~ A story of Mary Leary and John Ramsey; our First and Second Fleet ancestors ~

From birth, to convictions, transportation and time in Sydney, the marriage of John Ramsey and Mary Leary was highlighted by praise and perseverance, an unfruitful expedition to the Blue Mountains and at their fifty acre property in 'The Ponds', later known as 'Ramsey's Wife's Farm', where Ramsey 'had no doubt of succeeding', desirable remarks by officer? Watkin Tench were voiced.

View of the Settlement and Sydney Cove, August 1788. From the State Archives & Records Authority of New South Wales. Date accessed: 12.02.20. Click here to access Link.

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Welcome to the Story of Mary Leary and John Ramsey beyond the seas. I hope this blog is a refreshing multimodal outlook conversing time and place, with the interception of technological forms framing ardent sensual experiences. Let's introduce our figures: Mary, a maiden from London convicted of grant larceny who sailed on the 'Neptune', (later known as The Death Fleet), one of four Second Fleet convict ships. And John, transported on the ship 'Scarborough', of the First Fleet for highway robbery and assault, owning 410 acres at one point, later running into financial difficulties. From leading sources including Convict Indents, 'The Proceedings of the Old Bailey', Australian Convict Transportation Registers and Trove, It is with proclivity the collaborators, Courtney Bull and Heather Stevens believe this blog will offer dynamic eloquent delivery of a effectively compelling calibre. May this mark the beginning of an emotive, but factual informative source of information.

- Courtney Bull, 12/02/2020.

The Colony for the Couple

We will begin with early adventures in the colony, tracing the atmosphere in which we hope will enliven the emotion, and revival associated with new experiences awaiting for the couple.

From the shores to the sand, Mary Leary and John Ramsay it seems, were destined to meet. Their marriage by the Chaplain, Richard Johnson is recorded in the St Johns Anglican Register. In the year 1790, on December 19, John signed and Mary marked.

Arrival to Sydney - #Neptune #TheSecondFleet #Scarborough #TheFirstFleet

Mary Leary, born approximately in 1771, location unknown, was convicted on the 28th of October, 1789, at 18 years of age for theft of grand larceny.

An attorney left the building. A servant had no suspicion of the prisoner. They see the prosecutor at Poland Street, who... had been robbed.

Above: Bartlet Buildings, England, by Thomas Hosmer Sheperd, 1858. #BartletBuildings #Servantsresidence

On the 7th of October, the following items were stolen: a black silk cloak, trimmed with lace, value 1 l. 11 s. 6 d. another ditto, value 1 l. 11 s. 6 d. two black silk handkerchiefs, value 3 s. a callico cotton gown and coat, value 15 s. a dimity ditto, value 15 s. a muslin flounce, value 10 s. a check muslin cloak, value 10 s. 6 d. three aprons, value 10 s. a dimity muslin gown, value 10 s. three shirts, value 3 s. three pocket handkerchiefs, value 3 s. two muslin handkerchiefs, value 3 s. a muslin shawl, value 3 s. a neck handkerchief, value 1 s. 6 d. a gause handkerchief, value 1 s. three pair of cotton stockings, value 6 s. one pair of cotton ditto, value 1 s. a shift, value 3 s. a cloth apron, value 1 s. two table cloths, value 2 s. a pair of stockings, value 2 s. a handkerchief, value 1 s.).

"They are all old things only fit to give away" - Mary Leary #trial #proceedings

Delays due to bad weather, and her departure on the Neptune

On the 12th of November, 1789, Mary embarked on the 'Neptune', also known as 'The Death Fleet'. Prior to this, she was held at Newgate Prison. The fleet departed from Stokes Bay near Plymouth after delays due to the bad weather.

The Neptune Ship. #Neptune #SecondFleet

Arrival in the Colony

On the 28th of June, 1790, Mary had survived the journey and was now in Sydney. To put this in perspective, The Dictionary of Sydney reveals 67 women of the 78 to embark on the Neptune had survived.

John Ramsay, born 1751 in Donegal, Ireland, was convicted for highway robbery and assault, along with William Johnson, on the 26th of March, 1784.

At the parish of Battersea, in the County of Surrey, John Ramsay, a former seaman, violently and feloniously did steal.

