(11/10/1846-19/12/1904)
He was born in New South Wales and died in Donnybrook. William was the son of George William and Jane. William married Hannah Robberts (16/05/1853-31/07/1935) in Wesley Mission, New South Wales, 16/11/1872. Hannah was born in Perth and died in Bunbury. She was the daughter of Charles and Emma of Western Australia. William worked in the Lands Department. William took up land at Thompsons Brook. His wife was Wesleyan.
Wife and daughter arrived on 18/03/1830 on the Emilia and Ellen from Bunbury. Part owner with Captain. Rae. On Clinton's death by drowning, his widow gave Rae power to sell. Negotiations were underway to sell to the Government, with several debtors claiming part of the price. Mrs and Miss Clinton left on 02/07/1831 on the Nimrod.
(1816-1885)
William Pearce Clifton was born on 2 February 1816 in England (reference). Going by his middle name, Pearce, he was known as a farmer, magistrate and skilled photographer (reference). His 1860s photography of Fremantle is considered some of the best for that town and time (reference).
Pearce was the fourth child of Marshall Waller Clifton and his wife Elinor Bell Clifton (reference). Pearce arrived in Western Australia aboard the Trusty on 18 March 1841 when he was 25 years old with his parents and siblings (reference). His father, Marshall Waller Clifton, was the Chief Commissioner of the Western Australian Company that headed the failed Australind venture. Pearce married Annette Josephine Gaudin (1816-1871) on 3 January 1844, the widow of surveyor John Gaudin (reference; reference). Annette’s father was Reverend G W huet of England. The couple established the Ringwood farm in Australind (reference). After the failure of the Australind settlement, Pearce was appointed as the Western Australian Company's agent to sell the remaining land as the Company was in liquidation on 25 November 1843 (reference).
Government House 1863 - likely Pearce is W Clifton
Photo courtesy of the State Library of Western Australia BA1392
Pearce met the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Alfred, on 25 September 1867 in Fremantle (reference). Over a year later, the prince and Pearce were corresponding by letters (reference).
Annette sadly passed away on 8 November 1871. The couple had no children (reference). While alive, Annette was also involved in the Bunbury community by helping out St Paul's Church (reference). Pearce married for the second time to Amy Symmons on 10 November 1874. Together they had three children, Edith Ellen Clifton (1878-1963), Robert Symmons Clifton (1879-1942) and Brenda Clifton Johnston (1883-1963) (reference; reference; reference). On 27 November 1881 Pearce and Amy visited the eastern colonies on the ship, Otway.
In 1885 Pearce became unwell but continued to work for the community until his death on 1 May 1885 in Bunbury (reference; reference).
Croquet in the Perth Public Gardens July 1864
Pearce is one of the gentlemen pictured.
Photo courtesy of the State Library of Western Australia slwa_b3384253_1
Pearce's first business venture in Australia was unsuccessful. The company Clifton & Plowes of Australind, run by Pearce and George Plowes, was dissolved on 16 May 1842 (reference). Despite the early failure, Pearce also began one of Australia's first businesses with Scott Andrew Stirling, establishing an Australind and Bunbury branch of a General Merchants, Land and Commission Agents under the firm of Clifton, Stirling and Co in June 1842 (reference). Unlike his first venture, this one was a success and featured many times in the local papers (reference; reference; reference).
Pearce also became involved in the early timber business (reference). In 1847 Pearce was part of a party in charge of clearing tracks for sandalwooders from Williams. In 1854 he supplied one thousand loads of wood to Adelaide city and port (reference).
Over the years, he had his hand in many of the ongoing events around Bunbury, such as attending public meetings and becoming Justice of the Peace in September 1846 (reference; reference; reference; reference). His house, Leschenault Homestead, was built in 1846 from weatherboards and wattle and daub (reference). His house was a social hub for those living in Bunbury and used for entertainment and as a base for the local hunting club (reference). He also employed thirty two ticket of leave men between 1863 and 1875. In 1870 he became the Resident Magistrate of Bunbury. He was also a member of the Church of England.
