Published on Thursday, 26 June 2025 at 9:18:21 AM
In May 2023 the Shire received an email from a gentleman travelling through the area. He had found what he believed to be a lonely grave that was unmarked, along Emu Fence Road. The email was forwarded to the Yilgarn History Museum.
Mr John Rooney was extremely helpful in providing not only photos but also GPS coordinates of the site. He had tried contacting Lonely Graves WA via their website but unfortunately the lady who had run it had sadly passed away.
With a little bit of research, the Museum were able to find another group of amazing people that honour outback graves, Outback Graves Markers Inc.
An email was sent to the group and Trevor Tough got back to us pretty quickly. He was very impressed with John’s thorough description of his find. They put their researchers onto the job and promised to let us know when they were able to get out there.
In the meantime, Kaye Crafter, a volunteer of the Yilgarn History Museum, took a trip to the area and was easily able to find the site using John’s directions.
Within a few months Trevor got back to us with a possible name, a “Mr Sever”, who was believed to have passed away on the Marvel Loch Road. Without definitive confirmation however, it was decided that the plaque would be marked as “Unknown Pioneer” with the hopes that one day more information would turn up to help fill in some of the story.
The plaque was finally placed a couple of weeks ago.
Trevor and his team at Outback Graves do an amazing job of recognising and honouring so many of Australia’s pioneers that we owe so much to. The people that took chances exploring in areas unknown, with many paying the ultimate sacrifice. The ordinary people that fought against harsh environments without the luxuries we take for granted today like water!
We would like to offer our sincerest thanks to John Rooney and Trevor and the team at Outback Grave Markers for their help in honouring the fallen unknown pioneer on Emu Fence Road.
www.outbackgraves.org
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