Boyamine Water Hole

Statement of Significance

It is very significant in the settlement of the district and for its connection with pioneering families.

Physical Description

The original aboriginal water hole was stoned lined by Elijah Quartermaine (jnr). In recent times excavation for a holding soak on the north side of the well has damaged this face. However the remainder of the well wall is in excellent condition and is partly covered with old jam fence posts. The well is situated on a gentle slope some 200 metres south of the homestead. The well and buildings are contained in a 40 acre selection - (Williams Location 65), surveyed by HS Ranford in 1873.

History

The origin of the name is the aboriginal work 'Boy' pertaining to stone.

Elijah Quartermaine (Snr) first came to the Great Southern with flocks of sheep in about 1850. He would graze them as far south as the present townsite of Katanning and return them to Beverley for shearing. This annual trek taking some three weeks as the sheep grazed their way steadily north. In 1852 he established a southern base at 'Yowangup' where at least one shepherd and hut keeper were employed.

Aboriginal water holes were important for the men and stock and a number were included in his pastoral leases including the Boyamine Water Hole - a lease being taken out here in the mid 1860's: Elijah (jnr) the third son (b 1842) made his base at Boyaminning - he being the first white settler west of Round Pool. Apart from a few shepherds and wandering sandalwooders his was a very lonely existence. He built a two room mud bath house and later May (Wontum) an Aboriginal woman came to the home and she
bore Elijah 12 children. Many varied accounts relate to their union. Elijah (jnr) took out large pastoral leaseholds to the north and north east of the Boyamine Water Hole during the 1870's including along the Boyerine Creek where he freeholded blocks around pools to protect his access to water. These included the Dolapin, Boyerine, Bintamilling and Ngeatalling Pools in the 1870's.

Following his death in 1916, the property was run by two of his surviving daughters before being sold to a nephew, Mort Quartermaine, who farmed the property until the mid 1960's. A son of Elijah (jnr) and Mary - Tim established his own property several kms to the north of Boyaminning.

Integrity/Authenticity

Original Materials: Little
Modifications: Yes

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

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