Esther Copley facts for kids

Esther Copley was an English writer who lived a long time ago, from 1786 to 1851. She was born Esther Beuzeville in London. She wrote many helpful books, especially for children. Her books often taught good lessons and helped families.

Her Life Story

Esther was the youngest child of Peter Beuzeville and Mary Griffith Meredith. Her family had a French background called Huguenots. Her father made silk for a living.

When her father retired, her family moved to Henley-on-Thames. In 1809, Esther married James Philip Hewlett. He was a church leader in Oxford. He worked at St. Aldate's and for Oxford University colleges like Magdalen and New College. They had three sons and two daughters. Two of their sons also became church leaders. Their two daughters married two brothers.

After her first husband passed away, Esther married William Copley in 1827. He was a Baptist minister in Oxford. They later moved to St. Helier in Jersey, and then to Eythorne, Kent. Esther and William separated in 1843. Esther Copley is buried in the churchyard at Eythorne.

Her Books and Writings

Esther Copley wrote many books. She wrote stories for children, short religious writings, and books about how to manage a home.

Her book Cottage Comforts (published in 1825) was very popular. It was written for working people and was printed many times. She also wrote a small book called Hints on the Cholera morbus in 1832. This book gave advice on how to prevent and treat the disease.

Esther's stories for children often taught important lessons. They showed examples of good behavior to help children learn to be hardworking and kind. She also wrote longer books for young people that were not fiction. These included Scripture Natural History for Youth (1828). She also wrote a long book called History of Slavery and its Abolition (1836). This book talked about how slavery came from human wrongdoing. Her book Family Experiences and Home Secrets (1851) combined three of her earlier books. It showed a family that became successful through hard work and kindness.

Remembering Esther Copley

Esther Copley was buried at Eythorne Baptist Church. In 1996, a special plaque was put up in Henley-on-Thames. This plaque remembers Esther and her family. It is in the United Reformed church, where she and her parents lived many years ago.