Mariage certificate of William Pearce Clifton and Amy Symmons 10 November 1874
Photo courtesy of Ancestory.com
(14/07/1849-19/09/1904)
Marshall was the son of Robert Williams and Christine. Marshall married Louisa Clifton (13/02/1850-1927) on 15/04/1875. Louisa died in Bunbury. Louisa was the daughter of William Carmalt and Ann Emily. Marshall's children were Grace Harriet (1876-1902), Jessie Christine (1876-1959), Gervase (1877-1957), Reginald (1878-1963), Marshall Waller (1880-1960), Helen Beatrice (1881-1961), Rosina Josephine (1883-1961), Joan Dorothy (1884-1954), Cecily (1886-1967), Francis Carmalt (1887-1953) and Theodore Douglas (1892-1892). Marshall was a Farmer at The "Wokalup House" in Wokalup and Harvey. Marshall joined the Police 08/07/1890, became Sub-Inspector in 1893 and resigned in 1897. Marshall was a part of the 2nd Lieutenant Wellington Mounted Volunteers. Marshall employed eleven ticket of leave men between 1870-1882. Marshall was educated at Bunbury, and Bishops College, Perth. He visited Melbourne 02/11/1886 by the South Australian. Marshall was a member of the Church of England.
(1862-1908)
Isabella was the daughter of Robert Williams and Christina. Isabella married John Pierce Owen in Bunbury in 1892.
(24/04/1863)
Gervase was born in Albany to William Carmalt of Albany. Gervase first married Elizabeth Caroline Oldenburg on 21/02/1895/8. Gervase remarried Emma Hannah H. Joy Hall (14/07/1876-) in 1905. Emma was the daughter of William Shakespeare and Hannah. Gervase was a Bunbury farmer between 1887-1889. Gervase managed "Moorland" for his widowed sister, Mrs Harley Johnston.
(1820-21/03/1904)
Elinor died in Australind. Elinor was the daughter of Marshall Waller Clifton. Elinor arrived 18/03/1841 with her parents on the Parkfield. Elinor was the Australind Postmistress from 1845-1862. Elinor bought Bunbury Town Lots in 1855 and 1856. With Lady Bunbury, Elinor started the British and Foreign Bible Society in Bunbury.
(29/05/1827-21/06/1890)
He was the son of Marshall Waller. Charles arrived on the Parkfield, with his parents. Charles married Maria Elizabeth Glynn (15/08/1829-20/03/1890) in Bunbury on 21/10/1851. Maria was orphaned at birth. She was the daughter of Mathias and ward of Thomas Little. Maria probably arrived with them on the Gaillaidon 02/1838 from India. Charles children were Rebecca Catherine (1852-1901), Charles Leonard Worsley (1854-1928), Evangeline Louisa (baptised,1856-1936), Marian Edith (1861-1912), Francis Dudley (1866-1866) and Lucy Maria (1867-1867). Charles was a Civil Servant in 1851. He was a part of the Native Police Bunbury and Postmaster for 1853, Maria (wife) was the postmistress in 1854. Supt. Convict estimated Guildford 10/1853-1872 and Perth Prison 1873-. Sec. Central. Bd. He was educated in 1878 and Perth Registrar General in 1885.
(30/09/1863-11/09/1912)
Charles died in Bunbury. He was the son of George and Eliza Naylor. Charles married Matilda Louisa Layman (1869-07/05/1961), who was widowed and originally Hayward, in Bunbury in 06/1897. Charles' children were Ella Matilda (1898- ), George Hayward (1899- ), Stella Hayward (1901- ), Karl Hayward (1903- ) and Foster Hayward. Charles was sent to England as a baby. At 17 years old, Charles came back to Western Australia by the Charlotte Padbury on 30/09/1880. Charles was educated in England and returned from his visit by the Charlotte Padbury on 16/09/1881. To Roeburne - Overseer Maitland R. 1885. Charles then went to the southwest and farmed in Bunbury. Charles was a member of the Church of England.
