Brownlee, Elizabeth

DESCRIPTION

NameBrownlee, ElizabethOccupationPost MistressPlace of ResidenceYellow RockBiographyElizabeth Johanna O’Keefe was born 1871 at Wallaby Hill, Jamberoo, to Francis and Margaret O’Keefe

In 1893, Elizabeth married George Brownlee and they moved to Yellow Rock. Elizabeth looked after their two surviving children, and managed the Yellow Rock Post Office; a position not generally occupied by women at that time.

Elizabeth and George had;

John George b.1894 (died 1894)
Francis Joseph b.1904 (died 1963, Albion Park)
George Bede b.1907 (married Isabel Mulley, died 1978, Albion Park)

Elizabeth was also a district midwife. She was called out at all hours in all types of weather with her horse and sulky and lantern. After delivering the child she would remain for ten to twelve days until the mother was able to manage on her own. At this time her supportive husband would care for their children. Her payment was according to what the new parents could manage, sometimes only a thank you or vegetables from the garden. Elizabeth did this work from the 1880s to the 1920s.

'Elizabeth Brownlee' Reserve at Albion Park is named in her honour.

External LinkObituary George Brownlee 1893Obituary Elizabeth Johanna Brownlee 1935

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