Australind Pioneer Cemetery 1842

Established in 1842, the historic Australind Pioneer Cemetery (previously Mt. Claremont Cemetery) is located on the crest of a limestone hill in Australind.

The road to the cemetery was initially called Cemetery Road.

The cemetery, which covers about 20 acres, was surveyed by the Western Australian Land Company in 1841, shortly after the settlers arrived.

The first burial at the Australind Pioneer Cemetery occurred on 13 March 1842. It was that of Dr Anthony French Carpenter, a Medical Officer on board the Barque Parkfield. Dr Carpenter was about thirty at the time of his death. This unfortunate event was a year after the first settlers arrived.

The Anglican Bishop, Augustus Short of Adelaide, consecrated it on 16 July 1852 when he visited this part of his vast diocese.

Others buried here include Marshall Walter Clifton (Grave 20), Chief Commissioner, his wife, Elinor, and many of their descendants. Various members of the pioneering families, including the Allnutt, Colton, Perren, Narroway, and Rose families, are also buried here.

The cemetery was free to use for all denominations. However, Robert (James Ghainda) Gainder, an Indian stockman from Belvidere (Belvedere), was buried in unconsecrated ground outside the cemetery in 1894.

A unique feature in spring is an abundance of wildflowers of all varieties at the cemetery.

For further information, visit Harvey Histories Online.