Some Australian Outback graves: Birdsville, Innamincka and Tibooburra

Despite visiting far-flung places,  and travelling long distances, we still make time to check out memorials and graves in some remote communities.

Birdsville has a small cemetery which was in need of much TLC when we visited. There are stones for early European settlers as well as some memorials to members of the local Aboriginal community. I am not sure of the cultural correctness of publishing these transcriptions and our local Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place was unable to advise me. If you think they should be removed then please let me know.

Akawilyika Maude Naylon, Born Simpson Desert 1887, died 1980, Fluent in four Aboriginal languages.

A much respected Wangkanguru man, Jimmy Naylon Arpilindika, Born Simpson Desert 1883, died Birdsville 1963, Beloved husband of Elizabeth Karatjani , father of Tom, Clara, Dora, Linda, Bob.

Mintulee of Thurrabarree, known as Joe the Rainmaker, died at Birdsville 23 September 1956 aged 95 years.

In memoriam Captain R Ryle Little, late H.M. 22nd Regt, Died 15 January 1889 aged 54 years.

In memory of Rose the beloved wife of Frank Bowman who was burned to death September 27th 1889 aged 20 years. Those whom the gods love die young.

In memory of William Albert Tucker who died February 4th 1890, Aged 31 years, born at Cargan, Victoria. Those whom God loves die young.

In memory of Robert Frew, born Sydney New South Wales, died in Birdsville 22nd Feb 1890 aged 49 years. Brother rest from sin and sorrow, Death is o’er and life is won, On thy slumber dawns the morrow, Rest: thine earthly race is won.

In loving memory of Thomas K Bowman died March 10 1894, aged 23 years.

Erected to the memory of Edward Ward, Police magistrate and Custon Officer, Birdsville, who died 22nd Jan 1896 aged 54 years

In loving memory of our darling little daughter Ailsa Norma Gunther who died of pneumonia 30th August 1934, aged 4 years 9 months.

Ivo Robert Gallaway, “Drover” Born 13-6-1900, died A.I.M. hospital, Birdsville on 5-9-1938 after a fall from a horse.

E.C. George, 15-12-42, 66…..This simple memorial was basically a piece of tin with the bare details punched out as nail holes, presumably 66 means his age on death.

Harold Richards Born 1883, died 1962, erected by his loving family

VX67064, CWH Berry, 39 Infantry Battalion, 10th August 1974, aged 57, husband of Clarice, father of Norma.                          The DVA Nominal Roll site reveals he was  BERRY, CHARLES WILLIAM HENRY born 22 Oct 1917 at CARLTON, VIC . He enlisted on 9 Dec 1941 and was living at NORTH MELB, VIC. His place of enlistment  was ROYAL PARK, VIC. The next of kin was BERRY, C… possibly Clarice?? He was discharged from the Army on 19 Nov 1945 with the rank of Private

 

Innamincka Cemetery

In fond remembrance of William Emmanuel Bralla who accidently drowned in Cooper Creek January 23rd 1894 aged 23 years. The pains of death are past, Labor and sorrow cease, And lifes long warfare closed at last, His soul is found in peace.

In memory of Joseph Hopkins Moody who died 26th July 1904, aged 41 years. Christ our hope. He was a police officer from 1/10/1889 to 26/7/1904 and his service was recognised with a plaque erected by the Far North Local Service Area of the South Australia Police

In memory of Wallace Johnston beloved husband of Eva E Johnston, died 6th March 1932

In memory of Christopher, only son of Thomas and Jessica Bowden, Innamincka Station, Born 25th June 1930, died 4 February 1935.

Sacred to the memory of Chales Lowry beloved son of Charles & Ellen Thompson, accidently drowned at Innamincka 21st February 1940 aged 22 years,  RIP.

In loving memory of Peter Parker, head stockman Durham Downs, accidently killed Race Meeting, Nov 26th 1943, erected by his friends.

The cemetery is close to the end of the airport runway and there is a crashed plane on the ground between the two. I’ve been unable to find any details of the crash via the National Library’s Trove website, perhaps  because  it is too recent and the appropriate newspapers is not yet digitised.

 

Tibooburra Cemetery

The cemetery in the North West NSW town of Tibooburra is still in use, the town is larger than both Birdsville and Innamincka and so there are more gravestones. Here are some transcriptions which caught my eye:

In memory of Willie Sinclair only son of W S and Julie Downie, Died 10 April 188[? lead number is missing] Aged 6 years 9 months.

In memory of Thomas Armstrong eldest son of Simon and Jane Armstrong who died 26th June 1882 aged 26 years.

Sacred to the memory of Frederic John Foster departed this life at Tibooburra 19th February 1882

In loving memory of Edward William Walter beloved husband of Ellen Walter who died 29th Oct 1906 aged 71 years
Sleep on dear Dad and take thy rest, Lay down thy head on thy Saviour’s breast, We loved thee well but Jesus loved thee best
Good night Good night  Good night. And Leslie Walter Neville grandson of the above who died 1st March 1898.

In loving memory of  our darling daughters and sisters Joyce Martin 16.1.1958, Suzanne Martin 5.10.1956,                      Tragically perished of heat exhaustion on Quinyambie Station 27.11.1959
Two young flowers of the desert Young, fragile, pure of heart
They live in our memories for ever At peace now in Heaven’s Garden
Shirley May Martin 27.5.35 – 20.11.88,  Cremated in Sydney 24.11.88, Ashes placed within on 14.10.90
Reunited with her beloved daughters, Resting in everlasting peace.