AustLit

Regarded as the 'grand old lady of the Territory', J. S. Litchfield was a prolific writer, poet, newspaper editor and journalist. In 1908 she married Valentine Litchfield, an engineer and tin-miner. The couple subsequently settled in the Northern Territory, travelling to wherever the diamond drills were working.

Described as 'vigorous, self-reliant and enterprising', Litchfield was committed to life in the Territory, becoming something of a 'local expert on Territory affairs' and history. She also took an active interest in local politics and, with a particular concern for Territory residents, promoted the need to develop quality services and facilities in the area.

The editor of Darwin's Northern Territory Times (1930-1942), she also contributed short stories and poems to various publications including the Bulletin, Age and Woman's Mirror.

Made the Territory's first female Justice of the Peace in 1955, Litchfield died during a visit to Melbourne the following year; her ashes were scattered over Darwin. Under the terms of her will, Litchfield's manuscripts and estate were bequeathed to the Bread and Cheese Club (Melbourne). At the author's request, the Jessie Litchfield Award for Literature was established with the intention to promote the development of Australian literature by encouraging 'new and unknown' writers. Since 1989 the award has been administered by the Northern Territory University and since 1995 it has been offered bi-annually.

Litchfield was the Grandmother of Janet Dickinson (q.v.), the author of the biography, Jessie Litchfield - Grand Old Lady of the Territory (1982).