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Elizabeth Morris (1775–1824)

Elizabeth Watts, a dairymaid, arrived in Sydney aboard the Bellona in 1793 as part of the family group of Thomas Rose. Rose had accepted the British Government's invitation of free passage to New South Wales (as well as land, tools, and enough provisions for two years) for experienced farmers. Soon after landing Watts began a relationship with James Morris, a soldier in the NSW Corps; they were to have 11 children before Morris died in 1813. Elizabeth continued to run their shopkeeping business in Pitt Street, Sydney. She died on 10 July 1824 and was buried as Elizabeth Morris in the Elizabeth Street Burial ground; her age was given as 49.

Citation details

'Morris, Elizabeth (1775–1824)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/morris-elizabeth-29840/text36939, accessed 29 March 2024.

© Copyright People Australia, 2012

Life Summary [details]

Alternative Names
  • Watts, Elizabeth
Birth

1775
Dorset, England

Death

10 July, 1824 (aged ~ 49)
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Cultural Heritage

Includes subject's nationality; their parents' nationality; the countries in which they spent a significant part of their childhood, and their self-identity.

Passenger Ship
Occupation