Mathinna biography definition

Mathinna (1835–1852) was an Aboriginal Tasmanian girl, who was adopted and later abandoned by the Governor of Tasmania, Sir John Franklin.

Mathinna was born as Mary on Flinders Island, Tasmania to the chief of the Lowreenne tribe, Towgerer, and his wife Wongerneep, but the tribe was captured by George Augustus Robinson, the Chief Protector of Aborigines, in 1833.

Mary was renamed Mathinna when she was about six years old

In 1837 Sir John Franklin was appointed Lieutenant Governor of Van Diemen's Land for a term of four years It was during this time that Sir John Franklin and his wife, Lady Jane Franklin requested an Aboriginal boy or girl. Mathinna was sent to Hobart to live with the Fanrklin's although she was not an orphan.

Mathinna was raised with Sir John's daughter Eleanor.

Just one fragment of a letter written by Mathinna reveals what the transition from living with her family at Flinders Island to living at Government House in Hobart Biography - Mathinna - People Australia NUQ