ELIZABETH MACARTHUR

By James Cutting

Why was Elizabeth Macarthur significant to Australia?

Mrs Macarthur was the first educated white woman to arrive in Australia.

Elizabeth Macarthur was significant to Australia because In 1796, John Macarthur bought his first merino sheep from a flock of Spanish merino sheep reared in South Africa. At the time, sheep were used for both their meat and their wool and the quality of the fleece from the breeds already imported to Australia was very poor. Other farmers in the region also bought merino sheep in 1796, but they cross-bred their merinos with other breeds, which resulted in coarse wool of a low quality.

Elizabeth was the first soldier's wife to arrive in New South Wales. Being educated, articulate and well read, her letters provide an important record of the infant convict town of Sydney and colonial life.

In the early years of the 1800s world demand for wool increased as a result of the Napoleonic Wars. This meant that the Macarthur's high quality wool was bought at a premium price upon its arrival in England and the family quickly became the wealthiest in New South Wales.

The Macarthur's and the merino sheep

Macarthur deliberately did not cross-breed his merinos and he and Elizabeth worked hard to establish their flock. This hard work soon began to pay off for the Macarthur's and by 1803, their flock numbered over 4000 almost-pure merinos. In subsequent years they bought merinos from flocks in various locations which meant that the bloodline of the flock – and therefore the health of their sheep and the quality of their wool – was strengthened and improved over time. In 1807, the Macarthur's sent their first bale of wool to England

Why Elizabeth had to live by her self and take charge.

In 1808 Macarthur was in trouble again for his role in the Rum Rebellion, where Governor Bligh's efforts to stop the trade of rum in the colony were overthrown by an angry mob. This time, he resigned from the army in order to avoid another court-martial. He was, however, exiled from New South Wales and remained in England until 1817.

After his return to Australia in 1817, John Macarthur and his wife continued to work hard on their farm. In addition to growing their own fortune and further developing their flock, John Macarthur was involved in the first commercial production of wine in Australia, was a founder of both the Australian Agricultural Company and the Bank of Australia and was one of the earliest members of the New South Wales Legislative Council.

How did Elizabeth help Australia as a country?

Elizabeth helped Australia to become wealthy by producing lots merino wool that was prized all around the world. Australia is the largest wool-producing country in the world. We have tens of thousands of wool producing properties and production of this fibre is one of the most significant and important uses of our farm land. Our annual production consistently accounts for over one quarter of the world's wool and is often valued at well over $2 billion each year. Australia is also recognised as producing the world's highest quality woollen fibre – Australian merino wool. All of this has been achieved in just over 200 years and began with the hard work of one family – the Macarthur's.

Elizabeth showed great strength and resilience as she controlled the farming operations and making many improvements. She made sure that stumps were cleared to make ploughing easier; sold hay and won the respect of the farmhands the majority of which were convicts.

Elizabeth Macarthur can be classed among the great pioneer women on her own merits. As a devoted wife, mother and home-maker, as well as a pastoralist and a sheep breeder, and a gracious “first lady” in the society of her day, she was a role model of Christian character for those who came after her.

In addition to the care of the home and livestock, Mrs Macarthur supervised the work of up to ninety convicts. Not only did she need good health and patience; she also needed courage.

She was often at risk from Aborigines, who had murdered several shepherds (including some of her stockmen), women and children. Yet Elizabeth regularly rode on horseback to Camden Park, fearlessly staying overnight in a “miserable (slab) hut”, so she could make inspections or supervise the culling of sheep and cattle. In 1804, when the Irish convicts (“Croppies”) arose, she and her children had to flee from Parramatta.

In 1816, Governor Macquarie made a grant of 600 acres to the farm at Parramatta in recognition of Mrs Macarthur’s contribution to the agricultural improvement of the country. In 1816 she sold 15,000 pounds of wool. Elizabeth’s practical wisdom and flock management was critical because it was the time when the foundation of the Australian wool industry was being laid. While Elizabeth supervised the farm and crucial breeding decisions and day-to-day management of the flocks, her husband John, in London, researched the market for the wool and was able to solicit government support for his vision. The husband-wife team kept in close touch with each other. Elizabeth sent John detailed reports of the farm operation, and carefully followed John’s directions.

About The Merino Sheep

The merino sheep was originally bred in Spain, a country with a warm climate like Australia. Unlike many of the other European animals imported to Australia at the time, the breed thrived as it was able to cope with the summer heat.

Merinos are known to have a thick, fine fleece that is highly suitable for spinning and weaving into a fine fibre that is mainly used in clothing.

How did merino wool help Australia?

It made fine clothes that were in demand around the world.

It brought traders to Australia which helped Australia to grow

It helped to set up trade routes with other countries

It helped Australia grow as a nation as it became more wealthy and able to build roads and cities.

Background info on Elizabeth Macarthur

She was born on 14th of August 1766 in England.

She died on 9th of February 1850 in Australia.

She was married to John Macarthur on 1788 in England.

Elizabeth Macarthur had 8 children, 5 Boys and 3 girls.

bibliography

http://en.wikipedia.org/ http://adb.anu.edu.au/ http://www.campbelltown.nsw.gov.au/ http://australia.gov.au/