Lockier Burges (1841–1929) facts for kids

Lockier Clere Burges (born in 1841) was an important and well-known person in Western Australia. He was an entrepreneur, an explorer, and a writer. He was sometimes called L. C. Burges junior to tell him apart from his uncle, Lockier Burges senior.

Early Life and Moving to Australia

Lockier Clere Burges was born in 1841 in a place called Fethard, which is in County Tipperary, Ireland. His parents were John Major Burges and Dorcas Bradshaw.

In the early 1860s, when he was in his twenties, Burges moved to Western Australia. Three of his uncles already lived there. These included Lockier Burges senior and William Burges, who were also important figures in the area. In 1868, Lockier Clere Burges married Ann Eliza Finnerty in Fremantle.

Work and Exploration in Western Australia

From late 1864, Burges started working for the Roebuck Bay Company. This company had the very first sheep station in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, located at Cape Villaret. This station did not last for very long.

In 1865, Burges joined an important trip called the La Grange expedition. This expedition explored the land between Cape Villaret and Lagrange Bay, helping to map out new areas.

After the Roebuck Bay Company closed down, Burges started his own sheep station. He named it Andover, and it was located on the upper Harding River in the Pilbara region. Burges also put money into boats used for pearling in Nickol Bay.

At that time, many stations in North-West Australia had Aboriginal people working for them. They were often paid with "rations," which meant food and other goods, instead of money.

Later Life

Lockier Clere Burges passed away on January 6, 1929.