Maria (Pollard) Henderson (abt. 1833 - 1913)

Born about 1833 in South Colah, New South Wales (Australia)

Wife of Edwin Henderson — married 25 Aug 1855 in Sydney, New South Wales (Australia)

Descendants

Died 6 Aug 1913 at about age 80 in Sutherland, New South Wales, Australia

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Biography

Maria Pollard was born the third of eight children in New South Wales in 1833 during the period of transtion from Penal Settlement to self-sufficient, self-governing Colony. As well as the Greater Sydney, Brisbane and Hobart settlements and towns, expansion was happening up and down the coast and inland across the Blue Mountains. Within a couple of years Melbourne and Adelaide would be established. Whilst convict transportation would continue yet for another fifteen years, the atmosphere was changing so that any 'stigma' would fail to attach. Maria's parents had both been despatched to New South Wales in chains, her Dad as a 14 year old! However, they had served their sentences, paid their dues to society, and were now benefitting from a growing economy and increasing population. Maria would live to see her home become prosperous through agriculture, gold and other mineral mining, and industry. Passing away in her eightieth year was merciful in that she did not have to see the Great War of 1914-18.

Maria married Edwin Henderson in 1855 in St Andrew's 'Scots' Presbyterian Church, Sydney. Although they made their home in Sydney (meaning the inner southern suburbs as they are today), Edwin was a sawyer.

Maria and Edwin had ten children - just two of whom died in infancy - and 46 grandchildren.

Maria passed away in 1913 and is buried in Botany Cemetery (eastern Suburbs Memorial Park). She had been widowed for her last 25 years, but surrounded by a loving family.

Sources

• NSW BDM births /1833
• NSW BDM marriages 1568/1855
• NSW BDM deaths 13695/1913