Alfred Bussell

Alfred Pickmore Bussell (21 June 1816–18 October 1882) was an early settler in Western Australia.

Alfred Bussell was born at Portsea, Hampshire in England on 21 June 1816. He was educated at Winchester College in England, but after the death of his father the family decided to emigrate to Western Australia. Alfred Bussell and three of his brothers sailed for Western Australia on board the "Warrior" in March 1830, with the rest of the Bussell family to follow once the brothers were established. He was just thirteen years old at the time.Black and Bolton 2001]

On arriving at the Swan River Colony, the Bussells were advised to start a new sub-colony at Augusta. For four years the brothers tried unsuccessfully to establish a farm, initially at Augusta and then further up the Blackwood River. The brothers had immense difficulty clearing the land, and found the soil not particularly good for farming. Alfred's brother John conducted a number of exploring expeditions to the Vasse in search of better land, with Alfred accompanying him on at least two expeditions. The explorers found excellent farmland at the Vasse, so after the Bussell's home was destroyed by fire in 1834, the family re-established themselves at the Vasse, where they became successful and prosperous farmers.cite book | first = Edward O. | last = Shann | authorlink = Edward Shann | year = 1926 | title = | publisher = Oxford University Press | location = London Republished in 1979 by Nedlands, Western Australia: University of Western Australia Press. ISBN 0-85564-138-X.]

In 1850, Alfred Bussell married Ellen Heppingstone, and the following year they moved to "Broadwater". In 1857 they moved to "Ellensbrook" at Margaret River, and in 1865 they also took up "Wallcliffe", resulting in land holdings that stretched from Cowaramup to the Donnelly River. From 29 July 1872 until 30 June 1874, Alfred Bussell was a nominee Member of the Western Australian Legislative Council. Alfred Bussell's wife died in 1877, and he followed in 1882. They had six sons and eight daughters.

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