Dost Mahomet - An Australian Family

An Australian Family

In Coolgardie, Dost Mahomet formed a lasting relationship with Annie Charlotte Grigo, whom he met when she was working at a bakery run by her father. The bakery owner was John de Braun, who also owned the gentleman's grand hotel, the Esplanade in Perth. Annie's family had migrated from Peak Downs in Queensland. Annie's parents were European born – her mother in Horsens, Denmark, her father in Mitchulan, Prussia.

Marriage was opposed by Annie's father and brothers. The pair eloped by camel and took ship to India. At Lal Bhaker, Dost's birthplace, the two were married by traditional Muslim custom. Annie was 17 years old. Their firstborn was a son, Mustafa born 1896. Annie and Dost then returned to the camel business in Western Australia, leaving their first born in the village.

Five children were born in Western Australia - Lillian Rosetta (1898–1970), Hagu (Ada) 1902-1987), Alious Ameer (Arthur) (c.1904-1988), Jenneth (Jean) (1906-), Pathama (Violet) (1908–1983). The couple led a mobile life working the camels through the goldfields and stations of northwest Western Australia, finally establishing a permanent home in Port Hedland were they were respected members of a small town of approximately 200 by 1909. Their home was built on the block they bought in Kingsmill St. In a seeming challenge to Dost's strict Muslim practices, he bought the old brewery opposite the Esplanade Hotel. The eldest two girls attended the local primary school when it opened in 1906 alongside other children of European, Aboriginal and Chinese descent.

Camels were hobbled away from the town. The family milked goats for milk and butter.

Despite earlier family antagonisms, once established at Port Hedland, Dost provided finance to assist his wife's sister in her purchase of a hotel a few kilometres from the town. He also assisted two of Annie's brothers in gaining employment and becoming established in business. Life within the extended family, however was often not harmonious.The brothers were heavy drinkers, sometimes violent and not always respectful of Muslim practices.

Dost was a short, but strong man. Wrestling was a sport he engaged in, occasionally with Europeans, but more frequently with other cameleers. He also had a reputation for quick temper and there are reports of physical violence in the home.