Summary
Personal Information
Voyage
Transportation
Sarah Ridley was transported on the Emma Eugenia, departing 25th Oct 1850 and arriving 7th Mar 1851 with 174 passengers.
Built 1835 at Whitby, England. Wood barque of 383 Tons.
Emma Eugenia (generic)References
| Primary Source | Australian Joint Copying Project. Microfilm Roll 92, Class and Piece Number HO11/16, Page Number 367 (185) --https://www.digitalpanopticon.org/ |
| Source Description | This record is one of the entries in the British convict transportation registers 1787-1867 database compiled by State Library of Queensland from British Home Office (HO) records which are available on microfilm as part of the Australian Joint Copying Pro |
| Original Source | Great Britain. Home Office |
| Compiled By | State Library of Queensland |
| Database Source | British convict transportation registers 1787-1867 database |
Claims
"Sarah Ridley was my Paternal 2 x Great Grandmother."
Photos
No photos have been added for Sarah Ridley.
Convict Notes
Father James, Mother Mary. Brothers John, Joseph and Robert. Sisters Mary, Margaret and Ann.
Sarah Ridley's life journey is a testament to the resilience of a young woman who faced tremendous challenges and adversity. Born in 1834 in Cumberland, England, to parents James and Sarah Ridley, her early years were marked by the tragic loss of her father in 1836, leaving her fatherless at a tender age of 5. Life took a harsh turn for Sarah following her father's death. She found herself grappling with difficult circumstances, which eventually led her down a troubled path. At a remarkably young age of 12 and 14, she became entangled in criminal activities and was convicted for theft. On 4th August 1846 in Cumberland County Assizes at Carlisle she was found guilty of larceny and received a sentence of three weeks imprisonment. This conviction and others resulted in her enduring sentences of imprisonment with hard labour, a reality that no child should have to face. In a twist of fate, Sarah's life took a dramatic turn when she was convicted of larceny at the Assizes at Carlisle in Cumberland and sentenced to 7 years transportation. On the 25th of October in 1850, Sarah embarked on a gruelling journey aboard the ship "Emma Eugenia," which eventually led her to the shores of Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania), Australia on 7th March 1851. Her transportation records described her as follows: Height: 5ft 2in Age: 19 Complexion: Fair Head: Oval Hair: Light Brown Forehead: Low Eyebrows: Brown Eyes: Hazel Nose: Medium Mouth: Medium Chin: Medium Tattoo: initials NR WB IR on left lower arm below Elbow Religion: Methodist and that she could Read & Write. It certainly was a man’s world in the early days of our country. The majority of female convicts were convicted of petty theft and instances of violent crimes was rare. Nevertheless, you would be hard-pressed to find any remarks that didn’t unfairly judge them on perceived moral decay, and incorrigibility, generally there was a lack of value attributed to convict women. The sentiment was not just confined to military officers, but also shared by doctors, judges, clergymen, governors, and, notably, their respective spouses. These attitudes and unfair judgements were pervasive in colonial society and frequently surfaced in various reports, government committee submissions, personal writings, and correspondence sent back to their home countries. Convict men might redeem themselves through work and penance, but women almost never. Sarah's arrival coincided with a significant period in history, as the transport of convicts to Australia was gradually drawing to a close. Her resilience and determination must have been remarkable, as she navigated this unfamiliar terrain as well as the perceptions of her character and carved out a new life for herself. Not long after her arrival, Sarah managed to find her way to Sydney, her convict records state that she absconded from the service of Mr Shelton of Burnett Street Hobart on 22nd August 1851, by all accounts Sarah must have been a very resourceful woman. On the 20th of October in 1852, Sarah Ridley married William Ross, a pivotal moment that marked a new chapter in her life. Despite her challenging past, Sarah and William were blessed with the joys of parenthood, bringing seven children into the world, MaryAnn, William, James, Alexander, Joseph, Sarah, and John. Their love and partnership would shape the course of their lives and leave a legacy. Sarah's story of redemption and resilience reached new heights as her son, William, rose to prominence within the community. His journey culminated in becoming the Shire President of the district, a testament to the enduring spirit that ran in the family. Sarah passed away on the 28th of December in 1881. Her journey, which began in the adversity of Cumberland, England, and took her through the turbulent waters of convict transportation, eventually found its resting place in Glen Innes, New South Wales.
Description - 5' 2 1/2" tall, fair complexion, oval head, light brown hair age 19 years
married William Ross at St Andrews in Sydney on 20-10-1852
Sarah's father died when she was 5 and her mother ended up in workhouses but Sarah wasn’t with her. She first appeared in court for theft when only 13 or 14 years.
Sarah Ridley BIRTH 5 Apr 1831 Brampton, City of Carlisle, Cumbria, England
Sarah Ridley arrived 7 March 1851 on Emma Eugenie and she was assigned to W Shelton, Burnett St, Hobart on 26 June 1851 and absconded from there on 22 Aug 1851.