John Molloy (Australian settler) facts for kids

Captain John Molloy (born 5 September 1786 – died 6 October 1867) was an early Irish settler in Western Australia. He was one of the first people to settle in Augusta and later helped settle Busselton.

Early Life and Military Career

John Molloy was likely born in London, England, on 5 September 1786. His father, William Molloy, was a shoemaker. When John turned 21, he received an inheritance from his father.

This money allowed him to join the British Army as an officer in the Rifle Brigade in 1807. He fought in important wars like the Peninsular War and the Napoleonic Wars. He served under the famous leader Duke of Wellington.

In 1815, Molloy fought in the very famous Battle of Waterloo. He was badly wounded there but recovered. He was promoted to captain in 1824.

Moving to Western Australia

In 1829, John Molloy married Georgiana Kennedy. Soon after, they decided to move to Western Australia. They sailed on a ship called the Warrior in October 1829.

They arrived at the Swan River Colony in March 1830. The governor, Governor Stirling, told Molloy that the best land near the Swan River was already taken.

So, Governor Stirling suggested they join other settlers to start a new town. This new settlement would be near Cape Leeuwin. In April, the Molloys and other families, like the Bussells, went with Governor Stirling to explore the area.

After exploring the Blackwood River, Stirling decided to create the new settlement there. It was named Augusta. Captain Molloy was chosen to be the Government Resident and a magistrate for the new town. This meant he was in charge of the government and law there.

Life in Augusta and Busselton

In Augusta, Captain Molloy helped set up the town. He was responsible for giving out land to settlers and planning the town's streets. In 1832, he named many of Augusta's streets and coastal spots. He chose names like York Street and Albany Terrace. These names honored Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany.

In 1839, Molloy moved to Busselton. He started building a large farm called Fair Lawn. This farm was about 12,000 acres (4,856 hectares). It was located in what is now Bovell.

He became Busselton's first magistrate. This job was sometimes difficult. He had to deal with American whalers who visited the area. He also faced challenges in relationships with the local Wardandi Aboriginal people.

Later Life and Family

After his wife, Georgiana, passed away in 1843, John Molloy continued to live in Busselton. He visited England in 1850 and returned to Western Australia in 1852.

He kept working as Busselton's magistrate. He helped manage the arrival of convicts to the colony. In 1859, he was promoted to major and then lieutenant-colonel in the army. However, he sold his commission on the same day. He retired from his role as Government Resident in 1851.

From 1860, he slowly handed over the management of his farm to Richard Gale. John Molloy died on 6 October 1867. He was buried next to his wife.

Molloy's eldest daughter, Sabina, married Matthew Blagden Hale. He later became the first Anglican Bishop of Perth. Another daughter, Flora, married William Locke Brockman.