Catherine Sarah Deakin (also known as Katie and Kate) (1850–1937) was an Australian music teacher and pianist. She was the sister of

Alfred Deakin Alfred Deakin (3 August 1856 – 7 October 1919) was an Australian politician who served as the second Prime Minister of Australia. He was a leader of the movement for Federation, which occurred in 1901. During his three terms as prime minist ...

, to whom she was very close. He served as Prime Minister of Australia.

Early life and education

Catherine Deakin was born in

Adelaide Adelaide ( ) is the list of Australian capital cities, capital city of South Australia, the state's largest city and the list of cities in Australia by population, fifth-most populous city in Australia. "Adelaide" may refer to either Greater A ...

South Australia South Australia (commonly abbreviated as SA) is a state in the southern central part of Australia. It covers some of the most arid parts of the country. With a total land area of , it is the fourth-largest of Australia's states and territories ...

in 1850. Her parents were William and Sarah Bill Deakin. In 1851, the family moved to Fitzroy, outside of

Melbourne Melbourne ( ; Boonwurrung/ Woiwurrung: ''Narrm'' or ''Naarm'') is the capital and most populous city of the Australian state of Victoria, and the second-most populous city in both Australia and Oceania. Its name generally refers to a me ...

. Her brother,

, was born in 1856. From 1858-1862, Deakin attended school in Kyneton at Miss Thomson's School and from 1863 until 1865 she attended Miss Thomson's School in

South Yarra South Yarra is an inner-city suburb in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 4 km south-east of Melbourne's Central Business District, located within the Cities of Melbourne and Stonnington local government areas. South Yarra recorded a popu ...

. It was at these schools where Deakin learned to play piano. Deakin studied at Presbyterian Ladies' College, Melbourne before matriculating to the University of Melbourne. At the time, she was the only woman to pass the matriculation examination. She graduated from the Melbourne School of Music in 1882.

Career and adult life

Deakin taught piano and music theory privately, including to her brother Alfred's daughters, Ivy,

Vera Vera may refer to: Names *Vera (surname), a surname (including a list of people with the name) *Vera (given name), a given name (including a list of people and fictional characters with the name) **Vera (), archbishop of the archdiocese of Tarrag ...

and Stella. She taught the children at The Elms, where Deakin lived with her parents. She was fluent in French and was "extremely well read" in politics and literature. She was in the same social circle as

Ferdinand von Mueller Baron Sir Ferdinand Jacob Heinrich von Mueller, (german: Müller; 30 June 1825 – 10 October 1896) was a German-Australian physician, geographer, and most notably, a botanist. He was appointed government botanist for the then colony of Vic ...

. Deakin never married. However, she was in love with John Henning Thompson, a school master. Her family disapproved of their relationship.

Relationship with her brother, Alfred Deakin

Deakin remained close with her brother her entire life. Alfred frequently referred to Deakin in his diary, calling her "K". Historian Marjorie R. Theobald described Deakin as the most important person in Alfred's life. She advised Alfred on political and intellectual matters, influencing his role as Australian prime minister. Deakin served as a pseudo-surrogate mother to Deakin's daughters, specifically when they were travelling internationally. She travelled regularly with the girls, accompanying them to Berlin and Budapest for studies.

Later life and legacy

Deakin died at The Elms on 3 November 1937. She is buried at St Kilda Cemetery.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Deakin, Catherine 1850 births 1937 deaths Musicians from Adelaide University of Melbourne alumni Australian women pianists Musicians from Melbourne 19th-century pianists 19th-century Australian musicians 20th-century Australian pianists 20th-century Australian women musicians 20th-century Australian musicians 19th-century women pianists 20th-century women pianists