Mary Skeete (née Bishop)

Awarded the compensation for the Mangrove and Rock Hall estates in Barbados as executrix (and widow) of John Brathwaite Skeete (who died in 1833).

1. John Brathwaite Skeete married Mary Bishop in Barbados in 1799. Note that one of their children, Henry Bishop Skeete, was baptised in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1815 (father "of Barbados"). Note also that her mother-in-law's maiden surname was Bishop but their connection has not been determined by LBS.

2. Letter from J.B. Skeete President of the Council May 16 1833 to E. G. Stanley, 'requesting (by implication, the honour of a knighthood.' Governor (Sir L. Smith) to be consulted.

3. Mary Skeete aged 60 and 81 was shown in 1841 and 1861 respectively at Walcot, Bath (aged 60 with John, Matthew and Charles aged 35, 30 and 15 and Margaret aged 20) and Warminster, Wiltshire (the latter as head, fundholder and annuitant, born West Indies Barbados, with daughter Margaret aged 43 landed proprietor, born Durham). She left £300.
   There is some doubt as to whether Mary Skeete of Walcot in 1841 and of Warminster in 1861 are the same: the age of Margaret, if born in 1821, would be 40 in 1851 rather than 43. It seems certain that Mary Skeete of Walcot in 1861 is the same as the awardee.

1. Familysearch.org, Barbados Church Records, 1637-1887 [database online]; GROS OPR Births 685/1 420 119 Edinburgh.

2. CO 28/111

3. 1841 and 1851 censuses online; National Probate Calendar 1862.