These items had been stolen, : One pair of Silver Shoe Buckles of the value of 15s. one pair of Silver Knee Buckles of the value of 6s. one silk Handkerchief of the value of 3s. one linen Handkerchief of the value of 1s. two Muslin Stocks of the value of 2s. and two shillings of the proper silver coin of the realm of the goods and chattels of said William Edwards ...violently and feloniously did steal…”

Transportation on the Scarborough

Above The Scarborough Passing Through the Chatham Islands in 1788. By Thomas Gilbert from the collections of the State Library of New South Wales. (Detail from Plate VI, 'Chatham Islands' facing page 48, in 'Voyage from New South Wales to Canton, in the year 1788 : with views of the islands discovered' by Thomas Gilbert, London 1789) (Mitchell Library). #Scarborough #TheFirstFleet

Arrival in the Colony

A drawing of the First Fleet entering Port Jackson. 1888 by E. Le Bihan, supplement to 'The Tribune', Sydney, Centennial No. 1888. Collection of Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales.

The Marriage

The marriage between Mary Leary and John Ramsay takes place on the 19th of December 1790.

Marriage record in the St John's collection.

The following year, on the 24th of March, John Ramsay is now a free man in the colony.

On the 18th of July, 1791, a total of 50 acres had been granted at The Ponds. This location is estimated to be 3km east from Parramatta, at present day Rydalmere. This was to be the proceed the moment where the industry of the couple was to become noticed by Lieutenant General, Watkin Tench. Upon his visit on the 6th of December, remarks of "he deserves a good spot, for he is a civil, sober, industrious man" were made. No less of admiration were also evident in "he has a well laid out little garden in which I found him and his wife busily at work". "He praised her industry to me and said he did not doubt of succeeding". #WatkinTench

Daughter Elizabeth is born on the 2nd of October, 1791 in Parramatta. John Ramsay is then born on the 25th of August 1793 in Parramatta.

In 1794, three years later, a further 20 acres was added to the allotment. This was named Betsey's Farm, which is supposedly after his wife. This adjoined Ramsay Farm. If research is taken further here, it will become apparent that this 20 acres does not appear in parish maps of the Field of Mars.

Their third child, John Thomas is born on the 4th of August, 1795, also in Parramatta.

A beacon of light

In the Everingham Letterbook, there is an ardent journey made by Matthew Everingham, William Reid and John Ramsay, the former two of which, are John's neighbours at, 'The Ponds'. The trio embarked on a mission to find a way to cross the Blue Mountains. At this particular time, any setting out beyond the Sydney Region by convicts was not envisioned and definitely not encouraged by the authorities, hence it was passionately driven and given the resources accessible by them, the trio began their impetus to find a way, or, in hope to, in the pursuit to cross the Blue Mountains.

Watercolour Art of Victoria Pass, by Eliza Thurston, one of the first female colonial artists. Museum of Australia, 1861.

To imagine the threat from Aboriginal tribes on the journey in contingency to their attempt being the first recorded, having been in the year 1795, is to also speculate if this journey can be said to be more difficult due to the threat, in comparison to future recorded attempts that had also been unsuccessful. In judging this, the three factors of level of resistance by Aboriginal tribes, government intervention and knowledge of route, regardless of resolute, although resolute was more enriched by prior attempts that had also increased this determination as well as reduced governmental dismissal to travel beyond Sydney's known territory. It is a case of extension and of what one knows, and what one feels amidst downtrodden, that can also be attributed to the degree of capability in hoping if other journeys in directions to cross the Blue Mountains that had not been recorded, but had been of supreme importance in the effort and claiming of 'first', 'second', 'third', and all successful attempts prior to Gregory Blaxland, William Lawson and William Charles Wentworth in 1813. This effort is, of course, not without supplies, especially the quantity at which would deem sufficient, on a journey never undertaken before. What set Blaxland, Lawson and counterpart Wentworth apart was clearly, the resources they had as well as made available to themselves on the journey. Blaxland's journal of his account describes "having surmounted all the difficulties which had prevented hitherto the interior of the country from being explored". A defining point in Australia's history.

The following map is a visual representation of prior recorded expeditions to cross the Blue Mountains, before the successful attempt by Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth. The trees in the background represent the hope to find a way to cross despite the tiredness on the ground of the journey. It is from the Blue Mountains History Journal in THE IMAGINARY PASSAGE: GEORGE CALEY’S UNREQUITED BLUE MOUNTAINS OBSESSION by Andy Macqueen.

