# Esther Frances How

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**Esther Frances How** (January 29, 1848 – September 22, 1915), better known as **Hester How**, was a teacher who helped turn around delinquent boys in 19th-century Toronto.[1]

How was born in [Ireland](/source/Ireland) in 1848 to Thomas Ferguson How and Catherine J. How and immigrated to [Canada West](/source/Canada_West) in 1849.[1] How graduated from [Toronto Normal School](/source/Toronto_Normal_School) and began her teaching career in 1871.[1]

It was in 1879 when How was hired under the direction of [Toronto Mayor](/source/Mayor_of_Toronto) [William Holmes Howland](/source/William_Holmes_Howland) and public school inspector [James L. Hughes](/source/James_L._Hughes) to help establish a school for troubled youth.[2] This helped establish her as an advocate for troubled youth. It also helped steer youth away from trouble, away from being handled in the adult court system, and toward a juvenile justice system.[3]

The school she taught at was renamed after her in 1912, and she retired from teaching a year later.[1]

How died in Toronto in 1915, and was buried in [St. James Cemetery](/source/St._James_Cemetery_(Toronto)).[1]

## Legacy

Beside Hester How Public School (former Elizabeth Street Public School now demolished and located in what is the east entrance of [Hospital for Sick Children](/source/The_Hospital_for_Sick_Children,_Toronto)), a day care centre at [Toronto City Hall](/source/Toronto_City_Hall) (opened 1990) is named after her.

## References

1. Houston, Susan E. ["How, Frances Esther"](http://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/how_frances_esther_14E.html). *Dictionary of Canadian Biography*. Retrieved September 29, 2014.

1. Wiggins, W.F. (March 4, 2012). ["How teachers tame school-children in the Ward"](http://www.billgladstone.ca/?p=7340). *Toronto Saturday Night Magazine*. Retrieved September 29, 2014.

1. ["Hester How"](http://www.ago.net/hester-how). *Canadian Connections*. Retrieved September 29, 2014.

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