Mayor 1870
His wife Mary, aged 61 years died at their residence in Barney Street, Armidale on 12 May 1876. At the end of the month, he indicated his intention to move from Armidale after a residence of twenty years and advertised his house to let. Aged 78 years, he died at Retreat Station, Bendemeer on Monday 17 July 1876 where he had been visiting his son.
A native of Stokestown Co. Roscommon, Leinster Province, Ireland, he emigrated to Australia in 1840 with his family on the Crusader. After a short residence in Sydney, he and his family moved to the Clarence district and lived where present day South Grafton is established. He contributed greatly to the development of north and south Grafton before he left for New England about 1855 and later became the publican of the Royal Hotel, Armidale. In April 1856 he purchased four blocks of land in Kirkwood Street. He served for many years as a member of council and took a great interest in the various institutions in Armidale. He was interred in the Roman Catholic cemetery, Armidale on Thursday 20 July 1876.
Unfortunately a photograph of Bernard Naughten was unable to be located.