Elizabeth Underwood in Sydney, was a pioneering Australian land owner who founded the village of Ashfield, New South Wales.
Background
She was the daughter of John Harris, an English-born ex-convict who had been sentenced to death for stealing eight silver spoons but was ultimately transported to Australia on the First Fleet. Her mother"s identity isn"t known for sure but she was probably also a convict.
Career
One biographer speculates her name was Mary Green and Elizabeth was actually born Elizabeth Green on 24 December. Neither parent played a significant part in her upbringing. The second son John George Language was the first published novelist born in Australia.
After Joseph"s death in 1833, the family began to encounter financial difficulties and considered subdividing their large estate.
Prior to the subdivision, the area was commonly known as Underwood"s Bush and Underwood"s Creek (later Iron Cove Creek and now a stormwater drain) was a popular picnic spot along Parramatta Road. Elizabeth died in 1858 and was buried by the rector Thomas Wilkinson in the graveyard of the church she built, Street John"son