Esther Abrahams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Esther Abrahams
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A portrait of Esther Johnstone (born Abrahams)
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| Born |
Esther Abrahams
around 1767 or 1771 London, England
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| Died | 26 August 1846 Sydney, Australia
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| Spouse(s) | George Johnston (Partner from 1788, married 1814) |
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Esther Abrahams (born around 1767 or 1771, died 26 August 1846) was a Jewish woman from London who was one of the first settlers sent to Australia. She arrived on the First Fleet, a group of eleven ships that established the first European colony in New South Wales.
Esther became the partner of George Johnston, an important military officer. For six months, he was the acting Governor of New South Wales after leading an event known as the Rum Rebellion. Esther and George lived together for many years and later officially married in 1814.
Contents
Early Life and Journey to Australia
Esther Abrahams was born in London, England, into a Jewish family. When she was a young woman, around the age of 20, she was accused of stealing some valuable lace. She was found guilty of breaking the law.
As a punishment, she was sentenced to seven years of "transportation." This meant she had to leave England and live in the new British colony in Australia. At the time, her job was listed as a "milliner," which means she made and sold hats. While in Newgate Prison in London, she gave birth to a baby girl named Rosanna in March 1787.
A few months later, Esther and her baby began the long sea voyage to Australia. They were part of the First Fleet, which left England in May 1787. They sailed on a ship called the Prince of Wales and later moved to the Lady Penrhyn. They finally arrived in Sydney in January 1788.
A New Life in New South Wales
Arriving in the Colony
During the journey to Australia, Esther met George Johnston. He was a first lieutenant in the marine corps, the soldiers who traveled with the First Fleet. He offered to protect Esther and her baby. After they arrived and settled in Sydney, Esther and George began to live together as a family.
Family and Farming
Esther and George had seven children together. Their first son, George Johnston Jr., was born in 1790. After her seven-year sentence ended in 1793, Esther was a free person. For a while, she and her daughter Rosanna used the last name "Julian."
George Johnston received large areas of land because of his military rank. He and Esther built a farm and a home called Annandale House. They lived there with their children and ran a successful farm.
Their children grew up to be important members of the new colony. In 1805, their son Robert became the first Australian-born person to join the British Royal Navy. That same year, Esther's daughter Rosanna married Isaac Nichols, a businessman who later became the first postmaster in New South Wales.
Leadership and Challenges
The Rum Rebellion
On 26 January 1808, George Johnston, who was now a major in the army, led an event called the Rum Rebellion. He and other soldiers disagreed with the governor, William Bligh, and removed him from his position. For the next six months, George Johnston acted as the Lieutenant-Governor, the temporary leader of the colony.
Because of his new power, he gave land to many people, including 570 acres (230 ha) to Esther.
Managing the Family Property
In 1809, George Johnston had to sail to England to explain his actions during the rebellion. He was gone for four years. While he was away, Esther was left in charge of all their farms and businesses. She proved to be a very skilled and hardworking manager.
When a new governor, Lachlan Macquarie, arrived, he cancelled many of the land grants made during the rebellion. However, when George returned in 1813, he was allowed to keep his land, and the land given to Esther was also approved.
A year after George returned, he and Esther were officially married on 12 November 1814, at St John's Church in Parramatta.
Later Years and Legacy
George Johnston died in 1823. In his will, he left the Annandale estate to Esther for the rest of her life.
A few years later, a family disagreement began over the properties. In 1829, her son Robert took her to court. He argued that she was not capable of managing the large Annandale estate. Esther fought back in court and brought many witnesses who said she was of sound mind. The court agreed with Esther, but it appointed trustees to help manage her affairs. After this, Esther went to live with her other son, David.
Esther died in 1846 and was buried next to her husband on their Annandale property. Later, their remains were moved to a special tomb, called a mausoleum, at Waverley Cemetery along with 47 of their descendants.
Esther Abrahams is remembered as a strong and resourceful woman who played an important part in the early history of Sydney. One of her grandsons described her as "always a stirring industrious woman." Her descendants include important Australians like Sir David Martin, who became a Governor of New South Wales.
Today, a pavilion in Bicentennial Park, Annandale, is named after her, and her portrait is displayed in the Sydney Jewish Museum.
