Elizabeth McEwen was born in 1857, daughter of John McEwen. She married Reverend William Gray at her father's house in 1882. Shortly after their marriage, they sailed for Weasisi, Tanna, New Hebrides in the 'Dayspring'. Elizabeth is described as being deeply committed to the Christian mission in New Hebrides (now Vanuatu). Six of their seven children were born on Tanna. Like her husband, she held concerns about the Pacific labour trade.