Maria Lock facts for kids

Maria Lock (born around 1805 – died June 6, 1878) was an important Aboriginal Australian woman. She was also known as Maria Locke. She lived in the Darug area of Western Sydney. Maria Lock is famous in Australian history for many reasons. She achieved great things in education. She also had the first legally recognized marriage between a European settler and an Aboriginal person. Later, she became a successful landowner in early colonial times. Her life shows strength and determination.

Maria Lock: An Inspiring Aboriginal Leader

Early Life and Heritage

Maria Lock was born near the Hawkesbury River in a place called Richmond Bottoms. Her father was Yarramundi, known as the 'Chief of the Richmond Tribes'. Her family belonged to the Boorooberongal clan. This clan was part of the larger Darug people. The Darug people are the traditional owners of the land in Western Sydney.

A Bright Student: Maria's Education

In 1814, Maria went to the Native Institution in Parramatta. This was a school for Aboriginal children. William and Elizabeth Shelley were her teachers. At the school, she was given the name Maria Cook.

Maria was a very talented student. In 1819, when she was about 14 years old, she won first prize in a big exam in New South Wales. She beat about 120 other students! The Sydney Gazette newspaper reported her amazing achievement. Her teachers said she learned English quickly. They also noted her excellent school performance.

Family Life and Historic Marriage

Around 1822, Maria worked as a helper in the home of Rev. Thomas Hassall and his wife Anne in Parramatta. During this time, she married Thomas Walker "Dickey" Coke. He was a son of Bennelong, another important Aboriginal person. Sadly, Dickey became ill and passed away just weeks after their wedding.

However, some records suggest Maria stayed at the Native Institution school. She remained there until her marriage to Robert Lock. On January 26, 1824, Maria married Robert Lock (1800–1854). Robert was a carpenter. He had been sent to Australia for a crime. This marriage was very special. It was the first legally recognized marriage between a European settler and an Aboriginal person in the colony. They were married at St John's Church in Parramatta. Maria and Robert had 10 children together. Nine of their children grew up to be adults.

Maria's Fight for Land Ownership

Maria and Robert first lived on a small farm. This farm was connected to the Native Institution. Later, they worked for Rev. Robert Cartwright in Liverpool. Maria was determined to own land.

In March 1831, Maria asked Ralph Darling for land. She wanted her deceased brother Colebee's land grant in Blacktown. This land was across from the Native Institution. The Governor granted 40 acres to Robert on Maria's behalf. However, Mr. Cartwright caused problems. He felt the land claim would harm his nearby property.

Maria did not give up. In 1833, she received another 40 acres in Liverpool. This land was also given in Robert's name. Then, in 1843, she finally received her brother's 30-acre grant. By 1844, Maria and Robert moved back to Blacktown. There, they were granted another 30 acres. Maria Lock showed incredible strength in securing land for her family.

Her Lasting Legacy

Maria Lock passed away on June 6, 1878, in Windsor. She was buried next to her husband Robert. Their graves are at St Bartholomew's Church of England in Prospect. Her burial record mistakenly said she was born in 1794.

Maria's land was divided among her children. Her descendants lived on this land for many years. In 1920, a government board, the Aboriginal Protection Board, took control of the land. This was a difficult time for many Aboriginal families. Despite this, many families today proudly trace their family history back to Maria. They also trace their ancestry through her father Yarramundi and grandfather Gomebeeree. Their family story goes back to the 1740s. Maria Lock's legacy lives on through her many descendants.

Honoring Maria Lock Today

Maria Lock's important contributions are still remembered. A large tunnel boring machine used in New South Wales is named after her. This shows how much she is respected.