John Watts (Australian politician)
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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 | |
| 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 |
| Spouse(s) | Jane Lambie Nelson (m.1854 d.1863), Caroline Sophia (née Cochrane) (m.1868) |
| Occupation | Farmer |
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]
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]