Esther Ann Robey (nee Mather): 1849-1939

Abstract

Esther Robey (1849-1939), a daughter of Joseph Benson Mather had a reputation for cheerful energy. As a child, according to her obituary, her father 'had refused to curb the high spirits and gaiety of his daughter in an age when properly brought up youth was to be seen and not heard of, for he said they had been given to her for some definite purpose'. She married Charles Henry Robey in 1884. The couple had two daughters. Photograph titled Esther Ann Robey (nee Mather) 1849-1939 - is an portrait of Esther Mather (held by University of Tasmania Library, Special and Rare materials collection). Photograph titled Esther Ann Mather's Birth Certificate - handwritten birth ceritficate for Esther Mather (held by Society of Friends' Meeting House). Photograph titled Temperance pledge by Esther, aged 7, 26th of May 1857 - is a temperance pledge signed by seven year old Esther (held by Society of Friends' Meeting House). Photograph titled Letter to Esther from her Aunt Sarah Benson Walker - is a letter thanking Esther for her gift of shoes. Photograph titled Elinor and Marguerita Robey, daughters of Esther and Charles Robey - is a portrait of Elinor and Marguerita holding their doll (held by University of Tasmania, Special and Rare Materials) (Source - Michael Bennett, Quaker Life in Tasmania: The First Hundred Years, University of Tasmania Library, 2007).