Jane was born in about 1827, the daughter of John Morrison and Flora Paterson of old Borve. The site of their home was later known as Tobhta Fhionnghala ni' Shomhairle. In 1855 she emigrated to Australia on the Royal Albert with her husband and young son, as did her mother and five of her siblings.

Note: An alternative name, Emma, is given in some of the emigration records.