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Mary Ramsay (c. 1771–1813)

Mary Leary (c.1771-1813), a domestic servant, was found guilty on 28 October 1789 at the Old Bailey, London, of stealing two black silk cloaks, both valued at more than £1; a number of black silk, muslin, gauze, and other handkerchiefs; a check muslin cloak; and various gowns, coats, shirts, stockings, aprons and tablecoths belonging to her employer. Sentenced to 7 years transportation she arrived at Sydney aboard the Neptune as part of the Second Fleet.

Leary married John Ramsay on 19 December 1790 at St John's, Parramatta; she signed the register with a mark X; the couple had three children.  

Mary Ramsay died on 13 February 1813 and was buried at St John's cemetery, Parramatta.

* information from Michael Flynn, The Second Fleet: Britain’s Grim Convict Armada of 1790 (1993), pp 398-99

Additional Resources

Citation details

'Ramsay, Mary (c. 1771–1813)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/ramsay-mary-31380/text38828, accessed 30 March 2024.

© Copyright People Australia, 2012

Life Summary [details]

Alternative Names
  • Leary, Mary
  • Leary, Jane
Birth

c. 1771
England

Death

13 February, 1813 (aged ~ 42)
Parramatta, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Cause of Death

unknown

Cultural Heritage

Includes subject's nationality; their parents' nationality; the countries in which they spent a significant part of their childhood, and their self-identity.

Passenger Ship
Occupation
Key Events
Pre-transportation

Occupation: domestic servant

Post-transportation

Children: Yes (3)