Mary Coffee

54

Phil Hands on 25th May 2017

Mary, a country servant, was tried and convicted in Co. Clare in 1838 for stealing money, sentenced to transportation for 7 years. Left Dublin on 1st September 1838. Ship:- the 'Margaret' sailed with 189 female convicts on board fo which 23 died during the voyage. Arrived on 5thn january 1839. Mary's mother, (also called Mary), was also a convict on board with a 10 year sentence for sheep stealing. Married convict John Alderton ('Bengal Merchant' 1838) on 22nd October 1840 at Portland Head in the Hawkesbury District, they had 7 children between 1840-1857. Windsor Gazette 1902 OBITUARY. TOUGH three-score years and ten have been laid down as a very time for a man or a woman to sojourn in this world of sin and sorrow, it oft times happens that the 'allotted span' is exceeded to no small extent. Such was the case as far as Mrs John Alderton - who passed away on Sunday night last - was concerned. , for this lady had attained the age of 84 years. A native of Ireland, Mrs Alderton possessed most of these admirable attributes for which those who hail from that little green isle are notorious, and though in the latter years of her life she was not over burdened with this world's goods - her generous heart and kindly manner never deserted her. Coming to N.S.W. when but twenty years of age, the subject of this notice shortly afterwards found her way to this district and was for many years a trusted servant to the Doyle family, who then resided down the river. It was there that she married John Alderton, who died some nine years ago. The old lady could tell some stirring tales of the early days of the Hawkesbury, and, like most of the pioneers, she and her husband encountered many ups and downs in their time. Well nigh everything that would bring in an honest crust was tried and 'Granny' Alderton had seen good times as well as bad: one season would bring with it prosperous - while another would usher into a disastrous flood. After years of honest toil and reverses, Mr and Mrs Alderton eventually found their way to Gosper's Farm at which place they both in their turn shuffled off this mortal coil. Every body had a good word for the old lady and indeed it could not be otherwise for she invariably treated those with whom she came in contact with respect and civility and many times and oft stinted herself to assist others, even though her means of doing so were limited. Now that she has gone to her rest, it might appropriately be said that - After life's fitful fever she sleeps well. Mrs Alderton had seven children, four sons (one of whom died a few years back) and 3 daughters; fifty six grandchildren, and thirty great grandchildren. The funeral took place on Tuesday last, the remains being laid to rest in the Methodist cemetery at McGrath's Hill. On the arrival of the cortege at Windsor, the body was taken to the Methodist Church, where a short service was conducted. Rev. J.W. Winspear officiated at the grace and Mr J.W. Chandler carried out the duties of undertaker.