Background
She was born to Thomas Overton and his wife in England in about 1821.
She was born to Thomas Overton and his wife in England in about 1821.
He did not return, and probably died in Victoria. 1856–1862
In December 1856 Harriet became matron of Lyttelton hospital, initially earning £75 a year. The hospital had 14 beds, and Harriet was responsible for all patient care, meals, and cleaning, with the assistance of only one servant.
Of this she was made Matron on a salary, when it opened on 25 January 1864, of £100.
1877–1907
Number records are extant of Harriet"s life between leaving the Christchurch Female Home and when she started advertising her dressmaking services in 1877. This she did from her home on the corner of Armagh Street and East Town Belt (now known as Fitzgerald Avenue) in Christchurch.
