Aboriginal Ancestry?

Based on our research we believe Catherine Warren was part-aboriginal. How this came to be still remains a mystery. This is what we know…

Please be aware that this information may be triggering or sensitive in nature.

We know…

  • Catherine was born 13.9.1852.

  • Her birth was registered in Adelaide. Actual location is unknown.

  • 1851 - 1853 It’s likely that Martin Warren was still working as a teamster (with James Nicholas Wearn) while Christopher Matthews was running the properties at Auburn.

  • 1851 - 1853 It’s unknown where Mary Ann and Mary Elizabeth were living. Possibly with a relative. Her sister Mary Matthews or sister in law Christiana Wearn.

  • 1852 - Catherine’s birth was registered in Adelaide. This could be due to missing the registrar’s visit to Auburn.

  • 1853 - From this time onwards, Martin appears on the electoral rolls, land registers and directories for Auburn.

  • Auburn was a stopping spot for Burra Teamsters. This was where they changed to a new team of bullocks.

  • We have consulted with Aboriginal Elders known to the family and based on the photos… it’s a yes.

  • Some aboriginal people were employed as servants and farm workers in the Auburn area.

  • We believe it’s likely that Martin fathered a child with an aboriginal woman.

  • Alcoholism?

This raises many questions…

  • Where would he have encountered this person?

  • Was it Martin or Mary Ann?

  • If Catherine is part aboriginal, why was she raised by the Warren family?

  • If so, are we linked to the Ngadjuri people of the Mid North?

  • Did Martin participate in the drinking and poor behaviour the teamsters were known for?

  • Did this happen in Auburn or Burra?

Next Steps…

We have searched far and wide, for years to gather the information above. Currently, we are collecting information about the Warrens at Burra and at Auburn. We have contacted the local National Trust branch, in the hope they have more information for us. They also have links to the local Ngadjuri people. We also hope to find out more about their time at Auburn, that may help us understand them, their characters and lifestyle.

As more information comes in, I’ll add it to this page. If you’d like to be updated with progress (and forgot to tick the box earlier), please let me know.