Mary Watson (pioneer)

Portrait of Mary Beatrice Watson

Grave of Mrs Watson at the Cooktown Cemetery, 1986

Mrs. Watsons Memorial at Cooktown, circa 1906

Mary Watson was a pioneering figure in the late 19th century in Australia, known for her tragic and heroic story in the Queensland region. Her life and untimely death in 1881 have become part of Australian folklore, symbolizing the challenges and dangers faced by early settlers in remote areas.

Early Life

Mary Watson was born in 1852. Little is known about her early life before she moved to Queensland, where she would eventually make her mark in history. In Queensland, she met and married Captain Robert Watson, a beche-de-mer fisherman. The couple settled on Lizard Island, located about 93 kilometers north-east of Cape Flinders on the Great Barrier Reef.

Life on Lizard Island

On Lizard Island, Mary and her husband established a home and a beche-de-mer processing station. Life on the island was isolated and challenging, with the couple and their workers having to be self-sufficient while facing the harsh conditions of the tropical climate and the threat of hostile encounters with the local Aboriginal population.

The Tragedy

In September 1881, while Captain Watson was away, a group of Aboriginal people from the mainland attacked the settlement. Mary, along with her infant son and a Chinese servant named Ah Sam, fled for safety in a cut-down iron tank used as a makeshift boat. They hoped to reach the mainland or be rescued by a passing ship. Tragically, they were never seen alive again.

Several months later, their bodies were discovered on No. 5 Howick Group, a small island in the reef, along with Mary's diary detailing their desperate struggle for survival. The diary entries ended just days before their deaths, believed to be from dehydration and exposure.

Legacy

Mary Watson's story became a symbol of the pioneering spirit and the dangers faced by early settlers in Australia. Her diary provided a poignant, personal account of her final days, which resonated with the public and became a part of Australian folklore.

In memory of Mary Watson, several landmarks and memorials have been established, including a monument in Cairns and the naming of Watson's Bay on Lizard Island. Her story has been the subject of books, songs, and plays, reflecting her enduring legacy in Australian history.

See Also

• History of Queensland
• Great Barrier Reef
• Australian folklore