Michael Joseph Smith and Mary Josephine O’Mealley (great-grandparents) are the parents of Ileen Bridget Smith, my maternal grandmother.
Mary was born June 20, 1874 in Farrells Flat, South Australia. Her mother was Bridget Larkin (1837-1925) and her father was John O’Mealley (1832-1918).
Michael was born August 23, 1863 in Farrells Flat, South Australia. His father was Michael Smith (1832-1919) and his mother was Mary Maguire (1835-1906).
Michael and Mary married in 1895 in Broken Hill.
Their children were William Ivo (1900-1901), John Patrick (1901-1901), Mary ‘May’ (1903-1996), Charles Francis (1871-1906), Ileen Bridget – my maternal grandmother (1906-1984), Hilda M (1911-1911), and Michael ‘Mick’ Joseph 1914-2009).
In 1911, a prohibition order was granted against Michael Joseph Smith.
According to an article in the Barrier Miner, Michael “…was charged by his father, Michael Smith, with having so used his means as to leave his family exposed to want.” He plead, not guilty.
Michael Smith Snr, “…since the 11th July…by excessive drinking of liquor had wasted his means and was exposing his family to want. The defendant spent his money in drinking and horseracing, there were three other children, the eldest being 8 years old.”
“The defendant said his had been out of work for a fortnight, and had only three shifts pay coming to min, which he had to lay out in liquidating several debts.”
“A prohibition order for 12 months was made out against defendant.”
