Butterabby Graves

Located fifteen kilometres south of Mullewa, 1.8 kilometres off the Mingenew Road, these graves reflect the disturbed history of Aboriginal and white setteler relations in the Mullewa area.

In August 1864, Mr James Rudd and his convict assistant, Thomas Bott, were
developing this area as a pastoral property. While working, Mr Bott was speared by a group of Aboriginal people. He later died of his wounds.

Upon report of the crime, a search party was mounted for the Aboriginal people responsible. During this time, a visit to Mr Rudd's camp found him in a physical struggle with an aboriginal man, woman and child at his hut. Mr Rudd was killed in this encounter by a blow to his head. His grave is one of those at this site.

Mumbleby, Belo and Beeja, Mr Rudd's assailants, were arrested for the attack and were tried in the Supreme Court in Perth. Mumbleby was convicted of manslaughter and was sentenced to life imprisonment.

Following the search, Aboriginal men known as Wangatyackoo, Yermakarra, Garolee, Charlakarra and Williakarra were arrested for the murder of Bott, tried and sentenced to death.

The Colonial Secretary ordered the men be publicly hanged at this site as a deterrent to further such crimes.

Their execution took place on January 28, 1865.

Full story available at the Mullewa library called "Conflict South of Mullewa" written by A.J.Keefe.

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    Mullewa
    Western Australia 6630

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