pioneer families pioneer families
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There were a few European settlers in the area prior to the Great Southern Railway being constructed, however, it wasn’t until the line was completed in 1889 that the population began to rapidly increase. The construction of the Piesse brothers roller flour mill saw the population rise considerably.
There were no facilities, schools, stores or transport available. The railway was the life line, not only for Katanning, but for all the new towns and communities appearing along its length. However, it wasn’t long before these facilities began to appear with Frederick and Charles Piesse being the driving force behind the town’s development.
Our pioneering families came primarily from Great Britain, Ireland and Europe as well as from the Eastern States of Australia. There was a large contingent of German, Austrian and Prussian families who moved here following drought years in South Australia.
Although most now have European names the local Aboriginal people, part of the Bibbulmun nation, roamed this area for over 65,000 years prior to European settlement and are considered part of the oldest surviving culture in the world.
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THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN INFLUENCE
South Australians made up a large proportion of settlers in Katanning following a series of drought years in that state. Many were of German origin who had arrived in Australia escaping persecution in Germany and Austria because of their Lutheran beliefs.
The following is an excerpt from a report appearing in the Adelaide Advertiser on 26 October, 1912 about some of those South Australian settlers. Continue reading
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CAN YOU HELP?
There are many more pioneering families who helped develop the Katanning district.
Is yours one of them?
Do you believe some of the information here is incorrect? If so, I would love to hear from you.
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