Mary was working as a photographer in Southampton in 1861, four years before she married Arthur Pibworth. (See entry for M. Sadlier).
Arthur was a cabinet maker in Portsmouth in 1861. He married Mary around 1864 and adopted her young son, William Sabine. The 1865 Bennett Directory listed Arthur Pibworth in the photographers section, at 29 Canal Walk. In 1869 A. Pibworth advertised his studio at 18 St Marys Street. Alfred and Mary and their 4 children lived at 18 St Marys Street at the time of the 1871 census. However, despite advertising as a photographer in the same year,(at 54 East St), Alfred gave his occupation as cabinet maker, and Mary gave no occupation at all.
Southampton Directory 1871
In the early 1870s photographer Samuel White was also producing portraits and advertising from 18 St Marys Street, so he was probably renting the studio from the Pibworths. In 1878 A. Pibworth was listed as the photographer at 18 St Marys, although it is more likely that Mary was the photographer.
Alfred gave his occupation as cabinet maker for the 1881 census, and for the first time since 1861 Mary gave her occupation as photographer. Alfred and Mary had moved to East Street, and their sons aged 16 and 14 were working as photographer's assistants. William Sabine was listed as Alfred's step son, and was working as an engineer. In 1884 Mary advertised as M. Pibworth, 'photographer and tricycle repository' in Marsh Lane, Southampton.
Southampton Directory 1884
In 1885 Kellys directory listed Alfred Pibworth as a furniture dealer in Lake Road, Landport, Portsmouth. No further trace of Alfred has been found. He was still alive in 1891, as Mary gave her status as married rather than as a widow for the 1891 census, even though he was not included in the record. By this time she was living with her married daughter and family in Landport, Portsmouth, and gave no occupation.
The last record found for Mary Pibworth listed her as a widow living with the eldest son from her marriage with Alfred, in Canning Town, London, 1901.