This presentation is based on Samantha’s research for her latest book, which is set in nineteenth century Melbourne.
It is based on the history of her great-great grandmother, Elizabeth Abbott, a bigamist who lived on three continents. She was mentioned on the front pages of the Melbourne newspapers due to her scandalous second husband, Alfred James Abbott, Pastor of the Free Christian Church, which was a cult like organisation set up by Alexander Dowie that focused on faith healing.
Police would organise ‘stings’ against psychic mediums, but the wayward Abbott’s misdemeanors largely went unnoticed until challenged by Elizabeth.
Dr Samantha Battams has written three non-fiction books – two true crime stories and one about a pioneer aviator.
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