Chadwick was born Elizabeth Bigley on 10 October 1857 on a small farm near Eastwood, now in Norwich Township owned by her parents, Daniel Bigley and Mary Anne Turner Bigley. She had three sisters: Alice, Mary, and Emily, and a brother, William.

Her career of deception began at age 14, when she was arrested for cheque forgery in Woodstock.  Explore the resources below for more information about her illustrious exploits.