COLONIES, CONVICTS & CORPORALS

A Family History Unfolded through Research, Narratives, and Memories

Irish Roots, Aussie Soil - The Story of Mary Jane Graham


Mary Jane Graham was one of 4000 Irish orphan girls sent from Irish workhouses to Australia during the Great Famine. This plan, led by Earl Grey, aimed to meet the demand for domestic servants and young brides in Australia. Born in Armagh in 1834, Mary entered the workhouse on May 6, 1849, leaving on October 4, 1849. She could read and write and was described as adequately clothed and clean.

Mary arrived in Melbourne on January 12, 1850, on the "Diadem" with 206 other orphans. She got a job as a nursemaid for Mr. Sweetman in Melbourne, earning 8 pounds a year. Mary Ann McMaster, aged 14, also on the "Diadem," worked for Mrs. Sarah Sweetman, earning 6 pounds a year.

The two Marys became good friends during their employment with the Sweetman family. Mary McMaster witnessed Mary Jane's marriage to Edward Porter in 1852.

Mary died during the birth of her and Edward's eleventh child in 1872

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