Mary Lahy
- Born
- 1793-01-01 12:00:00
- Died
- 1884-01-27 12:00:00
- Gender
- Female
- Place of migration
- Migrated to/Born in Australia
Jim Fleming has written a well-researched story about Mary Lahy which can be found at An unfortunate family - UPDATED 2023 and on his website here: https://jimfleming.id.au/up/Biog%20Mary%20Lahy.htm
Mary Lahy was baptised on 12 March 1793 at St John's, County Kilkenny. Her parents were Martin Lahy/Leahy and Bridget Lahy nee Kain/Kean/Kane. Mary was one of five children, her siblings being Patrick Lahy (1788-c1861), John Lahy (1790 - c1852), Sarah Lahy (1795-?) and Michael Lahy (1797-?).
She grew up at Johns Well where her parents had a 15 acre farm.
Mary's two oldest children were Patrick Tobin (1815 - 1887) and Mary Tobin (1817-1856), fathered by Thomas Tobin.
Her three youngest children were fathered by Cornelius/Corny/John Bowe/Bohan: Martin Bowe (1819-1891), Ellen Bowe (1823-1881) and John Bowe (1827 - ?).
On 17 July1836 Mary Lahy was tried at Kilkenny City for the crime of receiving stolen wool, and she was sentenced to transportation for 14 years. She was transported on the Margaret, which sailed from Cork on 24 January 1837 and arrived in New South Wales on 16 February 1836. Her 14 year old daughter Ellen travelled with her as a free settler. Her children Patrick Tobin, Mary Tobin and Martin Bowe were charged with stealing a sheep and sentenced to transportation for life. Patrick and Martin arrived on the St Vincent and arrived in New South Wales on 5 January 1837. Mary Tobin arrived on the Sir Charles Forbes on 25 December 1837.
Mary married William Boardley (1810-1851) on 15 January 1837 at St Patrick's Church, Parramatta, New South Wales. There were no children of this marriage (Mary was 44 years old and William was 27 years old).
She subsequently married John Scott (dates unknown).whose work as a shepherd took them to Queensland. She was living at Jimbour Station near Dalby, Queensland in 1863 when she was assaulted; and at Glengallen Station near Mount Marshall, Queensland when she was robbed. In 1884, 90 years old and blind, "Granny Scott" was admitted to the Benevolent Asylum at Dulwich, Queensland suffering from senile debility and died there on 27 January 1884.
