Mary Murray Balmer was born in Edinburgh on 28 July 1832 and baptised on 4 September 1832 at the Broughton Place Church. Her deceased father, James, had been foreman to the publisher and bookseller Robert Cadell: he had been poor health and was unable to support his family. Her mother Ann Elizabeth attempted to support Mary and her sister Marion, aged five, by letting lodgings at East Canal Street but was in poor health and unable to work.

Circumstances shewing that the Child is destitute, and proper object of Charity,}

The Father who was a respectable and Steady Workman was for Some Years previous to his Death in a very delicate State of health, and totally unable to lay by any Thing for his Widow & two infant Children. The Widow is likewise in very delicate health and unable from letting lodgings to…educate her Children.

Robert Cadell acted as Cautioner for Mary who was admitted in 1839. The 1841 Census found her at 32 India Place, Edinburgh, with her mother and sister. She died of ‘Inflammation of the Head’ on 2 June 1843 and was buried at St Cuthbert’s, Edinburgh.

application

Letter of recommendation