Never Ruled by Man

Stapleton, New York was in its heyday in the late 19^th century. There was a busy waterfront, world renowned breweries, and a vibrant downtown business center. There were churches, jails, dance halls, and saloons. In Stapleton, anything could and did happen as honest, hard-working, and at times rough-edged citizens of the community shared the same streets with young thugs, hardened criminals, and corrupt politicians.

Mary Ann Bascombe was a real-life anomaly who played a part in the drama of Stapleton's golden age. Born in 1840, she started and ended life on the same street corner in the working class section of Stapleton called Rocky Hollow. Orphaned at the age of twelve, Mary Ann was forced into work as a housemaid. Yet, from this humble and unfortunately common circumstance of the times, she went on to become a savvy businesswoman, lay lawyer, neighborhood activist, and local politician, independent of a man. Mary Ann also became a humorous and eccentric local personality known for being outspoken and carrying around a club.

Mary Ann Bascombe lived a rich and fascinating life, then died and tumbled through the cracks of history. This story resurrects her life and times during the free spirited independent days of Staten Island prior to joining the City of Greater New York.