Maria was the fourth of eight children born to Elizabeth (Pentland) and Joseph Black. Maria's parents were both from Drumcree, County Armagh, Ireland. They were married in July 1852 in Drumcree before embarking on their long journey to Australia, arriving here between 1852 - 1855. Maria's father became a Miner and moved around the goldfields searching for that elusive precious metal and, like so many others, hoping to make the big strike. The Black family lived in Ballarat for several years and then moved into the Creswick area. Maria was born on the 1st August 1861 at a place called The Springs, situated between Ballarat and Creswick. Gold was discovered at The Springs in July 1854. Maria (Black) and William Capuano made their home in Creswick at Luttet Street and their eight children were born in Creswick.