Palmer, Elizabeth Mary (1832–1897)

views updated

Palmer, Elizabeth Mary (1832–1897)

New Zealand music and singing teacher, performer, composer, and theatrical promoter. Name variations: Elizabeth Mary Naylor. Born Elizabeth Mary Naylor, Nov 3, 1832, in Suffolk, England; died May 31, 1897, in Wellington, New Zealand; dau. of George Naylor and Elizabeth Caroline (Smith) Naylor; m. George Palmer (gardener), 1853 (died 1896); children: 8 sons, 4 daughters.

Immigrated with husband to New Zealand (1856); taught music and voice from her Nelson home, and began performing in and promoting theatrical events (1871); continued when family relocated to Wellington (1876) and to Wairarapa (1878), where she also taught at Clareville School; composed words and lyrics to popular ballad, "Twas Only a Dream" (1884).

See also Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (Vol. 2).

More From encyclopedia.com