Kunmallup 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

It is believed that there are at least three people buried within the orchard at Kunmallup.
A neighbour (John Carter) when undertaking contract ploughing of the orchard for
Flanagan in the 1950's observed three graves in this area. Two were marked with timber
pailings and the third was unmarked.

While the exact site is now unknown it is thought that the SW corner was the likely area
as in the vicinity the heavy red soil gave way to a more sandy structure which would lend
itself to easier digging.

History

The identity of those buried is not verified but it is said that the original grave belonged to
William Knott (died 1882), not long after acquiring the property. Knott's wife remained
at Kunmallup and it is thought that a neighbouring pioneer (Bailem) may have been the
next grave. Possibly the third grave was either a youngster bitten by a snake while eating
mulberries in the orchard or an infant/still born baby. Some sources contend the latter
was buried under where a rose bush was planted near the garage (Flanagan)

Knott and his wife took over the Kunmallup Well site in the 1880's when Owen Hale
vacated it to move to the old 131 mile police station. Pastoral leases in the vicinity at this
time which were held by Michael Quinn from 'Glenfield', Williams' were also later
secured by Knott. According to John Carter (whose father took up the next property to
Kunmallup in 1904) Mrs Knott was living on her property some years before Mr
McDonald came along, possibly in the late 1880's. She already had one daughter from a
previous marriage named 'Girlie'. (Her first husband is buried on the property).
McDonald was a kangaroo shooter who came and lived with Mrs McDonald as she was
known from that time on. She had another daughter from this union.

"The property was eventually sold I think after old Mr McDonald died and the three
women moved to a small place along the Coben Soak Road on the south side almost
opposite where Toby Grey now lives. The two daughters married, I am not sure of
Girlie's married name. Carrie married a Mr Wright who also had a property on Coben
Soak Road. These marriages were very short lived. Later when the old lady died the two
girls moved into Katanning to live. Carrie died in the early 1960's.

Uses

Historic Themes

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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.