Paddy Lawler – pioneer profile

Patrick J Lawler ‘Paddy Lawler’ was awarded the reward claim of £200 in 1899 (as the discoverer of a new goldfield), however, as was often the case, he was again broke by 1910. He died on 8 Dec 1914 at the age of 60yrs at Youanmi in WA from Cancer. He is buried in the […]

The French Cook and his family :

This is quite a well-known photograph, but until recently, I had not known who the people were. I have been contacted by Glenda Slan, who was able to tell me about the photograph and some of her family history. Glenda said, “The gentleman is my great great Grandfather Louis Fremery (he was French and a […]

Mining Deaths – Lawlers Snapshot

In mining areas it was very common to have deaths occur from accidents and miners lung conditions, and Lawlers is no exception. In the Lawlers Cemetery there are 19 mining related deaths out of a total of 164 burials. It is sad that none of them have a headstone. Their details are all recorded on […]

To be or not to be – Lawlers Suicides

In this last edition of the Lawlers Cemetery Snapshots we look at suicides. Suicide was a sad but common cause of death in the early days of the Goldfields. Sometimes it was a release from a certain and horrific death by thirst or heat. Other times it was due to hopelessness and despair. In most […]

Lawlers Cemetery – Snapshot – The Irish

Over the next few days I will be publishing the results of my work on the update of the  Lawlers Cemetery records and photos.  I have been careful editing and researching for the past three weeks. This cemetery is quite small, with only 164 burials. Like all cemeteries, it’s a snapshot of the people who […]