Guide to the Reminiscences of John Watts (as filmed by AJCP), 1901

Summary

Collection number:

M680

Creator:

Watts, John

Extent:

1 item and (1 volume)

Language:

English

Preferred citation:

Acknowledgement of use of this material should refer to the location of the original material and to the Australian Joint Copying Project.

Items from this collection should include references to the location of the original material and to the AJCP nla.obj number, which serves as the online identifier for the digital copy.

Example: M Series: Journal of Capt. James Cook, 18 February-23 September 1770, British Library Add. MS 27885 (AJCP ref: http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-1234)

Availability:

Available

Access conditions:

Available for reference.

Background

Content Summary:

Recollections of Watts' experiences in Australia from 1840 to 1867. He describes in some detail farming activities and personalities of the Darling Downs. Includes sketches of scenes and photographs of himself, Arthur Hodgson. L.A. Steiger and Robert Ramsay. the later part of the volume includes descriptions of his work as Secretary for Public Works including matters relating to the constuction of the Ipswich-Toowoomba Railway.

Biographical / Historical:

{"persname":"John Watts (1821-1902)","content":"\u003cspan class='persname'\u003eJohn Watts (1821-1902)\u003c/span\u003e, the son of a doctor, was born in Frampton-upon-Severn, Gloucestershire. He worked as a farmer and blacksmith, before emigrating to South Australia in 1840. He returned to England in 1843. In 1847 he again sailed to Australia and settled in Queensland. He worked as the manager on two sheep stations in the Darling Downs owned by Charles Mallard, 'Budgelaing' and 'Felton Downs'. By 1856 he was working for Arthur Hodgson at 'Eton Vale' and subsequently entered into a partnership with Hodgson."}

Watts had a relatively brief career in Queensland politics. In May 1860 he was elected to the first Parliament as the member for Drayton and Toowoomba. He resigned in July 1862. His wife died in 1863 while he was visiting England. On his return, he was appointed a member of the Legislative Council in April 1864, but resigned on 31 October on his election to the Legislative Assembly as the member for the Western Downs. On 21 July 1866 Watts was appointed minister for Lands and Public Works in the caretaker Herbert Government. When Arthur Macalister returned to power on 7 August 1866, he made Watts was Minister for Public Works. Watts resigned on 3 in May 1867.

Watts sold his share of 'Eton Vale' and returned to England in 1868. He re-married and he and his wife lived at Norton Court, Gloucestershire. He died at Wimborne, Dorset, in 1902.

Related

Existence and Location of Copies:

The original AJCP microfilm of the records filmed from this collection is available at the National Library of Australia [https://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn725534] as well as other institutions holding AJCP microfilm.

Existence and Location of Originals:

The private residence of Mrs. A.T. Peppercorn, Buckinghamshire.

Conditions Governing Access:

Available for access.

Conditions Governing Use:

Many of the records digitised as part of the AJCP are still in copyright. Readers wishing to publish or reproduce documents should seek permission, in the first instance, from the owner of the original material.

Preferred citation:

Acknowledgement of use of this material should refer to the location of the original material and to the Australian Joint Copying Project.

Items from this collection should include references to the location of the original material and to the AJCP nla.obj number, which serves as the online identifier for the digital copy.

Example: M Series: Journal of Capt. James Cook, 18 February-23 September 1770, British Library Add. MS 27885 (AJCP ref: http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-1234)

Location of this collection:

National Library of Australia

Parkes Place

Canberra ACT 2600, Australia

Contact:

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