John Watts (27 February 1821 – 18 November 1902) was a member of both the Queensland Legislative Assembly and the Queensland Legislative Council.[1] Watts managed the Eton Vale station with Arthur Hodgson and later took it over.[2] During his time in Queensland Watts wrote an account of farming and pastoral life, and the difficulties associated with it, as experienced by the early pioneers of South-East Queensland.[3] He also commissioned an 18-carat gold swag necklace by Danish creator Christian Ludwig Qwist (1818-1877) who arrived in Australia circa 1852. The necklace, a fine example of silversmithing and craftsmanship. Watt's papers and necklace are held by the State Library of Queensland. The necklace is considered a treasure of the John Oxley Library. [4]
John Watts | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly for Drayton and Toowoomba | |
| In office 2 May 1860 – 26 July 1862 | |
| Preceded by | New seat |
| Succeeded by | William Henry Groom |
| Member of the Queensland Legislative Council | |
| In office 8 April 1864 – 31 October 1864 | |
| Member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly for Western Downs | |
| In office 2 November 1864 – 18 June 1867 Serving with James Taylor | |
| Preceded by | Thomas Moffatt |
| Succeeded by | Robert Ramsay |
| Personal details | |
| Born | John Watts 27 February 1821 Frampton-on-Severn, Gloucestershire, England |
| Died | 18 November 1902 (aged 81) Wimborne, Dorset, England |
| Nationality | English Australian |
| Spouse(s) | Jane Lambie Nelson (m.1854 d.1863), Caroline Sophia (née Cochrane) (m.1868) |
| Occupation | Farmer |
Politics edit
Watts was a member of the first Parliament of Queensland, representing the seat of Drayton and Toowoomba from 2 May 1860 till his resignation due to ill health on 26 July 1862. He was appointed to the Queensland Legislative Council on 8 April 1864 and resigned on 31 October 1864 due to having been elected as the member for Western Downs from 2 November 1864 till 18 June 1867.[1]
Later life edit
Watts returned to England in 1867 and died at Wimborne, Dorset in 1902.[1]
Legacy edit
During his time in Queensland Watts commissioned an 18-carat gold swag necklace by Danish creator Christian Ludwig Qwist (1818-1877) who arrived in Australia circa 1852. The necklace features five openwork carved gold hinged pendants and is a fine example of silversmithing and craftsmanship. The necklace is held by the State Library of Queensland and is considered a treasure of the John Oxley Library. [4]
References edit
- ^ a b c "Former Members". Parliament of Queensland. 2015. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
- ^ French, Maurice (2010). "Squatters and Separation: A Synoptic Overview" (PDF). Queensland History Journal. 20 (13): 804–819. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
- ^ "5823 John Watts Typescript 1901". State Library of Queensland OneSearch Catalogue. 1901. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
- ^ a b "John Watts Necklace ca. 1866 - 1869: treasure collection of the John Oxley Library | State Library Of Queensland". www.slq.qld.gov.au. 24 February 2021. Retrieved 19 May 2021.