The trio only got as far as Mt Tomah as food supplies had run short and Matthew’s shoes became worn. A further 4 recorded attempts had been made from 1795, until the successful crossing in 1813 by Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth.

Sunrise at Mount Tomah. From http://blog.centennialparklands.com.au/four-great-walks-in-sydney/.

John Ramsay - Victim of an assault

In January of 1800, Ramsay, at the Criminal Court, against Thomas Hodgetts for insulting language, told the court Hodgetts had insisted on telling him, if he, the Complainant was an Irishman or an Englishman and afterwards knocked him down.

~ Acquiring William Reid's 60 acre grant ~

The second grant to William Reid, an Abel seaman on the HMIS Sirius, of 60 acres, was acquired by Ramsay in 1801. This land, known as 'Industry Farm' was situated 3 kilometres to the south, on the north shore of the Parramatta River. At the time of acquiring, nearly 18 acres were sown in wheat and 17 had been ready for maize. #WilliamReid #IndustryFarm #ParramattaRiver

Accused of murdering his servant who disappeared

In 1803, a rumour was started by Ramsay's neighbour, however, several witnesses came forward and it appears that the servant left in an American ship to escape debts.

FOR SALE

John advertises his farm for sale in the Sydney Gazette on the 23rd of Feburary, 1806, and does not say where the farm is. There are 20 acres in cultivation and several others cleared. #TheSydneyGazette

Theft from Ramsay

On the 28th of September, 1806, a mast, sail, and blanket were stolen from Ramsay, a settler at the Ponds. A convict, John McCannon, was sentenced to 100 lashes for the theft although Ramsay "spoke highly as to the prisoners conduct for 14 years". #ConvictTheft

Development of the Farm

At the 1806 muster: 60 acres by purchase from 'Reid': 33 in grain, 9 in fruit and vegetables, and 18 as pasture. He owned 24 hogs and held 38 bushels of grain, and was off stores with his wife, three children and two convicts.

Supporting Governor Bligh

On the 1st of January, 1808, Ramsay signed the settlers address supporting Governor Bligh. 25 days later, on the 26th of January, Bligh is deposed during the Rum Rebellion. #GovernorBligh #RumRebellion

Governor Bligh from a portrait in the Art Gallery. In the collection of the State Library of New South Wales.

Assignment on a horse called 'Capicis'

Assignment from William Evans to John Ramsay to secure 44.19.0 pounds in 10 days from the 15 Jan, 1809. [Old register 2, 33 163].

Wine and Spirit License

On the 26th of February 1809, John has a wine and spirit license approved; recorded in a list on the Sydney Gazette.

Land Transaction

Assignment from John Ramsay to Thomas Green, on a Farm at Field of Mars, to secure the sum of 40 pounds in 6 weeks from 22 July [Old Register 2, 33 166]

Occupation: Constable for the Field of Mars

Date: 13th of January, 1810.

Mary intends to leave for Europe

"ALL Claims on Mrs. Mary Ramsey (formerly O'Leary) of the Field of Mars, are requested to be presented , as she shortly proceeds for Europe." This is in the Sydney Gazette p. 2. 1811, March 16.

New Land

In 1811, John Ramsay is on a list of people to recieve land in Districts of Airds or Appin. The following is recorded:

"Name: John Ramsay

Event Date: 30 Jul 1811

On list of persons to receive lands in the new Districts of Airds or Appin, and in other parts of the Colony; column heading: at Airds or Appin; presently at field of mars.

NB record: does NOT say Scarborough."

In spite of this, he did not take up this land.

Wife Mary to leave for Europe in 1811

"ALL Claims on Mrs. Mary Ramsey (formerly O'Leary) of the Field of Mars, are requested to be presented , as she shortly proceeds for Europe." [Sydney Gazette p. 2. 1811, March 16] However she dies at Parramatta 2 years later

Occupation: Pound Keeper

John impounded some horses and asks for the owners to claim them.

This is recorded in the Sydney Gazette on the 19th of December, 1812.

After a marriage of 22 years, John Ramsay's wife, Mary Leary passes away on the 7th of February, 1813 in Parramatta. She is 42. The transcription at St Johns Cemetery, Parramatta writes 'Sacred to the memory of Mary Ramsey who departed this life Febry 7 1813 41 years of aged'. She is buried at section 1 row F grave 4. Sandstone altar on plinth (p.52).