(16/02/1857-06/01/1948)
Algernon was born in Brunswick Junction and died in Bunbury. He was the son of Robert Williams Clifton and Christina Grant. Algernon married Augusta Dorinda Ker (18/01/1861-18/06/1939) at Bunbury's St Paul's church. Augusta was born in Busselton. Both Augusta and her husband were buried in Australind. Algernon's children were Dorinda Frances (1887- ), Robert Algernon (1889-1952), Cecile (1890-1966), Emily Ker (1891- ), Marian Augusta (Daisy) (1893- ), Claude Algernon (1894-1932), Kathleen Louisa (1896- ) and Edith Christina (1899-1973). Algernon was a Dairy Farmer at "Alverstoke" Brunswick Junction in 1875. Algernon was a member of the Church of England. Algernon later took over several other Clifton properties, 4200 acres sold to the Government for subdivision. He gave other lots for the Agriculture Hall and sold land to the Bunbury Golf Club. Algernon was a part of Sergeant Wellington Mounted Volunteers between 1877-1883. A member of the Wellington, Brunswick and Harvey Road Boards. In succession, Algernon was a member of the Brunswick Farmers Association and Director of the Bunbury Butter Factory. Algernon was a part of the Founder Branch of the Red Cross in 1915.
He was a pensioner and served in the Bunbury police force. His wife was listed as a landowner at Vasse in 1885 and a house proprietor from 1888 to 1889.
(1812-24/02/1891)
William died in Bunbury and served his Penal sentence. William arrived on 01/05/1853 on the Pyrenees. William applied for a Leasehold in Sussex in 1866.
This man employed a ticket of leave man in 1856 in Perth. He owned in Bunbury, a Town Lot in 1860. He had land at Busselton. He left the colony in 1861.
(10-16/03/1838- 1920)
He was the son of Ephraim and Sarah. William arrived on 18/03/1841 on the Parkfield, with his parents. William married Sarah Elizabeth Piggot (12/11/1842-28/01/1928) in Bunbury on 14/12/1863. Sarah was born in England as the daughter of Benjamin and Sarah. She arrived in 1844 on the Trusty with her parents. William's children were Thomas (1873-1939), James Benjamin French (1866-1945), Mary Caroline Eliza Sarah (1873-), Thomas Arthur Henry (1873-1939) and Ephriam, who died in 1875 as an infant. William was a farmer in Bunbury between 1860-1877. William got a pastoral lease in Wellington for 2000 acres in 1862. In 1863 he bought 40 acres. Leschenault with A.A. 1866: "Hampden" Harvey. William employed two ticket of leave men between 1871-1876.
He was a Private of the 96th Regiment. He was stationed in Western Australia between 1847-1849 and at Bunbury in 1847.
(22/06/1842-16/08/1931)
James was the son of Ephraim and Sarah. James married Eliza Giblett (29/03/1851-31/07/1909). Eliza was the daughter of John and Ann. James children were Annie Eliza (1879- ), Kate Jemina (1881-1901), Lilian Sophia Maud (1883-1965), Edith Emma (1885-1964), Ruby Ellen (1887-1966), James Giblett (1890- ), Rhoda Eva (1893- ), Winifred Mary (1895-1942). James was a Farmer in Harvey "Myrtle Hill" Cookernup. James employed a ticket of leave shepherd in 1877 from Bunbury.
(1846-1921)
Ephraim Clarke was born at Australind in 1846 to Ephraim Senior and Sarah (nee Pearson), who had come to Western Australia in 1841 as part of the failed Australind settlement scheme. His parents were living at the junction of the Brunswick and Collie Rivers at his birth. They later moved to Hampden further down the coast, where in 1949, Mr Clarke Senior owned and operated the Hampden Inn. Mr Clarke Senior was appointed as overseer for the Bunbury convict Depot in 1852, and in 1856, he purchased 10 acres of land on the banks of the Harvey River. In 1859, when Ephraim was 18 years old, the family moved to this property and lived in a cottage built by Mr Clarke (reference; reference; reference).
