Pictured: Samuel William Gray, born in 1823, represented the South Coast in NSW Parliament for many years. Credit: The Wollongong City Library and the Illawarra Historical Society.
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Samuel William Gray was a descendent of Irish farmers who went on to live the Australian "aristocratic" dream, representing in government and owning a large Illawarra property, on which lived 150 people including tenants and their families.
Gray was born on January 1, 1823, the only son of James Mackey Gray and Sarah Burton, who travelled with his family to Australia from County Armagh, Northern Ireland, at age 10.
In 1835, James bought 1280 acres, known as Omega Retreat, north of Gerringong. It was a decision that would positively shape the family's future for decades to come.
Samuel was educated in Sydney before travelling to Bendigo for the gold rushes in 1849.
He returned to Kiama and settled down as a farmer, marrying Mary Bray in 1862 and fathering five daughters and two sons.
His name was connected with the establishment of the first public school in Kiama, when he donated £20 to the cause in 1857. The following year he was reported to be building a national school at Omega Retreat.
His political career began in 1859 when he was elected Member for Kiama in the NSW Legislative Assembly. He continued in this role for five years before serving as Illawarra MP for 1874 to 1880.
In 1877 he took over the Omega Retreat following the death of his father, but the educational needs of his children induced him to relocate to Sydney in April the following year.
True to his benevolent spirit, he announced that a grand farewell picnic and ball would be held for the estate's tenants.
The resultant gathering was described by the Mercury as "one of the grandest and most entertaining demonstrations of a private character that has ever taken place in Illawarra".
The Kiama Brass Band was brought in to provide entertainment at the picnic, while guests were "regaled throughout the day at one of the most sumptuous and best arranged affairs of the kind".
"No expense was spared to ensure the picnic was worthy of the occasion and the cup of pleasure of those being entertained filled to overflowing."
The following evening, Omega House was again thrown open to the tenantry for an evening ball.
"The premises was brilliantly lighted, and strains of music cheered the evening hours and still further inspired the already jubilant spirit."
Samuel Gray died from a fit of apoplexy at his Woollahra home on April 19, 1889, aged 66. His remains were brought home by special train, where they were interred beside those of his father at Gerringong Cemetery.
Genealogy tip
A comprehensive list of the Hotels of Illawarra & Shoalhaven (1828-1999, compiled by AP Fleming, Michael Organ and Mick Roberts, is available here.