McCauley's Homestead Site, Carter's Crossing

Parent Place or Precinct

16307 Bannister Townsite, Carter's Crossing

Uses

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Statement of Significance

Notable as a site of one of the first settlers in the area.

Physical Description

Located near the left bank of the Williams River, about 10 kms from Williams. The chimney of the old home was still visible in the early 1970's. (1)

History

JE McAulley procured a pastoral lease in 1874 in this area. (2)

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Grainger's Graves, Carter's Crossing

Parent Place or Precinct

16307 Bannister Townsite, Carter's Crossing

Condition

Good

Uses

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Parent Place or Precinct

16307 Bannister Townsite, Carter's Crossing

Statement of Significance

Notable as a lonely grave and the struggle of early pioneers in may aspects of life - social, medical and isolation.

Physical Description

Two gravesites around which a stone wall (0.5m high) was constructed. An ancient rose grows within the wall. It is located in the Bannister townsite, east of the old railway (Carter's) crossing and on the road verge.

History

Henry Grainger arrived in the colony around 1858 and settled south of the Bannister townsite. Some years later he married and several children were born to Henry and Mary Ann Grainger. Tragedy was soon to occur. One cold morning their daughter was sent on an errand to her uncle's camp where her clothing caught fire while she was warming herself beside the campfire. After three days of agony the little girl died. Her grief-stricken parents buried her beneath a redgum near the Williams River. Two years later Mrs Grainger became seriously ill. The nearest doctor was at the Beaufort River. To afford her as much comfort as possible while on her journey, her husband constructed a framework over the body of the cart. On this framework he tied gum boughs to provide protection from the sun. Harnessing his horse to the vehicle, he set forth following a track that led through the bush from Bannister townsite to meet the Sound Road in the region of the 106 mile peg. Upon his arrival at Beaufort River, he was informed by the doctor of the serious nature of his wife's illness. At her request they made their return to the farm where she died a few days later. In accordance with pre-determined wish to be buried in the same grave as her little daughter it became the sad duty of her husband to be responsible for the performance of the last rites. (1)

Integrity/Authenticity

Extent of Original Fabric: All

Condition

Good

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Grainger's Home Site, Carter's Crossing

Parent Place or Precinct

16307 Bannister Townsite, Carter's Crossing

Uses

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Statement of Significance

Site of the homestead of pioneer and battler, Henry Grainger.

Physical Description

Located south of the Bannister townsite and Kondenning Katta Hill and is accessed from the Narrogin Road. Fitt's Creek, named after an early selector is in the vicinity.

History

Heeding the advice of his brothers, David and John who a few years previously had arrived in the Colony, Henry decided to migrate. The three brothers had fought together at the Crimean War and the Indian Mutiny. After Henry's arrival by ship in 1858 he quickly made his way to his brother David who had previously selected land near the Williams River. Liking the locality, he also secured a tillage lease, No. 2378, containing 100 acres situated south of Kondenning Hill. This lonely life very soon caused his thoughts to turn towards marriage. Hearing of the intended arrival at Fremantle of a migrant ship on which there were many Irish colleens, he quickly packed his bag and went to meet the ship. The woman of his choice was Mary Ann Longbottom. After a lightning courtship of three days, they were married. Catching the mail coach they made their departure for Williams where they took up residence on their holding. While there three children were born; the births taking place in the home where the only assistance available was that of a loyal native woman who acted under the advice of the mother herself. (1) Tragedy occurred with first the death of his daughter and two years later that of his wife. (2) This old former yeoman, hunter, and farmer bravely carried on, doing his best to provide for his young son five years of age. The on 10 September 1876, after a brief illness he died at his residence near Bannister townsite. His remains are buried in the old Williams cemetery. His son Joe was placed under the care of a Church home. Upon reaching maturity, he again returned to Williams where he later married a daughter of George Dyson who lived at Rocky Crossing, in an old Church of England at Williams in 1888. About the turn of the century he shifted to Narrogin (3)

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Kondenning Pool, Carter's Crossing

Parent Place or Precinct

16307 Bannister Townsite, Carter's Crossing

Uses

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Statement of Significance

Notable as a source of water in the Williams River. It is one of two named pools in the river east of Williams - the other is near the bridge on the boundary of the Williams/Narrogin Shires where the Geeralying Brook joins the Southern tributary of the Williams River.

