John O’Hair arrived in Geelong aboard Arthur the Great with his young bride, Susanna in 1856 and within a year was the proud father of Mary Ann. He initially worked for Robertson’s at Alvie and when the opportunity arose in 1862, he purchased land from his former employer, William Robertson, at The Warrions which he farmed for the rest of his life.
John was recognised as an honest, upright man and a pillar of his community. Like many of his background and heritage he had strongly held opinions which he was neither afraid nor ashamed to express.
After the untimely and early death of his beloved wife, Susanna, he became the sole parent of his eleven-year-old daughter. Unfortunately, at the age of fifty-one John suddenly became paralysed about a month or two before his death in Geelong Hospital. His concern for, and pride and trust in Mary Ann can be seen in his last will and testament which was made the month before he died. John named her as his executrix along with the Reverend Michael Neylon, as an executor. Mary Ann was left well provided for but an orphan with no immediate family left to mourn the loss of her last remaining parent.
Research by Meryl Ritchie
Story by Norma Bakker

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