Ephraim Junior worked both his father's farm and his own holding in Harvey before moving to Bunbury in 1874 to open a store (reference; reference).
Soon after Ephraim moved to Bunbury, he opened a general store operating from rented rooms in Koombana House in Victoria Street. In 1880 he purchased property on the corner of Victoria and Stirling Streets, moving his business to the new premises (reference). In 1884 he bought neighbouring land and, at what is now 30 Stirling Street, built a home, stable and substantial business premises named Colonial House, which included a large shop. This shop became one of the main emporiums in Bunbury (reference; reference; reference). He was also exporting kangaroo skins in 1888 (reference).
Around 1905, his son Charles opened another store on the corner of Victoria and Stephen Streets called Clarke's Corner, which sold soft furnishings, manchester and clothes while E. M. Clarke became a grocery store, and they advertised together as branches of the one business (reference, reference). In 1910, Clarke's Corner was sold by 1913 to Harry Trenoweth, who opened a Bon Marché franchise (reference; reference). The Clarkes then amalgamated in Stirling Street as Clarke's Stores which was still in business at Ephraim's death in 1921 (reference).
Ephriam Mayo Clarke
Souvenir of Bunbury Western Australia 1904
Published by the Bunbury Herald
Mr Clarke was on the board of several companies in Bunbury. These included the Bunbury Jarrah Timber Company; Bunbury Tin Mining Company; Mineral Prospecting Machinery Company; Collie Commercial Coal Company; and the Bunbury Butter Factory (reference; reference; reference; reference; reference).
Mr Clark established orange trees at Jardup. The oranges produced there were described in 1889 by the Southern Times as "without doubt, fine specimens of fruit, fit for Covent Garden Market, London, and should command a ready sale." (reference).
Mr Clarke also co-owned Kookolup Swamp with Dr James Meehan (reference). This swamp was one and a half miles out of Bunbury on Vasse Road and was part of Big Swamp (reference; reference). They began draining land around the swamp in 1888 and organised for the access road to be surveyed (reference). In 1891, they had the land cleared for ₤30 per acre, and Mr Clark planted seven acres of fruit trees and fourteen acres of vines (reference). Two years later, in 1993, Ephraim was involved in forming the Wellington Fruit and Vine Growers Association and became the first President (reference). At the same time, Mr L. L. Cowan visited Bunbury. He was an expert in viticulture and fruit growing who the West Australian employed to report on the progress of the fruit growing industry around the state. Speaking at the association's inaugural meeting, Mr Cowan praised Mr Clarke's efforts, saying, "I saw the new state of this industry in Mr E. M Clarke's vineyard. He has not hesitated to spend pounds upon pounds upon developing his property, but when he told me that these trees had only been planted two years I was astonished and compelled to admit that during the whole of my experience I had never seen such tremendous growth even when the trees had the advantage of irrigation. Of course I do not wish to appear to doubt Mr. Clarke's veracity but the growth is really most surprising." (reference; reference). Shortly after he visited Bunbury, Mr Cowan wrote in his report published in the West Australian that Mr Clarke's property was "the piece de resistance" of the Bunbury area. He also included the following description of Mr Clark: "Mr. Clarke himself has no spare flesh about him but a lot of spare energy. He is thin and wiry and lively, and he has a good head and a keen bright eye, and he knows enough to go indoors when it rains, and he can talk quite as much sense as most men in a given time, and he has a lot of "git up" and go about him, and altogether is most like one of those "infernal and eternal Yankees" who are forever moving ahead of everyone else, and won't let people go to sleep. Mr. Clarke's faith is "The simple creed for word or deed. Be sure you're right then go ahead."
