Mary Winchester
1865
1955 (aged 90)
Scottish
Zolûti (among Mizo people)
Royal Moray College
British occupation of Mizoram
Harry Innes Howie
James Winchester
Kidnapping[edit]
Mary Winchester lived with her father at Cachar, Assam, India. She was an illegitimate child of James Winchester and his Meitei worker.[2] Her father was a manager of the British tea plantation, and had been there for 12 years. When she turned six years of age in 1871, her father decided it was time for formal education in Britain. Her farewell party was arranged on 23 January at Alexandrapur plantation at the place owned by her father's close friend George Seller. While they were strolling in the garden, the workers were suddenly in commotion, and Seller was frantically galloping around on his horse. When Mary accompanied by a nurse headed towards the bungalow, her father met them on the way who ran her to a stable. But then the Mizo tribal warriors caught up, shot her father down from behind and cut his head.[3] The warriors snatched her away from the dying clutch of her father, who murmured, "Dear, only God knows your fate." They left him to die and carried the girl away.[4] A number of people were killed in the clash, some were taken as hostages, including Mary Winchester.[5] Probably all except the girl, of whom they took special care, died on their journey to Mizoram.[3][6]
In captivity[edit]
Mary Winchester was the first mixed race person most Mizos had ever encountered. Though a hostage, she was most of the time treated with good care. But some warriors wanted to depose her for fearing the consequences. She was finally lodged in the house of Bengkhuaia, the chief of Sailàm, one of the most formidable chiefdoms. Her arrival in the village was celebrated with wine and meat, led by the cheiftess. Not understanding her language to know her name, the Mizos called her Zolûti (Zo for "Mizo" or "Mizoram", lût for "enter"). The village chief then entrusted the girl under the ward of his most trusted woman, Pi Tluangi, wife of the village elder Vansuakthanga (grandparents of Vangchhunga, one of the first three Mizo pastors). Pi Tluangi eventually cared for her excellently, sleeping with her, and making garments and toys for her.[2][7]
In Britain[edit]
Mary Winchester was immediately transported to Calcutta and from there directly to Scotland. She lived with her grandparents in Elgin, Moray.[4] She graduated from Royal Moray College,[5] where she met Harry Innes Howie. They got married after she got a job as headmistress and moved to London.[9] She died in 1955.[7]