Researchers who have claimed this convict
There are currently 3 researchers who have claimed Mary Ann Elliot
- Researcher (2726)
- Researcher (Barbara Toohey)
- Researcher (2553)
|
![Claimed convict](images/claimed_waxseal.jpg) |
Biographies
Mary Ann Close was born about 1807 at Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Northumberland, England to parents John and Cicely Close. She married Joseph Elliot on 19 Apr 1829 at St John's, Newcastle, and had two young children, 1 male and 1 female at the time of her conviction.
She was convicted on 1 Aug 1832 at Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Northumberland Assizes for stealing money from her employer and sentenced for Life transportation. At the time of her trial, Mary Ann Elliott was described as “five feet one inch tall, with a ruddy, slightly freckled complexion and a small mole on the right side her chin. Her hair was dark brown and her eyes hazel”.
She arrived in Sydney on the convict ship "Diana" on 5 May 1833. Her two children were apparently left behind in England. She was able to read and write and had experience as a housemaid and was first assigned to Susannah Eyre. Mrs Eyre taught at the Parramatta Charity School with her husband the Reverand John Eyre, who was later assistant coroner and deputy provost-marshall, as well as parish clerk to Samuel Marsden.
Mary Ann’s first application to marry was refused on the grounds that evidence that she was a widow was lacking. However a couple of weeks later her application was looked on more kindly by the Revd M. D. Meares, the Anglican chaplain described by Lady Jane Franklin as ‘clever & intelligent’, who had baptized Mary Ann’s son William.
This does not necessarily mean that Joseph Elliott was dead. It may be that he was unable or unwilling to come to Australia to join her. Under special regulations Mary Ann could then be considered legally free to marry again. The ceremony was performed by the Revd Meares in the local schoolhouse, then also used as a church.
She married Henry Hunt, son of Henry Hunt and Ann Browne, on 14 Jul 1837 at Dapto, Illawarra and was granted a ticket of leave on 13 Jun 1842.
She died on 9 Oct 1862 at Dapto, NSW.
Submitted by Researcher (Barbara Toohey) on 7 October 2017
|
Disclaimer: The information has not been verified by Claim a Convict. As this information is contributed, it is the responsibility of those who use the data to verify its accuracy. Research notes
There are currently no research notes attached to this convict. Sources
- The National Archives (TNA) : HO 11/8, p.483
|