Physical Description

Kondenning Pool is on the upper reaches of the Williams River about 10 kms east of Williams to the north of the Narrogin Road. It is in close proximity to the Grainger's Gravesites.

History

Rising above the pool is the Kondenning Katta hill which is almost central to the Bannister townsite.

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Old Bannister Town Military Barracks Site, Carter's Crossing

Parent Place or Precinct

16307 Bannister Townsite, Carter's Crossing

Uses

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Statement of Significance

Notable as the site of one of the two military barracks established in the Williams area to 'protect' the first settlers.

Physical Description

Located at the foot of Kondenning, Katta Hill, facing east to the Williams River. An early map of the Williams River shows military barracks on Williams crown grant 'K' (Bannister townsite). These barracks appear at a position slightly to the rear of premises which were built at a much later date by Rev Joseph Withers and known as The Parsonage. A military post at that location would have afforded protection for JR Phillips, the settler on Williams crown grant T , whose homestead was almost opposite on the other side of the river. (1)

History

In 1836 Joseph Harris Junior and James Randall Phillips, who had previously visited the district as members of an exploring party, notified Governor James Stirling that they intended to settle in the Williams district. The Governor instructed Lieutenant Henry WM Bunbury, of the 21st, Fusiliers, to take a detachment of ten soldiers and escort the pioneers to the area of their choice. An additional task given Bunbury and his men was to find the best line to the two projected townsites of Bannister and Williamsburg on the Williams River. (2) On 28 May 1836, Phillips decided that for the present, at least, he would relinquish his intentions of establishing a farm in its immediate vicinity and that he would withdraw from the expedition. (3) John Randall Phillips returned to York with Lieutenant Bunbury's detachment when they withdrew from Williams River in May 1836. But he must have gone back to the Williams district later as on Saturday 8 June 1839, he is listed as Government resident at Williams River. Earlier than that, in March 1837, he is shown as owning crown grant Williams location 'I' of 4,500 acres which is situated just north of Bannister townsite on the Williams River. During November and December 1838, Alfred Hillman in one of his reports mentions the JR Phillips was still at Kondenning (Bannister townsite). (4) By the end of 1839, Phillips had left the Williams River. His going led to the redundancy of the military post at Kondenning on Bannister townsite. Consequently the military barracks were then closed leaving only one military post on the river - that at Williamsburg. (5) He was Government resident there from late 1837 to late 1839. During his sojourn he does not appear to have made any great attempt at farming. Perhaps he was not so keen as he had land interests near Perth. He owned Maddington station and could quite easily have had financial interests elsewhere. Crown grant 'I' was in 1861 sold to Alfred James Hillman, a surveyor, after whom Mount Hillman and Hillman River were named. After the death of Hillman this grant was transferred to his widow, Elizabeth Hillman, who in turn transferred it to Samuel Hamersley on 10 January 1885. (6)

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The Parsonage, Carter's Crossing

Parent Place or Precinct

16307 Bannister Townsite, Carter's Crossing

Condition

Good

Uses

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Statement of Significance

Notable as the first religious base in the Williams area and the home of a notable preacher and church builder, Joseph Withers. (1)

Physical Description

Located at the foot of the Kondenning Katta Hill in the original Bannister Townsite (Location K) - 418 A, 302.

History

He became a pioneer in the fields of Religion, Education and Library services. The Reverend Withers advocated strongly that a church should be built in Williams and his persistence was eventually rewarded with the foundation stone being laid in 1882 and the new church was consecrated in January of 1883. In addition he soon endeared himself to the people of his vast parish and the name of "Holy Joe" became a household word. (2) Withers remained at Williams until the end of 1887 and in 1889 his replacement was the Rev FG Gillet. During 1890 Gillet was succeeded by Rev William Marshall who took up residence at Arthur River as it was more central to the far flung parish. It was probably around this time that the property was purchased by the Hamersley family as Samuel Hamersley expanded his holdings in this area in 1885 buying the original Phillip's grant (Location I) from Alfred Hillman's widow. A former mayor and councillor of the mining town of Boulder, Thomas Rabbish, during 1909, purchased from Samuel Hamersley's estate, Williams crown grant'T' and the old parsonage which he had renovated and used as a homestead. It was not long after his arrival at Williams that he again interested himself in most public activities and was elected a member of the Williams Roads Board to represent the central ward. For a period he was chairman. As a political candidate he was less successful. Wearing a bowler hat, his general demeanour lent colour and personality to many occasions. (3) Resigning the management of a Narrogin stock firm in 1923, Alynee Carter, purchased Rabbish's property. After renovations this building was the residence of the Carter family for many years. Ultimately son, Peter, assumed management and later he established a stud flock of sheep of Bungaree blood of which the parent stud was that of Munthoola. In subsequent years he sold the old parsonage property and now occupies a holding near Williams township. (4)

