Mary Reibey - Famous Australian Convict - And Helped Shape New South Wales

 

Mary Haydock - Reibey

- Convict 
Tried - 24th July 1790 - Stafford - 7 Years 
Mary married  1 Aug 1794 at St Phillips Sydney to Thomas Reibey - Naval Officer - Brtiannia 1791
Thomas Reibey in 1809 was recorded as Harbour Master and Pilot of Sydney Cove. He died in 1811, buried at the Old Sydney Burial Ground and later reinterred to the Devonshire Street Cemetary. 
After Thomas's death in 1811 Mary carried on his merchant and shipping business. Mary soon became recognized as a leader in business matters and a prominannt land holder in Sydney Town and was held a respected place in society.  She was easily able to hide her convict background as with her business dealings, Mary had become a part of high society in Sydney 
1822 - Mary was listed as "Came Free" 1821 this being correct as she had returned to England, but does hide her convict past. 
1825 - Free by Servitude, per Royal Admiral 1792 Householder - Campbelltown. 
Mary Haydock (aka James Burrows) was tried for horse stealing in August 1791 at Stafford with a Sentance of 7 years Transportation. It was only after the court case that it was noticed that she was a female. 
Mary Haydock joined the 'Royal Admiral" as a female being only 15 years old. Upon arrival to Sydney she was assigned to Lieut Grose. 
Mary Haydock married 1st August 1794 - St Phillips - Sydney to Thomas Reibey. Witnesses at the marriage was Sarah Higginson, Convict - Royal Admiral. Sarah placed her marlk (X) on the Registry, and this is the only record relating to Sarah Higginson in the colony. 
Mary was involved with the formation of the Bank Of New South Wales in 1817. This Bank is now called Westpac and one of the biggest banks today.. 
Aprt from her landholdings in Sydney and the Hawkesbury, Mary also bought land for her sons in Tasmania. 

Mary Died 30th May 1855 at her hoome in Newtown. She was buried beside her husband Thomas at the Devonshire Street Cemetary.
Mary Reibey is also featured on the Australian $20 Note.