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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Somerset => Topic started by: Carol Mack on Thursday 17 November 11 11:24 GMT (UK)
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I am trying to establish that the Mary Phillips who was transported to Australia on the First Fleet in 1787 was the Mary baptised in Nether Stowey in 1754, daughter of James and Sarah Phillips. This ties in with her age of 32 when prosecuted. According to the IGI she was born 1766/68 which I believe is incorrect.
I believe it is possible to obtain the Churchwardens Transcripts for the cost of prosecuting Mary - can anyone tell me how I might go about getting these? It might help to prove she was born in Nether Stowey.
Many thanks,
Carol
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Is IGI entry submitted or extracted?Freereg.org.uk will be worth checking.May also be worth checking Somerset OPC.
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Thank you for your suggestions, much appreciated.
The IGI entry is submitted so no joy there. I checked Freereg and there are two relevant Mary Philip's baptisms to James and Sarah Philips (note spelling) one in 1750 the other 1754. I guess the first died young and the second was named in her place as was common practice. Sure enough, there is a burial for a Mary Phillips in1750 but also one in 1754!!! So now I'm confused.
I have information that a record does exist of the cost to the parish of Nether Stowey of prosecuting Mary so possibly contacting Taunton Records should be my next move.
Many thanks for your help,
Carol
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http://www.easystreetretreat.com.au/australianroyalty/individual.php?pid=I65459&ged=purnellmccord.ged
http://jade.net.nz/history/maryphillips.html
Is this the Mary in question?
PM
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Yes, thats her! I am going to try the Records in Taunton to see what they have.
Being a 'First Fleeter' there is plenty of information about Mary once she was convicted, but not much to say where she actually was born, parents, etc.
Carol
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Hello Carol,
I’m in New Zealand and a descendent of this Mary Phillips! Wondering if you have had any joy in finding out any further family info of her past?
The family after her in Australia & NZ has been really interesting.
Look forward to your reply.
David Mehrtens
Dunedin
NZ
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Hello David,
I am so sorry it has taken me so long to reply to you, many apologies!
The short answer is no, I never did find out any more about Mary. I went to the Archives in Taunton but didnt find anything more.
I think if you reply to this you will have posted twice and so can send me a PM (personal message) and then I will send you anything I have on Mary. She was certainly an interesting lady, but as you say, nearly all the information available is about her life in Australia as a 'First Fleeter' convict.
Best wishes,
Carol
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Hi Carol & David, I'm also a descendant of Mary Phillips. My lineage is via Mary's daughter Elizabeth Stevens who married the son of my other First Fleet ancestor, William Saltmarsh. (William Butler Saltmarsh, mother, Mary Butler.)
It would be wonderful to find out what Mary's trade (if any, none listed), and life in the 30+ years she lived before being transported was like.
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Did anyone get more information on Mary’s birth?
I’m also a descendant through Agnes Ruffin her grand daughter who moved to New Zealand, and I’d love to know more about her past.