Boyaminning graves

Statement of Significance

The place is significant as it is a burial site - one of a number of lonely graves in the
Shire.

Physical Description

The graves are located to the west of the Boyaminning homestead in a fenced area
containing jam tree regrowth. The four graves are marked with granite headstones.

History

The graves are those of Mary (Wontum), Quartermaine, the Aboriginal wife of Elijah
Quartermaine and three of their daughters.

Four of Elijah and Mary's children died at an early age. The eldest child Phillip was
burned to death. His parents were clearing the land and the wind caught the flames of a
burning pile of sticks the child was standing by and he was engulfed by flames. (Another
son was later named Phillip and he died on the train in 1942). Two girls, Winnie and
Lavina, died as babies and another daughter, Meena, was thought to have died of
dysentery. She had been grape picking at Trimmings and became ill through eating too
many grapes. These three girls were buried on the farm at Boyaminning as was their
mother after her death from pneumonia in about 1910.

Mary walked everywhere with the girls, into Woodanilling and often to Wagin too. She
would do the washing for neighbours for 'two bob' (two shillings). Mary was called
'Wontum' as on her visits to the neighbours she would say "I want um" this or that. Later
she often carried a shotgun to shoot a kangaroo or wallaby they may encounter along the
way.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.