Elizabeth Roberts (1812–1833) was the daughter of Warwickshire-born William Roberts and his wife, Jane, both of whom had come to New South Wales as convicts. After attaining his freedom, Roberts secured a number of lucrative contracts for the construction of roads and bridges. He was favoured by Governor Macquarie, who in 1810 re-affirmed a grant to Roberts of 200 acres of seafront land encompassing what is now the suburb of Bondi. This grant is thought to have been made to Roberts in payment for his role in the creation of the South Head Road. Between 1813 and 1818, he undertook roadbuilding projects in south-western Sydney while also being involved in farming and various other ventures. In Sydney in 1831, Elizabeth married John Farmer, a soldier in the 39th Regiment of Foot. With her infant son, she accompanied Farmer to India when his regiment was ordered there in 1833. After some time in Madras, the family embarked for Hobart aboard the Lady Munro, which was wrecked in October 1833 at Île Amsterdam in the southern Indian Ocean. Elizabeth, her husband and son were among the 76 people who perished.
Purchased 2013