Collectie RS140 - Mary Ann Cox

Mary Ann Halls married John Edward Cox (1791-1837), auctioneer and coach proprietor, at St James's, Bristol, before sailing for Van Diemen's Land. They arrived in Hobart Town in the Mariner in November 1821, bringing a letter of recommendation from the Colonial Office and capital of £1660. John received a grant of 1200 acres (486 ha) near Campbell Town, and called it Rendlesham.

After some financial setbacks they established the first coaching service between Hobart and Launceston in 1832. Cox was the proprietor of Macquarie Hotel in Hobart, the York and the Albany at Oatlands, and the Cornwall at Launceston. When Cox died in 1837 his widow successfully took over the running of the business and within ten years was operating seven daily and four nightly coaches a week from each centre. In 1849 she sold her seven coaches, 150 horses and 24 sets of four-horse harness to Samuel Page. For more information see: http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/cox-john-edward-1932