Eliza Speed was the third child of Robert Storey Speed & Elizabeth Graham born April-June 1849 at Seaham, Co Durham.
Eliza was living with her parents & 2 sisters at Seaton, Co Durham in 1851. Her father Robert was described as a merchant (coal & timber) & a ship owner.
Eliza’s mother died in 1853 & her father married again in 1854.
The 1861 census shows Eliza still living with her father & step-mother Annie at Fountain House, Fountain Terrace, Stranton, West Hartlepool. There were 2 sisters & a brother still at home & her father was described as a ship broker (coal).
At the time of the 1871 census Eliza was visiting Amelia & William Lee & family at 6 Northumberland Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. She was working as a milliner.
Eliza had moved to Cumberland by 1881 & was boarding with widow Mary Ann Robson at 7 Abbey St, St Mary Within, Carlisle. She was described as a saleswoman.
By 1891 Eliza had returned to West Hartlepool & was visiting Ada & Phatnel Grainger, a master mariner, & their family at 6 Bellerby Terrace, Stranton. No occupation was given for Eliza.
Eliza had moved again by 1901 & was now working as housekeeper for the Martin family. They were living at 13 Albert Terrace, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough.
Eliza was visiting again at the time of the 1911 census. This time with Mary E & William Scott, a baker & confectioner, at 18 Danesbury Terrace, Darlington, Co Durham.