Maggie Hope (1848-1931)

Maggie Armstrong Hope, was born on 18 May 1848 in Perth Shire, Scotland. She was the eighth child and fifth daughter of Thomas and Alice Hope.

After whom was Maggie or Margaret named? Was it after her mother's sister, Margaret Armstrong, who married Archibald Smith? It certainly makes sense given that this baby was called "Margaret Armstrong Hope", and was called Maggie by the family, maybe to differentiate her from her Auntie.

The 1851 Census Return, recorded Maggie as 2 year old daughter (not yet a scholar) and living with her family at 83 Castle Street (AKA Castlegate), Jedburgh.

Maggie was only 8 years old when the family first settled in their new land, Australia.

She was engaged early in life but broke the engagement and refused many subsequent proposals. Maggie lived at Isis Downs, Queensland with her elder sister, Jessie Smith. She was highly regarded by the local aborigines and was presented with numerous gifts as a mark of their esteem.

She was a very beautiful woman and became engaged early but shortly before the wedding day everything came unstuck. Subsequently she received numerous proposals but turned them all down.

When staying at Isis Downs she was worshipped by the blacks and could go anywhere in safety. The blacks actually elevated her to king in their hierarchy and presented her with a brass plate in recognition of the fact. I forget the inscription. As a further mark of their esteem they gave her two pelican skins complete with feathers.

She was an excellent horsewoman and though told not to ride various horses - supposed to be outlaws, she rode them when the males were out on the run. No one, white or black, gave her away to the males.[1]

Maggie Armstrong Hope died at Hawthorn, Victoria on 9 March, 1931, aged 82 years.

[1]Letter from Lewis Barker

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Thomas Hope (father)