Ann Wootten

Mary Ann Wootten

Born 1824 in St Ives and more commonly known by her middle name, Ann was aged 18 years when she first appeared at Huntingdon County Court on 27 June 1842 charged with larceny. She was found not guilty.

By 1843, aged 19 years, Ann was in St Ives Union Workhouse. Charged with breaking two windows and using profane language, she was committed to twenty-one days' hard labour, reported by Cambridge Chronicle and Journal 4 March 1843.

In November 1843 Ann was found guilty of stealing a gown from Susanna Negus and four pairs of boots from William Pettit Wilson's shop in Somersham, reported by Cambridge Independent Press 11 November 1843. She was sentenced to seven years transportation. Her occupation was a farm servant.

Ann spent four months in Huntingdon gaol before removal to Millbank Prison, reported by Cambridge Independent Press 2 March 1844. Fortunately she stayed at Millbank, with its awful conditions, enforced silence, bread and water rations and regular outbreaks of disease, for just a few weeks.

One of 170 female convicts that embarked from Woolwich aboard the Angelina in April 1844, the 20 year old's behaviour during the voyage was described by the surgeon as orderly. Arriving at Hobart, Van Diemen's Land (present day Tasmania) in August 1844, Ann was described as 5ft 1/2in tall, literate, with a large chin, fresh complexion, hazel grey eyes, low forehead, light brown hair, oval head with rather large lips and a cocked nose. She also had a mole on her left cheek and scar on the back of her left hand.

Cascades Female Factory, Hobart, Tasmania 1844.

Ann was sent to Cascades Female Factory, Hobart. Originally opened in 1828, as a well-behaved transportee and former servant it is likely Ann was sent out daily to work in service. The establishment had originally been opened to remove female convicts from the negative influences and temptations of Hobart. This didn't always work. On 11 June 1846 Ann gave birth to an illegitimate baby girl, Sarah. Her daughter died in February 1848, aged 20 months.

In February 1848 Ann was given permission to marry John Baker, a soldier sentenced to transportation for life after firing his rifle at a superior officer whilst stationed in St Helena. They were married in March 1848 at St George's, Hobart. Ann was aged 29yrs. Her husband was 25yrs old and a constable.

On 25 March 1849 daughter Elizabeth Frances was born. At the time they were living at 1 Victoria Street, Hobart. Another daughter, Deborah Harriet, was born on 4 June 1850.

Ann gained her Certificate of Freedom in June 1851, aged 27 years. What happened to her thereafter is unknown. Her transportee record is shown below.