Local Government
Williams
Region
Wheatbelt
Williams to Quindanning Rd Dookening
Location 68)
Williams
Wheatbelt
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 30 Jun 2000 | Category 5 | |
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 30 Jun 2000 | Category 5 | |
It is notable as being the home of the early pioneers of the Williams District - George Stanyford Francis (Frank) Cowcher and his wife Emma Sophia. GSF Cowcher was the grandson of the first settler to take up land at Guildford (Dr GFS Cowcher) who also continued to practice medicine in the colony until his death.
Situated near (50 metres NW) of Dukening Spring on Dookening Creek, a tributary of the Williams River. Remnants of buildings and posts mark the site with fruit trees closer to the spring.
The first time the Cowcher name appears on pastoralist leases on or near the Murray River is in 1876. One lease is in the name of George Cowcher, also the names of George Cowcher's two eldest sons GSF (Frank) and John. In subsequent years the Cowcher family moved along the Williams River where they gradually acquired large tracts of land. Descendants of this well-known pioneer family became well established in the Williams district where the name appeared frequently in local government. Frank Cowcher represented the Williams Electorate for seven years as a member of the Legislative Assembly and was a member of the Williams and Wandering Roads Boards for over 35 years. (1) During 1882 the Cowcher brothers, Frank and John, took shares in a local syndicate who styled themselves The Meda River Pastoral Company. Their object was the establishment of a 250,000 acre sheep station on the Meda River, north-east of Derby in the Kimberley's. As their contribution to the enterprise the Cowcher brothers gave 1,000 sheep. Others in the company were Thomas and William Lavender, Charles Farmer, George Stevens, W.S. and G. Pearce, W.E. Marmion, T.H. and A. Bennett. Many sheep died on the ship prior to arrival at Derby. This venture appears not to have been a very successful one for the Cowcher brothers withdrew from the company in 1884 believing that the area was not suited for sheep grazing. (2) In about 1885 Frank Cowcher gained possession of Dukening and his brother, Henry, may have settled on the left bank of the Williams River, a short distance below Marling. (3)
Site
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| HG Cowin; "The Williams". pp. 34, 49, 52 | |||
| "The Cyclopaedia of Western Australia". ps. 688-689 | |||
| Alfred Chute; "The Royal W.A. Historical Society Inc Journal and Proceedings Vol 4". |
Individual Building or Group
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Original Use | FARMING\PASTORAL | Homestead |
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| DEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY | Settlements |
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.