Mary Ramsay in St John's Cemetery, Parramatta.

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1814 muster

On the 1814 muster it writes: 'Son John now hold one of the grants'. This is uncertain however because the 'ditto marks' on the Convict Records website mean this cannot be confirmed precisely. #1814muster

The 1814 muster also states:

Name	John Ramsay
Residence Year	1814
Residence	Sydney
Arrival Ship	Scarborough 'landholder'	also John Ramsay, 'born here'	ditto marks (mean this is not clear for landholder')

Son John's departure on the Ship Fame to Batavia and eventually to England

John Ramsay, age 24, free by birth, was a passenger on the ship Fame to Batavia and eventually to England. It is unclear if this is his son John b.1793 or John Thomas b.1795 because they had 2 sons in Marsden's list of 1806. The departure was on the 23rd of April, 1817. A highly credible source reports the fame was wrecked in the Torres Strait.

Possible second marriage of John to Mary Armstrong

John Ramsay 'F' of Sydney, marries Mary Armstrong, 'A' 28 pris Mary Ann of Parramatta, at St Johns church. Col Sec: John Ramsey, 'free' Event Date: 7 Nov 1817 Event Description: Re permission to marry at Parramatta. If this is not our ancestor, it is unclear who's ancestor it is.

The "Mount Ramsay" Residence in 1818

This was a grant of 410 acres, known as "Mount Ramsay" between 'Narabang' (Narabeen) Lagoon and the sea, on the condition to cultivate 45 acres.

Death of Second Wife

His wife Mary (Mary Ann) passed away on 12 November 1818 in Sydney, New South Wales, at the age of 29. They had been married 0 years.

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Sale - Land Transaction

In the Land Transactions in the Long Reef Old Registers part 1, in July, John sold to Matthew Bacon a 300 acre farm at Long Reef that was previously in exchange with Alfred Thrupp; in September, Ramsays Farm at Long Reef 350 acres was on assignment from Matthew Bacon to Ramsay.

The three transactions in 1818 can be seen here.

300 acre Alfred Thrupp land at Long Reef - Ramsay sold it in 1818 (old reg) 'an exchange of a farm which I made with Mr Alfred Thrupp', and it is uncertain on the date this occurred. The original exchange is not an old register. 50 head of cattle, one score of pigs, 2 grey mares, 8 acres of growing wheat and 100 bushels maize in store.

The next part of the land transaction was during September of 1818. The indenture of mortgage of the North Harbour District, where 410 acres were made to Bank of NSW, was the Macquarie land grant of the 21st of August, 1818.

Above: 'Mt Ramsay Estate Collaroy Beach' lithographic advertisement. Note - This is not the advertisement for John Ramsay's sale since the advertisement is in the year 1912. It is on black on white paper, rectangular, vertical format and the right half features an illustration of map of Collaroy Beach Narrabeen, showing blocks of land along Ocean Street (now Pittwater Rd), which runs from North to South, with 8 cross streets, the beach and the Pacific Ocean also marked. Printed down the left side is text reading: "Mt Ramsay Estate Collaroy Beach Narrabeen "Torrens Title" for auction sale on the ground Saturday 7th September 1912 at 3pm by Robey Hanson & Strong Ltd Auctioneers Manly". More information can be found here: https://collection.maas.museum/object/135382

Marriage - Elizabeth Moore

A supposed marriage took place, which is on the basis that the couple are not in the NSW BDM index. In one muster, she is referred to as 'Mrs Moore'.

Cattle Agistment Advertisement by Matthew Bacon

At the farms of Long Reef, referring to Mount Ramsay and Cioonagun, on moderate terms, the following comment is made in the Sydney Gazette: "They are know to be the best Run for Cattle in the Country, and possess many running streams of fresh water; in the driest seasons they have never been known to fail). This is advertised by Matthew Bacon and stands as an advertisement.

Streams of fresh running water, to the same described in the 1800's can be seen in this image of Narrabeen Lagoon, take in the early 1900's. From the State Library of New South Wales.

Birth of daughter, Elizabeth.

Elizabeth Harriet Ramsay is born on the 27th of December, 1819. Sadly, she passed away in the same year.

Residence

Residence in 1819 is noted as on the corner of King and Kent streets, according to the obit of his daughter Elizabeth H Wallbank, 1914.