Integrity/Authenticity

Modifications: Some Extent of Original Fabric: Most

Condition

Good

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Bannister Townsite, Carter's Crossing

Child Places

• 16311 Grainger's Graves, Carter's Crossing
• 16310 Kondenning Katta Hill, Carter's Crossing
• 16311 Grainger's Graves, Carter's Crossing
• 16308 Old Bannister Town Military Barracks Site, Carter's Crossing
• 16313 Kondenning Pool, Carter's Crossing
• 16314 McCauley's Homestead Site, Carter's Crossing
• 16309 The Parsonage, Carter's Crossing
• 16312 Grainger's Home Site, Carter's Crossing
• 25066 Military Barracks Site

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Child Places

• 16311 Grainger's Graves, Carter's Crossing
• 16310 Kondenning Katta Hill, Carter's Crossing
• 16311 Grainger's Graves, Carter's Crossing
• 16308 Old Bannister Town Military Barracks Site, Carter's Crossing
• 16313 Kondenning Pool, Carter's Crossing
• 16314 McCauley's Homestead Site, Carter's Crossing
• 16309 The Parsonage, Carter's Crossing
• 16312 Grainger's Home Site, Carter's Crossing
• 25066 Military Barracks Site

Statement of Significance

Notable for being one of the two original townsites selected on the Williams River (The other being Williamsburg, some 30 kms to the west). It is also the site of the original police barracks established to protect the first settler JR Phillips. Pocketed between Phillips' land grant and the town site are two early locations 234 and 302 (the latter bordering Kondenning Pool).

Physical Description

Situated about 8 kms east of the present Williams townsite. The original townsite reserve 2631 (Location K) is roughly a square across the river with an extension east of Kondenning Katta Hill along the southern edge of the river. North of the river and the east adjoins Location I, the original selection / farm on this section of the river.

History

The townsite is dominated by a large hill Kondenning Katta. The townsite is named after Captain Thomas Bannister who led the first European exploration through the area in December 1830 when exploring between Perth and Albany. Most of the land grants were made as early as 1832 and surveyed in March 1836 by Surveyor Evans. The townsite was surveyed by Augustus Charles Gregory in 1844, but no subdivision was made. This reserve was cancelled and thrown open for selection in 1910 and the name Bannister disappeared from the plans of the area. (Note: This area is a considerable distance (over 60 km) from the localities on the Albany Highway now known as Bannister and North Bannister.)

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Kondenning Katta Hill, Carter's Crossing

Parent Place or Precinct

16307 Bannister Townsite, Carter's Crossing

Uses

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Statement of Significance

The hill is a landmark near the Williams River and in the early years of exploration, shepherding and sandalwood gathering and carting would have been invaluable in fixing the position

Physical Description

Located in the centre of the original Bannister townsite east of Williams. It is a wooded granite hill rising steeply from the Williams River plain.

History

It is of note that the three original townsites along the Williams River were located at the base of the hills - Williamsburg (Meridian Hill), Williams (Wanerie Katta) and Bannister.

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Bridge Foundation Ruins

Parent Place or Precinct

16160 Boraning Bridge

Condition

Poor

Uses

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Statement of Significance

Further research is needed to identify significance as conflicting data needs confirmation.

Physical Description

Near the junction of the Williams / Quindanning Road and the Culbin - Boraning Road and on east (river side) of the latter road.

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House Site (Warren's)

Uses

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Statement of Significance

An early pioneer's home site.

Physical Description

Located near Boraning, it is approx 150 metres west of the Culbin/Boraning Road, about 0.5 km from the Williams - Quindanning Road. Trees planted around the time of settlement at this site are indicators of the position.

History

Early in the twentieth century the Warren family selected a small holding on the left bank of the Williams River and situated a little south of Boraning. There, Warren reared quite a large family. Richard, one of his sons, remained on the original holding until the early 1950's while another son, Joe Warren, settled on a holding a few miles west of Williams. (1)

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Old Sound Road Crossing

Condition

Fair

Uses

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Statement of Significance

The Old Sound Road was the first overland link between the two settlements of the Swan River Colony - Perth and Albany. This site is one of two that remain to give visible evidence of that route.

