The Cronin income was mostly from sheep, which were hardy types and numbered about 500.
Because there was no fencing in the 1870-80's they were shepherded in the open country and the shepherds had to be alert for patches of poison as they moved about. Sheep grazing poison could suffer heavy losses and there was quite a bit about in small areas thoughout the bush.
While the family did some of the shepherding, their time was mostly taken up with other tasks.
It was mostly done by Aboriginals who were good men and very trustworthy.
Freddy Moses was one such pure Aboriginal character who was remembered with amusement in later years for his selective deafness. He could hear calls for a cup of tea, but not for work.
There was no rail to Katanning at that time and twice a year Mick, accompanied by a couple of the older children and various helpers, hitched up the horses in the wagon and journeyed to Albany to purchase goods.
"Glencoe" or 'Glen Cove' at that time, was a general meeting place for the district.”
At one time he took up 20,000 acres as a pastoral run and on which he grazed sheep.
He also did considerable business in sandalwood.
Mr Cronin was one of the first to find his way across country to Coolgardie, with the object of opening up a route from the Great Southern to the fields.
It was, however, not used, as the Government rushed the railway through smartly.
These were amongst his earlier experiences, but otherwise he lived at and loved his old “Glen Cove" home.
He was appointed a Justice of the Peace for the Katanning district, by the Dagliesh Government.
For ten years he served the ratepayers as a member of the Katanning road board, and was one of the first movers in agitation to secure a local government for the district.
He was a valued member of the Katanning A. and P. Society and a foundation member of the Katanning Race Club.
Mr Cronin would have been 89 had he lived till September next, and his father lived to the age of 90.
Until a few years back Mr Cronin was quite active, and until recently preserved his well-known wit.
Latterly, however, he had been confined to his bed, and at the finish just faded out.
Mr Michael Cronin sadly passed away in 1931, and the district lost one of the very early pioneers.
He was one of those nature's gentlemen, with a remarkably bright disposition, generous to fault, and with natural wit and neatness of repartee so much associated with his native land.
Than him there was no one in the whole of this district better known or more highly respected.
His wife and two daughters pre-deceased him, and five sons and two daughters survive.