In August 1820, John Ramsay is a a member of the Masonic Lodge

The minute book writes "John Ramsay, Tyler, late of No 1 Ireland". This is in the Antiquity Lodge (Australian Social Lodge No 260). He is also recorded as present on 1 July 1822, 5 Aug 1822, 7 July 1823 (FH Greenway is initiated 3 June 1822) This civilian lodge was formed in 1820.

The year 1821

In this year, it is largely uncertain where John Ramsay had been living. In the next year, it mentions that he is free by servitude.

In 1823, his son John Thomas Ramsay was born. It was also in this year that wheat was received at the station at Sydney. This was on January 9, with 60 bushels. The price was nine shillings per bushel. Also at Long Reef are Jame Miller, 200, Robt. Simpson 400 bushels. This is in the Sydney Morning Herald.

The Sale of 'Mount Ramsay' - Feb 1823

"A farm, containing 400 acres of land,... in the district of North Harbour bounded on the s side by Cossar's Farm and a continued line of 32 chains; on the w and n sides, by a n line to Narra - bang Lagoon; & by that Lagoon, & on the e side by the sea". This is recorded in the Sydney Morning Herald.

Certificate of Freedom

John Ramsay Scarborough (1) 1788. Where convicted Kingston 24 March 1794 seven years. Native Place Co Donegal. Calling: seaman age 73 5' 6 1/2" ruddy, grey hair, hazel (inflamed).

It is unclear why he received his certificate of freedom now since he was freed in 1791. #certificateoffreedom

1828 - Residence

The 1828 census records John Ramsay, age 77, is a gardener for Farrell at Kissing Point, Sydney. #1828census

In the petition to the male orphan school, from John Ramsay, it records 'and he having no mother to look after his morals, (neither any home save trespassing upon a few of my acquaintances)" John Thomas Ramsay was baptised privately when in danger of death and an infant by the Revd Dr Therry. He arrived in the colony in the year 1788 and now seventy eight years of age now in the service of Mr Thomas Charles Farrell of Kissing Point and at his advance in years very infirm in health. - Your memoralist has a son - John Thomas Ramsay near seven.

Daughter Elizabeth leaves the orphanage and they move to Seven Hills. It is estimated that it was in Feburary, 1830, that Elizabeth quit from school. Thomas Farrell was apprenticed and it is now known when. The REEL 2776 4/350,4/351, 1830 can be checked. John Ramsay and daughter Elizabeth live at an orchard at Seven Hills. This is known because of Granny Wallbank reminisces, which includes Dural in the obituary.

Death of wife Elizabeth Moore

Elizabeth dies in 1832, aged 81, before the 18th of June.

Elizabeth Harriet Runs Away

John Ramsay publishes in The Sydney Gazette: :"My daughter, Elizabeth Harriet Ramsay, aged about 13 years, having been enticed to leave my House clandestinely; all persons are hereby cautioned and prohibited from harbouring her, as they will be prosecuted to the utmost rigour of the law.".

1834 - Residence

John Ramsay, now residing at Mangrove Creek is witness to his daughter Elizabeth's wedding.

Map Above: Mangrove Creek is situated 110.1km from Narrabeen.

Admitted to Benevolent Society

Benevolent Society: 'Ramsey John - to be admitted - he being destitute & greatly reduced by jaundice.' [ZA7169 Benevolent Society, Minutes of Acting Committee 1833-36, ML Reel CY 2046 frame 279]. He was admitted on this day (Oct 20). [CY 2008 A7184]

Above: Map of the Early Benevolent Society Asylum and the later Benevolent Society Building.

Death

JOHN Ramsey/Ramsay died on the 20th of January, 1836 in Sydney, New South Wales, He was 85 years old and was at the Sydney Benevolent Asylum. The following has been recorded: 'John Ramsey aged 85 20 Jan'. Two other men also died this day. [ML A7184 Minutes of House Committee 1833-1836 frame 98: 22 Jan 1836.] 1836 Jan 21 Burial by Rev William Cowper St Phillips Syd. John's age is believed to have been 85. St Phillips Burial would have been at Devonshire Street Cemetery, which was closed when Central Railway was built. According to a tree, there is a plaque at Botany Memorial Park, now called Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park, in which the First Fleet Memorial opened in May, 2016. #SydneyBenevolentAsylum #DevonshireStreetCemetery.