Elizabeth Johnson (died 1752) facts for kids
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Elizabeth Johnson (born Jervis; 4 February 1689 – 17 March 1752) was often called "Tetty" by her friends and family. She was first married to a merchant from Birmingham named Henry Porter. After he passed away, she married the famous English writer Samuel Johnson. She died before him.
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Life Story of Elizabeth Johnson
Elizabeth was born on 4 February 1689. She was baptised a few days later in a place called Great Peatling (also known as Peatling Magna). Her father was William Jervis, and her mother was Anne. Elizabeth had three sisters and three brothers. Sadly, her two younger sisters passed away when they were very young. This meant Elizabeth was the only daughter who grew up to be an adult.
Inheritance and First Marriage
In July 1708, Elizabeth received many things from her grandmother, Elizabeth Jervis. This included household items, valuable plates, rings, and money. She also inherited half of her grandmother's remaining estate.
Elizabeth married Henry Porter on 4 February 1715, which was her 26th birthday. Henry was a merchant in Birmingham. However, his business was not very successful. After he died, Elizabeth had to pay off some of his debts. They had three children together:
- Lucy (born 1715) lived in Lichfield and helped Samuel Johnson's mother in her shop.
- Jervis Henry (born 1718) became an officer in the navy and later lived in London.
- Joseph (born around 1724) became a successful businessman in London.
None of their children had children of their own.
Meeting Samuel Johnson
Elizabeth and Henry Porter became friends with Samuel Johnson in 1732. Elizabeth was very impressed with Johnson from their first meeting. She told her daughter Lucy, "That is the most sensible man I ever met." After Henry Porter passed away, Samuel Johnson began to spend time with Elizabeth. He affectionately called her "Tetty" or "Tetsey," which were common nicknames for Elizabeth in that area.
Marriage to Samuel Johnson
Elizabeth and Samuel Johnson were married on 9 July 1735. The wedding took place at St Werburgh's Church in Derby. This event is even re-enacted there every year! When they married, Samuel was 25 years old, and Elizabeth was 46. Neither of their families were very happy about the marriage.
Elizabeth's dowry, which was over £600, was used to start a private school called Edial Hall. The school was located near Lichfield. After the school did not succeed, Samuel Johnson moved to London in 1737. Elizabeth joined him there later that same year.
Later Life and Legacy
In her later years, Elizabeth was not in good health. She passed away at the age of 63. She is buried in Bromley Parish Church. Samuel Johnson wrote a Latin message for her gravestone. It described her as beautiful, accomplished, clever, and religious. Johnson always remembered their marriage as "a love-match on both sides." He often recalled her with great affection and sadness, especially on the anniversary of her death.
Some people who knew Johnson, like his former student David Garrick and writer Hester Thrale, described Elizabeth in ways that were not very kind. However, Johnson himself always spoke of her with love and respect. Later writers, like Alice Meynell, felt that these critics were unfair to Elizabeth.
