Michael Wall was in was born in Knockbrack, County Clare, Ireland in 1844.  He came to Australia with his parents in the sailing ship Ragakapool, landing in Queensland 1852.  In 1856 the family came to Werribee and took up land near to the Black Forest.  Michael married Bridget Toohey of Little River at St Mary’s Church in Geelong in 1873.  They raised a large family.

During his many years in this district, Michael played a prominent part in civic life.  He was a local magistrate and represented the south riding at the Council table for many years.  He was Shire President in 1901-1902.  

Michael was one of the founders of the Wyndham Turf Club, and one of the trustees, and acted as secretary for years. He was a good judge of horses, with The Cothbrack, Nola and others carrying his racing colours to victory.

He took over the Bridge Hotel from Elliot Armstrong in 1880 and this became known as the Racecourse Inn.  When he was unable to renew his lease in 1882 he purchased ‘Ponting’s Paddock’ at the corner of Watton and Station Streets and announced his intention to build a new hotel.  His application was strenuously opposed by locals including Patrick Kelly, who felt that three existing public houses in Werribee were enough.  Michael eventually received his licence and built the Werribee Club Hotel in 1886.  It became known as Wall’s Hotel.  Michael sold his hotel to Denis Canny in 1912 for £10,000 in 1912.

In his later years Michael retired to his property Wyndham Vale.  He died on 2 October, 1913 at a St. Kilda private hospital, where he had been attended to by Dr. Devine, the son of John Devine.  

He is buried at the Werribee Cemetery.  Michael left real estate valued at £9,330 and a personal estate of £8,184 to his widow.

1878 'WYNDHAM AND THE PLAINS.', The Bacchus Marsh Express (Vic. : 1866 - 1918), 10 August, p. 3, viewed 1 August, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article89703180

1880 'WYNDHAM AND THE PLAINS.', The Bacchus Marsh Express (Vic. : 1866 - 1918), 3 January, p. 3, viewed 1 August, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article89687139

1883 'Williamstown Police Court.', Williamstown Chronicle (Vic. : 1856 - 1954), 6 January, p. 2, viewed 1 August, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70007124 1884 'Wyndham Police Court.', Williamstown Chronicle (Vic. : 1856 - 1954), 13 December, p. 2, viewed 1 August, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68596533

1912 'TRANSACTIONS IN PROPERTIES.', Werribee Shire Banner (Vic. : 1911 - 1952), 25 July, p. 3, viewed 1 August, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74821887

1913 'Family Notices.', The Bacchus Marsh Express (Vic. : 1866 - 1918), 18 October, p. 2, viewed 1 August, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article90578762

1913 'Family Notices.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 4 October, p. 11, viewed 1 August, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article7290534

1913 'WERRIBEE.', The Bacchus Marsh Express (Vic. : 1866 - 1918), 18 October, p. 2, viewed 1 August, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article90578756

1942 'GREGORY WALL.', Werribee Shire Banner (Vic. : 1911 - 1952), 5 March, p. 2, viewed 1 August, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74061502