Caroline Chisholm, the celebrated 19th-century English humanitarian known for her tireless work supporting immigrants in Australia, came from a large family. Born Caroline Jones on May 30, 1808, in Northampton, England, she was the youngest child in a sizable household.
Caroline’s Family Size and Siblings
Caroline was the youngest of at least twelve children fathered by William Jones, a pig dealer and landowner. Her mother, Sarah Jones (née Allen), was William’s fourth wife. Caroline was the last of seven children born to Sarah, making her part of a very large blended family. Her father had been widowed three times before marrying Sarah, which contributed to the large number of siblings and half-siblings in the extended family.
Growing up as the youngest in such a big family, Caroline was educated by a governess at home. The Jones family lived in Northampton, where William Jones managed a pig-fattening business and owned several properties. William died when Caroline was just six years old, leaving a considerable estate to his children.
Impact of Family on Caroline’s Life
Being part of a large family likely influenced Caroline’s later humanitarian work, especially her empathy towards families and immigrants. Her upbringing in a bustling household may have given her insight into the challenges faced by women and children, which she later addressed through her support for immigrant welfare in Australia.
Summary
In short, Caroline Chisholm did have many siblings — she was the youngest of at least twelve children from her father’s four marriages and the last of seven born to her mother. This large family background was a significant part of her early life before she went on to become a pioneering advocate for immigrants and families in Australia.