Emma was born possibly in Romsey, or at Ower Eling Hants. She was baptised in North Eling, on February 2nd. 1845.

In the 1851 census she was living at Emery Down in the New Forest, with two elder and two younger brothers. She was 6 years old.

On May the 5th. 1875, aged 31, she married Edward William Thomas Leat at the Southampton Registry Office. Twelve days later she gave birth to a boy named Christopher Edward Leat, named after her father. Sadly the baby died after a few months. Emma was a capable needlewoman, making all her childrens clothes.