Seager, Esther
Dates
- Existence: 1836 - 1911
Biography
Edward William Seager arrived in 1851 as ship's schoolmaster on the Cornwall. He joined the police force and the Lyttelton Choral Society, and soon became the Lyttelton gaoler. He pitied the lunatics there, and persuaded the Provincial Government to build Sunnyside Asylum in Lincoln Road. He moved there in 1863, with his wife Esther and their family, and 17 patients, whom he called his children. Esther (née Coster) had been Matron of Lyttelton Gaol, and became Matron of Sunnyside. By 1873 they had twelve children. After the aboltion of the Provinces in 1876 the central government appointed Dr. Hacon Medical Superintendent of Sunnyside, but Edward Seager remained in charge of the workshops. In the late 1880s he and Esther were told to retire. By 1890 Edward Seager had been appointed Usher at the Supreme Court. He retired in 1909. Esther Seager died in 1911, and Edward Seager died in 1922, at the age of 95.
Found in 2 Collections and/or Records:
Edward William Seager biography by Madeleine Seager
Photocopied typescript of Madeleine Seager's biography of her grandfather, Edward William Seager.
Madeleine Seager research notes for the biography of Edward William Seager
Photocopied typescript of research notes for Madeleine Seager's biography of her grandfather, Edward William Seager. Also includes a tribute to Madeleine Seager herself, and a photocopy of her death notice, both 1987.