Francis John Whitby
Elizabeth Whitby | |
|---|---|
| Born | Hampstead, London |
| Died | 12 November 1888 |
| Occupation(s) | Educator, headmistress |
| Known for | Founder and headmistress of one of South Australia's earliest girls' schools |
Elizabeth Whitby ( – 12 November 1888) was the founder and headmistress of one of South Australia's earliest girls' schools, established in 1848 on Carrington Street, Adelaide.
History
Born Elizabeth Castleden, daughter of the Baptist minister Rev. James Castleden from Hampstead, London, she married Joseph Whitby and resided in Yorkshire before relocating to Australia with their four sons aboard the Competitor in October 1848. That same year, she launched a girls' educational institution on Carrington Street. The subsequent whereabouts or fate of Joseph Whitby are not documented. Elizabeth promoted her services for educating young women, providing a broad curriculum that combined intellectual and refined studies, alongside boarding accommodations.
By 1856, the curriculum had expanded to include subjects such as Ancient and Modern History, Grammar, Geography (both physical and moral), Composition, Writing, Arithmetic, Fancy Work, Drawing using chalk and pencil, Watercolour painting, Landscape and Floral Art, Music, Singing, Dancing, as well as instruction in French and German languages. The annual tuition fee was fixed at 40 guineas.
According to an 1851 official survey encompassing 79 government-approved schools in South Australia, Whitby's institution received subsidies for educating 4 boys and 22 girls; on the day of inspection, enrollment counted 27 girls. The school remained operational continuously from its inception in 1848 until 1878.
Family
Elizabeth Whitby’s four sons were:
- Joseph James Whitby (1838 – March 1875), commonly referred to as J. J. Whitby, received his education at Francis Haire's Academy in Adelaide and completed his legal training under the firm Bartley, Bakewell & Stow. He formed partnerships in Mount Barker and later with James Boucaut before establishing his own practice. Recognized for his legal acumen, particularly in drafting government legislation around 1872, he married Frances Jane "Fanny" Wyly in 1866; their offspring included Geoffrey Castleden Whitby and Frances Elizabeth Whitby. Joseph held the position of Acting Crown Solicitor in the Northern Territory and tragically perished in the Gothenburg maritime disaster. Subsequently, Frances operated a private school before returning to Ireland.
- Francis John "Frank" Whitby (circa 1840 – 1909) attended Haire's Academy and Adelaide Educational Institution. He oversaw significant pastoral properties for J. H. Angas and later managed the Willowie Land and Pastoral Association until retiring around 1889. Frank served as chairman of the Port Germein District Council, acted as a Justice of the Peace, and after retirement participated on the Adelaide Police Court bench. Renowned for his expertise in sheep breeding, he provided extensive advice to station proprietors. He remained unmarried throughout his life.
- Alfred Knight Whitby (circa 1844 – 1898) pursued legal studies at Adelaide Educational Institution and commenced private practice in 1865. From 1879 he partnered with Charles Mann under the firm Mann & Whitby based in Jamestown. His career was marked by two notable public incidents: in 1882 he horsewhipped Edmund John Eyre, a court clerk who had reported on Whitby's legal difficulties; earlier in 1880 he was physically assaulted by D. C. F. Moodie following Alfred’s counsel to Moodie’s wife regarding separation due to domestic abuse. Alfred passed away at age 54 after a brief illness.
Additional context:
- Edmund John Eyre** (1825–1892) was a publican, shipping correspondent, and court clerk entangled in legal conflicts with Alfred Whitby.
- D. C. F. Moodie** was known for assaulting A. T. Clark over a libel case involving Queen Victoria and later attacked Alfred Whitby after receiving marital separation advice.
This family narrative underscores the Whitbys’ prominent roles within South Australia's legal system, governance structures, and pastoral industry development.
E. B. Whitby
- The youngest sibling, Edward Ball Whitby (circa 1844 – 14 September 1866), engaged in pastoral activities and passed away at Callanna Station.