Demasduit

Demasduit was among the last of the Beothuk, the Aboriginal people of Newfoundland. She and her infant son were captured in 1819 by armed men seeking the return of some stolen property. Her husband was killed trying to save his wife and child. The infant died a few days later. Demasduit, later renamed Mary March by a clergyman, was taken to Twillingate and St. John’s, and then promised a safe return home. Her repatriation was delayed and she died from tuberculosis in early 1820 while en route.