Mary Ann Taylor 1835 : Short Biography

Mary Ann Taylor  born 1835 Course Castleblakeney d 1926 York WA.

Mary Ann Taylor was just 18 when she arrived in Fremantle, onboard the Palestine in April 1828. Her parents Martin and Dorothy nee Fahy likely had died as a result of An Gorta Mor.

She married twice. The first time, just months after her arrival, on 29th November 1853 to Henry Batty, a Ticket of Leave man. They had three children, William in 1855, John in 1856-1898 and Catherine in 1858; who it is believed died shortly afterwards. In 1859 Henry was jailed for stealing.

Mary then met Henry Beard, another Ticket of Leave man, and moved to York with him. They had two children, Maria (1860-1937), and Alfred (1862-1930). Beard was convicted of sheep stealing in 1864, so Mary was left alone again.

A family friend, William Marwick , who had arrived in Australia on the Sir Walter Raleigh in March 1852 offered to look after Mary and her brood of young children while Beard was in prison.

Sir Walter Raleigh

Mary Ann and William entered a long-lasting de facto relationship. They had six children, Webster was born in October 1866 (died of consumption in December 1901), William Junior was born in January 1868 (also died of consumption in 1902), Warren (1868-1955), Sarah (1872-1960), Joseph Walker (1873-1940), and Thomas Amos born in January 1875.

Though William was a Protestant, Mary Ann had all the children baptised as Catholics.

William was a successful landowner and businessman. The Marwick Bros Estate was estimated to have 22,000 acres in 1905.

Mary Ann married William, her second marriage, on 25 January 1906. When she died in July 1926 she had 55 grandchildren and today her many descendants still live in the York area.

Mountbellew Heritage is funding to create a new public space in memory of Ellen and the other girls. For more information on this CLICK HERE

This Chronicle was created with thanks to the Mountbellew Orphan Girls Project   https://www.facebook.com/MountbellewOrphanGirlsProject

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