In one of the early meetings of the Wellington Fruit and Vine Growers Association, Mr Clarke presented a paper that he had written on various aspects of viticulture (reference). The full article was printed in the Western Mail and the West Australian (reference; reference). He also lobbied the government for a Bureau of Agriculture (reference).
Mr Clarke chose grapes suitable for raisins and to make both red and white wines, and around 1913, he began producing and marketing the wines under the brand name "Punchbowl Wines" (reference, reference). The brand was still being sold in 1937 (reference).
It did not take long after Mr Clarke arrived in Bunbury to become involved in the community. In 1877 he was on the committee of the Mechanic's Institute and advocated for a railway to Bunbury (reference; reference). He also helped organise The Bunbury Mounted Rifle Corps and served with the Wellington Volunteers (reference; reference).
In 1879, Mr Clarke became a town councillor (reference). Ephriam becoming a town councillor was the beginning of nearly twenty-eight years of being involved in the municipal affairs of Bunbury. During that time, he held the office of Mayor eight times (reference). When Mr Clarke first ran for Mayor in 1894, the Bunbury Herald reported, "this gentleman's name has been associated with every public movement for the town and district's prosperity." (reference).
Mr Clarke was the Inaugural Treasurer of the Wellington District Political Association in 1889 and served on the Wellington Roads Board in 1991 (reference, reference). He was also a member of the Bunbury Progress Association (reference).
Mr Clarke was often called a juror by the local court, and in 1894, he was appointed as a Justice of the Peace along with Mr George Rich and Mr James Moore. Mr Clarke was the only one of the three singled out by the Bunbury Herald as being worthy of the honour: "The selection of Mr. E. M. Clarke for the honor was an acknowledgment of that gentleman's sterling character, and a recognition of his past public services and the estimation he is held by all classes of the community." (reference)
In 1901, Mr Clarke stood for election to the State Senate in the southwest province and won a decisive victory over Mr Tom Malloy. He served in that position for 19 years until his death, consistently winning elections with ease.
Ephraim Clarke was involved in many different aspects of the community. He helped form the Bunbury Rifle Club in sports and was an active and skilful participant in shooting competitions. In his obituary, Mr Clark was described as "an excellent shot with almost any sort of firearm, even the ancient breech-loader with which our early settlers were wont to secure their kangaroo steaks." (reference). He was also a keen fisherman and had just returned from a fish trip to Augusta the day before he died (reference).
Mr and Mrs Clarke were both active members of the Wesleyan Church, and Mr Clark was Treasurer in his early days in Bunbury (reference; reference). Mr Clark was also a freemason and became their trustee in 1894 (reference).
One of Mr Clarke's chief hobbies was gardening. He won prizes for his flowers, and his garden was a mass of blooms (reference; reference). He was working in his garden in the afternoon on the day before his death (reference).
Mr Clark had heart problems since at least 1893, but it didn't seem to slow him down in any way (reference). However, in the early morning of Friday, 15 April 1921, he told his wife he did not feel well but seemingly recovered. He complained about pains in his heart three hours later, and his wife called Dr Ignatius Flynn. Unfortunately, he died from heart failure within minutes of the doctor's arrival (reference).
Ephraim Clarke married Louisa Francis Teede in 1876 (reference). They had twelve children: Edith Bertha (b. 1877); Janet Louise (b. 1878); George Ephraim (b. 1880); Alfred Pearson (b. 1881); Charles Lionel (b. 1883); Arthur Hubert (b. 1885); Maurice Brett (b. 1887); Raymond Arthur (b. 1889); Leonard Bertram (b. 1891); Alice Evie (b. 1892); Ephraim Mervyn (b. 1894); and Gwendoline Victoria (b. 1897).