Physical Description

Located on Jennamartin Creek just below (5 metres) the Jenhamartin Rock. Rocks that have been placed on the edge of the gully to prevent bogging of horse and wagons are clearly visible. In the adjacent cleared paddock the indentation of the old track is still apparent.

Integrity/Authenticity

Modifications: None Extent of Original Fabric: All

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Jennamartin Rock

Uses

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Statement of Significance

One of the few sites in the Williams about which Aboriginal legends are recorded.

Physical Description

Located on Jennamartin Creek, at tributary of the Williams River, meeting it at Boraning. It is a large, generally flat rock extending across the creek. The main watercourse runs across the rock and a black coloured intrusion is said to be the kangaroo's footprint.

History

The original name Jennamartin is said to be derived from a native legend associated with Coolikan Spring. A native legend tells us that a "jinji" (giant kangaroo) came out of Koolyakin and jumped to Jennemartin, ("Jen" meaning foot and "mart" a leg) and broke his leg or foot when he landed at Jennamartin, the name of a large rock which contains a depression. (1)

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Boraning Bridge

Parent Place or Precinct

16162 Williamsburg Townsite

Child Places

• 16161 Bridge Foundation Ruins

Condition

Good

Uses

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Creation Date

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Parent Place or Precinct

16162 Williamsburg Townsite

Child Places

• 16161 Bridge Foundation Ruins

Statement of Significance

The old structure was one of two bridges built over the Williams River at this time (1896) - the other being at Quindanning. the new Albany Road at the present Williams townsite being the first in 1855.

Physical Description

On the Quindanning Road at Boraning about 18.5 km from Williams. There have been two bridges in this area. The first in 1896 and the second in 1946 just upstream (south) from the old bridge. Specified as a Class A Bridge - Max axle load 10 tons. Bridge configuration was 2/19'4", 16/20', 18' between kerbs, 3 driven piles/pier, with masonry abutments. 4 stringers/span, 14"x7" halfcaps at piers, extended on north side of water main, designed by 'manpowered' engineering staff, the bridge featured 9"x5" longitudinal decking supported on 10"x7" transverse bearers. This bridge remains as the basis of the current structure. Major maintenance and construction of a reinforced concrete deck overlay in 1989 saw the superstructure widened to 6.85m between posts. (1)

History

The old structure was one of two bridges built over the Williams River at this time (1896) - the other being at Quindanning. the new Albany Road at the present Williams townsite being the first in 1855. The new alignment, approximately 1.5 km north of the old ford, reflected the crossing's changed function (from Perth-Albany route to the Pinjarra-Williams road). The crossing configuration of the original bridge was of 2 bridges, separated by a 63' causeway. The bridges were 14/15' spans and 2/15' spans, almost certainly 10'6" between kerbs (as per the Quindanning Bridge). 2 silled piles/pier (12" min. dia.), 4 stringers/span (12" dia.) 15" dia. fullcaps over piers, with no corbels. 4" decking. No known physical remains of these bridges in 1996. No records found of construction data (between 1895 and 1897), cost or builder's name. (2) Another source states: The second bridge to be built over the Williams River was that at Boraning. A.L. Payne was the successful tenderer at the price of £589 8s 2d and the contract was dated in August 1895. A nearby settler, John Lavender, was given the job of supplying and delivering on to the site all rough timber required for its erection. (3)

Integrity/Authenticity

Modifications: Extensive Extent of Original Fabric: None

Condition

Good

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Starting Creek

Uses

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Statement of Significance

Notable for its role in the first exploration of the area and the marking out the first surveys. This was the Starting Point - hence 'Starting Creek'. In some maps it is erroneously spelt Starling Creek, due to interpretation of hand written notes and lack of knowledge of the origin of the name.

Physical Description

A tributary of the Williams River. It rises to the north of the Quindanning Road.

