Samuel McCaughey – Revisited

Samuel McGaughey – Revisited


This is the story of Samuel McCaughey, an Irishman who came to Australia in 1856.

Walking from Melbourne to Horsham he commenced his life as a Pastoralist/Squatter, becoming one of the largest and richest land holders in Australia.

He is remembered by his massive achievements in water management in which he created a diversion dam on the Murrumbidgee river, moving the water down normally dry creeks and billabongs into distribution channels which brought the soil to life allowing him to create what was to become a famous sheep stud.

He introduced the Vermont breed of sheep known as wrinklies, however he moved back to the merino strain. His inventions are an be seen in museums and displays across the Riverina.

On each of his pastoral stations he created well-constructed, solid buildings of which many are still being used today. He became a member of the Legislative Council which secured the passage of the Australian Federation Bill and was a great philanthropist making large contributions to many organisations including Schools and Universities. He was knighted in 1905.


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