McCorry's Grave

Statement of Significance

Elizabeth McCorry's gravesite is historically significant as a memorial to one of the pioneers of the Nungarin district. It is also an example of one of the few lone graves in the area, and incorporates the use of locally available materials in the grave surrounds.

Physical Description

The grave of Elizabeth McCorry is situated at the south west corner of Nungarin Rock. The site is marked by a marble headstone and surrounded by a wall of rough granite. The inscription reads: IN LOVlNG MEMORY OF ELZABETH McCORRY DIED 7th MAY 1923 AGED 47 YEARS ERECTED BY HER LOVING HUSBAND AND FAMILY

History

Elizabeth McCorry was born in 1876, the daughter of James Durnin, an enrolled pensioner guard with the 38th Regiment, and his wife (Mary) Ann Sheridan. Elizabeth married Alma Constantine ("Con") McCorry in Northam in 1894. Con's father, Richard, also served as a Private in the 38th Regiment, and had been allocated a ten-acre pensioner block on the north side of Mt Ommanney at Northam. By the time of his marriage, Con was well established in the Northam area. Con and his sister, Molly, and brother-in-law Joseph O'Hara were joint owners of the Shamrock Hotel, and Con was also a director of the Avon Brewery & Ice Company. In 1900, Con took over William Leeder's grazing lease of 300,000 acres in the Nungarin and Dandanning area, and in 1910, he purchased 3,000 acres of farming land bordering Noongarin (Nungarin) Rock. Con and Elizabeth were amongst the earliest settlers in the Nungarin area. The family established a homestead with sheds and stables alongside Nungarin Rock, and was responsible for establishing 10 wells, 8 dams, and about 100 miles of fencing. At the time the Northam-Goomalling-Merredin railway line was being constructed, and McCorry was optimistic that the line would pass through his property. He began construction on a blacksmith's shop, a store and a stone hotel of twenty rooms located strategically south of Nungarin Rock. Unfortunately the line was diverted and by-passed the McCorry property further to the south. Never the less, the hotel was completed, and officially opened on New Year's day, 1913, and quickly became the hub of Nungarin social and sporting life. Elizabeth, died in 1923, and is buried at the south-west corner of Nungarin Rock. McCorry survived her by 27 years. He died in 1950, aged 79 years, and is buried in the Catholic Portion of the Nungarin cemetery along with 5 of his thirteen children.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Redeemable Authenticity: Medium

Condition

Fair

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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