Susannah Symmes

The following is what I have written based upon my research. -Elizabeth R. Laumas

Susannah Livingston Symmes (1748-?) was the daughter of Susannah and William Livingston. William Livingston was a very important figure in early America. Not only was he the Governor of New Jersey but he was also a signer of the Constitution. Susannah, had ten siblings. Her sister, Sarah married John Jay. John Jay was the first secretary of state for the new United States of America.

Susannah married a widow judge by the name of John Cleves Symmes. Mr. Symmes represented New Jersey in the Continental Congress. It does not appear that Susannah and Mr. Symmes had any children together but this does not mean that Susannah was not a mother, for Susannah became step-mother to Symmes’ ten children, one of whom eventually became a First Lady.

One of John Symmes daughter's, Anna Tuthill, married William Henry Harrison who became the 9th president of the United States.

According to research, Susannah and John were with Anna visiting relatives in Lexington, Kentucky when Anna met William Henry Harrison. She was then but thirteen years old. Mr. Symmes forbade the courtship because William was soldier and he did not wish the life of an army wife upon his daughter. Anna and William continued to court in secret and married and according to all accounts, they had a long and happy marriage.