Francis Fraser Armstrong (1813-1897)

In the early years of the Swan River Colony, a crisis point was reached in the deteriorating relationship between Aboriginal Australians and the Colonists who were appropriating their country. A spiral of retaliatory violence between the communities seemed impossible to halt as there wasn’t anyone known who could speak both languages and importantly, be trusted by both sides. At this critical time in August 1833, a 20 year old man from among the Colonists was discovered to possess both of those qualities.

Francis Fraser Armstrong was born in Edinburgh Scotland in 1813. He travelled with his family to the Swan River Colony in 1829 and they took up a government land grant on the banks of the Swan River at what is now known as the suburb of Dalkeith (named in honour of Armstrong’s father’s birthplace). The Armstrong family were methodists, and being Scots, they had some sympathy with the experiences of those who had been dispossessed of land and subjugated by the English.

Armstrong published a number of essays outlining his interpretation of Noongar culture and society, as well as lists of translated words. He regularly interpreted and acted as an intermediary between Aboriginal Leaders and Governors of the day:

“The natives of Yellowgonga's tribe, to which Yagan's has recently been united, have for some time expressed to Mr. F. Armstrong a wish to appear before the Lieutenant Governor; in order to gratify them Migo and Munday, had an audience on Wednesday last, which led to the disclosure of some of the most interesting facts, connected with their habits, which have hitherto been elicited. Mr. F. Armstrong, who appears to have acquired a very considerable knowledge of the native language, acted as their interpreter, and the conversation was carried on with a degree of fluency we could scarcely have anticipated. ”

The Perth Gazette, Sat 7 September 1833.

In 1834 Francis became Superintendent of a Christian mission established for Noongar people at the base of Kaarta Gar-up (Mount Eliza). His appointment there brought him into close daily contact with Noongar language, culture and lore, and gave him a detailed understanding of the poverty and hardships faced by the Aboriginal Community. In 1836 he married Mary Mews. They had seventeen children.

Between 1838 and 1843 he was a constable in Perth responsible for policing Aboriginal people in the town. His spell as headmaster for the Wesleyan Native School in Perth in partnership with his wife from 1840 to 1843 was essentially voluntary work, although the government did contribute a stipend towards the upkeep of those students housed in the Armstrong family home.

Between 1847 and 1849 he was sent to Rottnest Island with the title ‘Moral Agent’ to teach Christian doctrine to Aboriginal prisoners held there, and to run the government commissary and lighthouse.

He continued his work as Interpreter though to his retirement in 1882. His role saw him present at nearly every significant court or government process involving Aboriginal people. He published extensive essays and manuscripts during his life which remain invaluable historic resources

He died at Perth in 1897 predeceased by his wife in 1886.