Uploaded April 2011 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
This video is featured with lyrics on a mobile friendly page at GEST Songs of Newfoundland and Labrador: gestsongs.com/10/demasduit.htm
Demasduit [1796?-1820] was one of the last of the Beothuk Indians. She was the wife of the last Beothuk chief, Nonosbawsut. She was captured in 1819 by John Payton, Jr., who was under orders to capture a Beothuk woman to use as an interpreter. He surprised Nonobawsut's wife who was carrying her baby. She tried to get away but was too ill to run. Nonobawsut tried to save her but was shot dead by Payton. Demasduit was captured and renamed Mary March (because she was captured in March). She was taken away and later promised that she would be let go, but she died of influenza at Ship Cove, Bay of Exploits, January 8, 1820, before she could return to her village.
This video is featured with lyrics on a mobile friendly page at GEST Songs of Newfoundland and Labrador: gestsongs.com/10/demasduit.htm
Demasduit [1796?-1820] was one of the last of the Beothuk Indians. She was the wife of the last Beothuk chief, Nonosbawsut. She was captured in 1819 by John Payton, Jr., who was under orders to capture a Beothuk woman to use as an interpreter. He surprised Nonobawsut's wife who was carrying her baby. She tried to get away but was too ill to run. Nonobawsut tried to save her but was shot dead by Payton. Demasduit was captured and renamed Mary March (because she was captured in March). She was taken away and later promised that she would be let go, but she died of influenza at Ship Cove, Bay of Exploits, January 8, 1820, before she could return to her village.
