Easter Mary Binks

Easter was undoubtedly named after her Grandmother, Easter (Sargant), but from a young age and throughout her life she was known as 'Esther'.

She was born on February 15, 1884 in London and married Harry Stephenson on August 30, 1903 at St. James Church, Clerkenwell, London. Harry was the son of James Stephenson and Helen (nee Overgage), and one of fourteen known children. He was born at 12 Albert Place, Bromley, Kent on November 2, 1875.

Harry spent 7 years in the Dorsetshire Regiment having enrolled on 7th October 1892. He spent some time serving in India. He then worked for the Post Office as a Telegraph Linesman.

Harry and 'Esther' had two sons, the first, William George Henry Stephenson was born May 31, 1905 in the Clerkenwell district of London.

In 1911, the family emigrated to Adelaide, South Australia, arriving on the "Ophir" ship on 26 August 1911. 

 R.M.S. Ophir

Click for larger picture

Esther's Uncle William Binks was already in Australia as was Harry's brother, James.

On September 22, 1916 Harry and Esther's other son, Ernest Charles Frank Stephenson was born.

Esther was very homesick in Australia and kept in regular contact with her brothers and sisters back home in England usually signing her letters and postcards with her pet name of 'Ciss'. She was particularly close to her sister, May, and brother, Joseph W. E. Binks or 'Ernie', as he was known. He'd also emigrated to South Australia and may have lived with Esther before enlisting for military service during the First World War. Ernie's military records (available from his page) reveal communications between Esther and the A.I.F Base Records Office and show her addresses at this time as:

Esther's letter - Click image to enlarge

 

Esther died on June 13, 1956 in Adelaide, and Harry died on January 18, 1961.

 

Harry Stephenson

 

Very early picture of 'Esther' & Harry

 

Photo Album

(Click on the thumbnails to view the pictures)

Esther with son, Ernest C. F. Stephenson (Abt. 1917)

Esther with son, Ernest C. F. Stephenson (Nov. 1927)

Esther with sons William G. H. and Ernest C. H. Stephenson (1920)

Ernest C. F. Stephenson

Esther with son, Ernest C. F. Stephenson and her brother, Joseph W. E. Binks (June 20, 1918)

Esther with son, Ernest C. F. Stephenson (Abt. 1920)

Ernest C. F. Stephenson with Uncle Joseph W. E. Binks (1918)

Esther with husband Harry Stephenson, and their sons, William G. H. and Ernest C. H. (1917)

Esther and Harry's children, Will & Ernie

Will, Esther, Harry, & Ernie (taken March 1928)

Esther (approx. 1940)

Harry, Esther and son, Will (Adelaide, 1951)

See also Joseph William Ernest Binks