Family Histories

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NORRISH Margaret

Margaret walked to Bunbury and to Perth (three times) from Kojonup
Margaret came to this State in 1854, aged four years, with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. David Noonan.
There were five siblings, Margaret, William, Ellen, Bridget and Mary.
Her father was sent out to Western Australia to take charge of the original settlement of convicts at Kojonup, who were engaged on the construction of the first road in that area (the Perth-Albany road).
Margaret and the children were employed in all manner of tasks involved with running a home and a farm.
One of the most difficult of which was keeping the cows off the crop, which caused their feet to become cut and bleeding.
After a few years, Sergeant Noonan was pensioned off, and received the Government grant of 10 acres and 1/ per day.


RUINS OF THE NORRIS" FAMILY HOME "WARKALUP"           #1
 

The hardships which were endured were many. Water had to be carted from the Barrack Spring, as it was the only available supply.
Disease broke out among their children which was caused through the salt and mineral combination in the water.
Margaret decided to walk to Bunbury, a distance of 120 miles, to procure some goats in order to eat the vegetation which grew around the spring.
Accompanied by a local Aboriginal woman, she set off and arrived in Bunbury after some days. She purchased two goats and when the seller discovered that she had walked such a distance, he made her a present of a third goat.
The two women then commenced on their return journey of 120 miles.
When her children came of age to receive a formal education she walked from Kojonup to Perth, accompanied by one of her children who were enrolled at a Perth school.
This she did three times.

Every endeavour has been made to accurately record the details however if you would like to provide additional images and/or newer information we are pleased to update the details on this site. Please use CONTACT at the top of this page to email us. We appreciate your involvement in recording the history of our area.

 

References:                 Article:     Research by Merilyn Stewart

 

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