James Cotter (abt. 1842 - 1922)

Born about 1842 in Tantangara, New South Wales, Australia

Ancestors

Husband of Elizabeth (Lenane) Cotter — married 13 Jun 1889 in Queanbeyan, New South Wales, Australia

Descendants

Died 8 Feb 1922 at about age 80 in Naas Forest, New South Wales, Australia

Biography

James Cotter was born about 1842 in Tantangara, New South Wales, Australia, son of Garrett Cotter (abt. 1802–1886) and Ann (Russell) Cotter (abt. 1819–1897).

His younger siblings were:

1. Michael Cotter (1844–1929)
2. Anne (Cotter) Edwards (1848–1896)
3. Catherine (Cotter) McNamara (1850–1891)
4. John Cotter (1858–1932)

James (46) married Elizabeth (Lenane) Cotter (46) (born about 1842 in County Clare, Ireland; daughter of William John Lenane and Bridget (Conroy) Lenane) on 13 Jun 1889 in Queanbeyan, New South Wales. ^[1]

Their known children were:

1. Garrett Cotter (1870–1870) .
2. Michael John Cotter (1871–1909) .
3. William Lawrence Cotter (1873–1911) .
4. Ann Easter Cotter (1876–1957) .
5. Bridget Catherine (Cotter) Brown (1878–1958) .
6. Garrett James Cotter (1881–1950) .
7. Joseph Henry Cotter (1889–1973)

James died on 8 Feb 1922 in New South Wales, aged about 79. He was buried in Michelago Cemetery, Michelago, New South Wales.^[2][3]

Mr. James Cotter.

Far and wide throughout Monaro, a most painful shock and profound grief were felt when it became known that one of the old est and most - respected pioneers of the southern tableland had met with a tragic death by lightning-strike, within a short distance of his home on February 8. The deceased was born in Michelago 82 years ago, being a son of the late Garrett Cotter, who came to Australia from the County Cork, just on 100 years ago, and was, as far as is known, the first white man to penetrate the vastnesses in and about the Cotter River (named after him), from which our Federal city is to obtain its water supply.

The deceased lived in the district all his long life, and by his integrity, kind heartedness and absolute staunchness of character could count his friends in hundreds. He loved Australia; he loved his native village; he loved his home, and he loved Ireland: but more than all, and above all, he loved his Church. Mr. Cotter was a member of the church committee, and vice-president of the local branch of the Catholic Federation; and was always active and generous in his support of all religious objects. The 'Catholic Press' was to be found in his home every Friday since its first issue. His devotion to Holy Mass was remarkable: nothing but absolute physical inability ever (during nearly 80 years) could cause him to miss Sunday Mass; of ten he swam the Murrumbidgee. and rode or walked over eight miles of as rough country as any in the State, to come fasting to 11 o'clock Mass in Michelago.

His death removes a most inspiring example of the practical Catholic. Mr. Cotter's wife predeceased him about 10 years, and he leaves three daughters — Sister Mary Gertrude of St. Brigid's Convent, Foxton, New Zealand; Mrs. James Brown, and Miss A. Cotter of Michelago — and two sons — Messrs. Garrett I., and Joseph H., also of this village. His brothers are Messrs. John and Michael, of Michelago, and Henrv of Taree. On February 10 a Requiem Mass for the repose of his soul was celebrated in tho local church by the Rev. Father- M. O'Donoghue. P.P., assisted by the Rev. Father Haydon, of Queanbeyan. The funeral was one of the largest and most representative ever seen in Michelago. Father O'Donoghue. assisted by Father Haydon. officiated at tho grave. — R..I.P.^[4]

James was mentioned on a memorial in Michelago Cemetery, Michelago, Snowy Monaro Regional Council, New South Wales, Australia with a death date of 8 February 1922.^[5] Inscription
Pray for the repose of the Soul of
James Cotter
Son of Garrett and Ann (nee Russell)
Born Bugtown June 1842
Killed by lightening at NAAS Forest 8.2.1922
Beloved husband of Elizabeth (nee Lenane)
Loving Father of Garrett, Michael, William, Annie, Bridget, Garrett J., Mary and Joseph
R.I.P

Sources

1. ↑ Marriage: "Australia, Marriage Index, 1788-1950"
   Australia, Marriage Index, 1788-1950; Lehi, UT; Australia, Marriage Index, 1788-1950; Registration Number: 3336
   Ancestry Record 1780 #4533091 (accessed 3 November 2023)
   James Cotter marriage to Elizabeth Linane in 1869 in Queanbeyan, New South Wales.
2. ↑ *Death Index (NSW Registry of Births Deaths Marriages : accessed 03 Nov 2023), Index entry for COTTER JAMES; Parents: GARRETT and ANN; District: COOMA; ; Registration Number: 846/1922 DOD: 1922
3. ↑ Death: "New South Wales, Australia, Registers of Coroners' Inquests, 1821-1937"
   State Archives NSW; Series: 2766; Item: 3/955; Roll: 343
   Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 1785 #82751 (accessed 3 November 2023)
   James Cotter death about 1922 (age 82) in Forest Michelago.
4. ↑ The Catholic Press Thursday 23 March 1922
5. ↑ Memorial: Find a Grave (has image)
   Find A Grave: Memorial #167765026 (accessed 3 November 2023)
   Memorial page for James Garrett Cotter (Jun 1842-8 Feb 1922), citing Michelago Cemetery, Michelago, Snowy Monaro Regional Council, New South Wales, Australia; Maintained by Cheryl Smith (contributor 48972386).

Acknowledgments

Thanks to Brian Brown for starting this profile. Click the Changes tab for the details of contributions by Brian and others.