A range of bioarchaeological analyses involving individuals interred in a working-class section of the historic St Mary’s Anglican Cemetery in Adelaide, South Australia complement evidence derived from historical documents to elucidate the socio-economic conditions and challenges associated with a mid-late 19th century rural colonial community. e Anglican church played an integral role in the establishment and development of this agrarian settlement. e multidisciplinary approach resulted in an improved ability to make inferences about behavioural variability in this diverse working-class community.