Emma Phillis was born in 1833 at Eastry in Kent, England. She arrived in South Australia with her parents and siblings in 1839 on board DUCHESS OF NORTHUMBERLAND. Soon after arrival her mother died, and her aunt took the responsibility of assisting in the up-bringing of the children. Charlotte Bushell nee Phillis was the sister of James Phillis, father of Emma.

In December 1851 Emma married a cousin, Henry Phillis, son of William Phillis and Sarah nee Munday. Henry Phillis had emigrated to South Australia in 1849 on the ship HIMALAYA. His parents arrived in 1855 with the large family group that travelled with James Phillis on his return to England around this time.

Henry took up a land grant in 1859 in partnership with his brother-in-law Thomas Fulwood, that being Section 81 and 86 Hundred of South Rhine. He also purchased Section 7006 Hundred of Talunga, comprising 78 acres.