History

The first military detachment along with prospective settler JR Phillips made this their base after leaving the Dale River as the expedition leader Lieutenant Bunbury reported: "There was an abundance of good feed in the valley of the Williams but a little above the old bivouac on Starting Creek; all old dried grass and up to the 20th May we had nowhere met with any appearance of the springing of the young grass. Pools in the river neither as large nor as deep in comparison to those of the Hotham". (1)

Condition

Natural Feature

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Williamsburg Townsite

Child Places

• 16160 Boraning Bridge
• 16160 Boraning Bridge

Uses

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Child Places

• 16160 Boraning Bridge
• 16160 Boraning Bridge

Statement of Significance

One of the two original townsites surveyed for the Williams River area (the other being 30 kms upstream at Bannister).

Physical Description

Located south of the Williams / Quindanning Road on the west corner of the Boraning / Culbin Road.

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Agricultural Hall, Congelin

Uses

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Congelin Mill

Uses

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Statement of Significance

Notable as one of the few timber mills in the Williams district and for its contribution to the supply of timber and local employment.

Physical Description

Situated at Congelin.

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Congelin Railway Dam

Child Places

• 16333 Congelin Railway Siding, Narrogin/Dwarda Railway

Uses

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Child Places

• 16333 Congelin Railway Siding, Narrogin/Dwarda Railway

Statement of Significance

Notable for its part in providing water for the steam trains which operated on the railways which played an important role in the further development of the Williams District.

Physical Description

Located to the east of the Congelin Siding among the Dryandra Forest.

History

Suitable sites for railway dams were an important consideration in determining railway routes and the positioning of sidings. A dam site must have sufficient elevation to gravitate the water to a siding a short distance away, yet have enough catchment to supply the requirements.

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Congelin Cricket Ground

Parent Place or Precinct

16330 Congelin Townsite

Uses

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Statement of Significance

The site is of note for its place in the development of recreation in the Congelin area and its part in the creation of community building.

Physical Description

Located in a bush reserve about 250 metres north of the Congelin Hall.

History

For some years a Congelin Cricket Club played on this oval.

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Congelin Hall

Parent Place or Precinct

16330 Congelin Townsite

Condition

Good

Uses

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Statement of Significance

The building is notable for the part it played in community activities in the area and giving the district a sense of identity. The hall is a fine example of buildings of an earlier period and makes an important contribution to the district's building stock.

Physical Description

Located north of Williams at what was the junction of the York/Williams and the Congelin/Narrogin Roads (the latter road is now 1 km to the south). The building has buttressed side walls and the northern end has a Gothic arch. It is located on a reserve 13107 which was excised from the property of Thomas Whitford who gave the land free of charge. On 15 March 1911, the foundation stone of the 14 Mile Brook Hall was laid by Mrs Harry Rintoul. Mrs Rintoul was the eldest daughter of TA Whitford, a pioneer of the area. The official opening ceremony was performed by GSF Cowpher, ML A. (1)

History

The 14 Mile Brook, so named for its distance from Williams on the York Road is generally known as Congelin. About 1901 Thomas Augustus Whitford and his sons, Harold and Roy, selected 1,500 acres near 14 Mile Brook which they named Congelin. In subsequent years they progressively acquired more land until their total acreage reached about 6,000. The Whitford's were recognised as good farmers as well as excellent judges of stock. Their working horses of Clydesdale breed were often admired. Thomas Whitford was a public spirited man and served for many years as a member of the Williams Road Board. For a period he was chairman. He was also a foundation member of the Williams Agricultural Society. (2) During April 1933, a Government assisted school was opened at the 14 Mile Brook with Miss Audrey Northwood, of Toolibin, as the first teacher. This was the culmination of many years of agitation by the local settlers to have this service for the eduction of their children. The local hall was made available free of charge by the hall committee and the parents were held responsible for carrying out the sanitary services. On her resignation on 18 December 1934, Miss Northwood wrote that the attendances at the school had been regular and had averaged 11 for the past two years and that she expected a further two pupils to enrol at the commencement of the new school year. She recommended that the status be raised to a Government School. On 4 February 1935, M/ss Stimson re-opened the school as a Government school which meant that the parents were no longer responsible for paying part of the teacher's salary. Harold Hamon, a settler living six miles distant, boarded the teacher so that it was necessary for her to drive to school each day by horse and sulky. The horse and conveyance plus the necessary chaff was made available free of charge by Hamon. Attendances at this little school gradually dwindled over the ensuing years with the result that the then teacher, Miss Thelma Phillips was transferred to Lake Grace and the school was finally closed on 23 February 1942.

Integrity/Authenticity

Modifications: Some Extent of Original Fabric: All

Condition

Good

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