Edith married George Rose in 1901, and Janet married his brother Edwin in 1902 (reference). George married Elsie Oakley in 1905, but she died in 1910, leaving behind two small children. (reference; reference). George served on the Bunbury Council and attained the office of Mayor in 1914 (reference). Charles married Elvina Lowe in 1906 (reference). He ran the family business for some time and was Chairman of the Bunbury Butter company before becoming the Commissioner of the Agricultural Bank in 1935 (reference). Arthur "Hubert" married Cecilia Castieau in 1914 (reference). He had an orchard at Roelands and was also one of the leading potato growers in the area (reference, reference). Hubert volunteered for service in 1915 (reference). Maurice "Brett" Clarke married Ethel Sharland in 1910 (reference). Brett was in retail and had a store in Stephen Street in 1942 (reference). Raymond "Ray" served in the 11th Battalion in World War 1. He fought and was wounded at Gallipoli, then recovered and fought in France, where he was severely injured. He was awarded a Military Cross for carrying out his duties efficiently and under fire (reference). In 1915, the Bunbury Herald reported he was one of the best shooters sent from Australia (reference). Raymond married Marjorie Clifton in 1918 and became a farmer in Roelands (reference, reference). He was appointed Justice of the Peace in 1948 (reference). A more detailed biography of Ray can be found at the Bunbury War Heroes website (reference). Alice married Alfred Cullen in 1940 (reference). Their son Kevin was the founder of Cullen Wines in Wilyabrup (reference). Ephraim's granddaughter Vanya Cullen has won several awards for viticulture (reference). Ephraim Mervyn "Dick" served in the 11th Battalion and was one of the first soldiers to come ashore at Gallipoli. He was wounded several times while fighting in France and was blinded for life after being shot through the eyes during the battle for Lihons in 1918. He married Irene Benson in 1926 and became a furniture maker (reference). Gwendoline Clark "Gwen" married John Davy in 1933 (reference). John delivered cream on contract for the South West Dairy Cooperative (reference). Alfred and Leonard both died in infancy (reference).
(10/05/1806-19/11/1875)
Ephraim was born in England and died in the Harvey District. Ephraim arrived by the Parkfield with his wife and three children. Ephraim married Sarah Pearson French (30/03/1811-02/05/1876) on 14/12/1831. Sarah was born in England as the daughter of William Henry French of Buckingham. Ephraim's children were Sarah Mary (1833-1914), William James (1835-1836), William James (1838- ), Arthur Lewin (1840- ), James (1842-1931), Anna Maria Elizabeth (1844-1927), Ephraim Mayo (1846-1921), Henry Hardy (1848-1920), Eliza (1850-1911), Kate Fanny (1853-1936) and Caroline Ruth (1856- ). Ephraim was a Surveyor and Builder for Australind farming between 1844-1850. Ephraim was a landholder in the Leschenault District in 1850: Mandurah 1851 and Preston between 1851-1860 and in Wellington 1854. Pastoral leases 10 acres "Hampden" Harvey: 20 acres Jardup and Pastoral leases. Ephraim was appointed the Overseer of Bunbury Convict Depot in 11/1852. Lit. Ephraim was of the Church of England, originally Baptist in England.
(19/03/1840- )
Arthur was the son of Ephraim and Sarah. He arrived on 18/03/1841 on the Parkfield with his parents. Arthur married Emma Gibett (11/1844- ) on 09/07/1875 at the Bunbury Church of England. Emma was the daughter of John and Anna. Arthur's children were a daughter born (1877- ), John Pearson born (1881- ), Eva, Amy and Lewin. Arthur was a Farmer and Grazier in the Nelson District. In 1862 Arthur applied for land in Nelson. Arthur was a 7th Day Adventist.
(1814- )
Patrick was born in Ireland. Patrick arrived on 27/07/1850 on the Sophia, with his wife Ann (?Hannah), Ryan (1820-) and 2 Children. Patricks children were Mary (1848- ), Dennis (1849- ), Brigid (1851- ) and John (1852- ). Patrick was a Labourer in the 1850s at "Belvedere" Bunbury. Patrick bought a Fremantle Town Lot in 1867.