Maria Lock
Maria Lock (1808 - 1878) was an Australian aboriginal landowner. She was a known figure in the Australian colonial legends.
Maria Lock was born at Richmond Bottoms by Hawkesbury River to Yarramundi, chief of the Richmond tribe, and placed at the Native Institution of William and Elizabeth Shelley in 1814. Prior to this her name was Boorooberongal, and was later given the name Maria Cook.
Maria was a gifted child and was believed to have been taught by missionaries. She is also known to have come 1st in a NSW examination, ahead of 120 other students.
She worked as a domestic and first married Dicky (son of Bennelong) in 1822 and on January 26, 1824 with former convict Robert Lock (1800-1854). This was the first legalized and recognized marriage between a European settler and an aboriginal person in the colony. This took place at St John's Church, Parramatta.
They settled on a farm belonging to Native Institution. Between 1831 and 1844, she successfully negotiated with the government about access to lands previously belonging to her brother.
Together they had 10 children, and sometimes the Lock surname was also known as Locke.
Maria died on June 6, 1878 and was buried near her husband Robert at St Bartholomew's Church of England, Prospect.
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