Minder

JAMES (Jimmy) McMAHON (1838-1914)was born in County Clare Ireland and migrated to Sydney with his family when he was only nine (9). He started his working life aged 13, assisting a baker who paid seven shillings a week. He was next employed as a carrier for a wine and spirit merchant, acquiring a basic knowledge of the industry.

McMahon launched his own cartage business and several years later contracted for the cartage of copper from the Peak Downs fields.

Returning to Sydney in 1864 he held an exclusive contract with the New South Wales railways, delivering wool to warehouses from the Darling Harbour rail siding.

In 1890 to 1892 McMahon was the first president of the Master Carriers' Association of New South Wales. By 1914 he had 250 teams and 550 horses - said to be the biggest fleet in the southern hemisphere. He reputedly transported 750,000 bales of wool annually.

Jimmy McMahon died on 17 November 1914 at his home in Redfern and after a requiem mass was buried in the Catholic section of Rookwood cemetery.

JAMES (Jimmy) McMAHON (1838-1914)was born in County Clare Ireland and migrated to Sydney with his family when he was only nine (9). He started his working life aged 13, assisting a baker who paid seven shillings a week. He was next employed as a carrier for a wine and spirit merchant, acquiring a basic knowledge of the industry.

McMahon launched his own cartage business and several years later contracted for the cartage of copper from the Peak Downs fields.

Returning to Sydney in 1864 he held an exclusive contract with the New South Wales railways, delivering wool to warehouses from the Darling Harbour rail siding.

In 1890 to 1892 McMahon was the first president of the Master Carriers' Association of New South Wales. By 1914 he had 250 teams and 550 horses - said to be the biggest fleet in the southern hemisphere. He reputedly transported 750,000 bales of wool annually.

Jimmy McMahon died on 17 November 1914 at his home in Redfern and after a requiem mass was buried in the Catholic section of Rookwood cemetery.