Susan Anne Ridley Sedgwick facts for kids

Susan Anne Ridley Sedgwick (1788–1867) was an American writer from the 1800s. She was best known for writing interesting novels especially for children. She also had a talent for painting.

Early Life and Family Connections

Susan Anne Ridley Sedgwick was born on May 24, 1788, in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Her father was Matthew Ridley, and her mother was Catherine Livingston. Catherine's father, William Livingston, was a very important person. He served as the governor of New Jersey.

Susan married Theodore Sedgwick Jr.. His father, also named Theodore Sedgwick, was a famous lawyer and politician. He helped create the United States government. He was a delegate to the Continental Congress and served in the U.S. House of Representatives. He even became the Speaker of the House. Later, he was a United States Senator and a state supreme court judge.

A Story of Freedom

As a lawyer, Theodore Sedgwick Sr. took on a very important case. He helped a woman named Elizabeth Freeman, also known as "Mumbet." Mumbet had been enslaved for forty years. Theodore Sedgwick Sr. fought for her freedom in court, and he won! This was a big step for human rights at the time.

After gaining her freedom, Mumbet came to live and work with the Sedgwick family. Susan Sedgwick, who was also an artist, painted a special portrait of Mumbet. She used watercolors on a small piece of ivory.

Family of Writers

Susan Sedgwick had a sister-in-law named Catharine Sedgwick. Interestingly, Catharine was also a well-known novelist. Before Susan married Theodore Jr., she and Catharine were schoolmates. It seems writing talent ran in the family!

Where She Rests

Susan Sedgwick passed away on January 20, 1867. She was buried in a unique family burial ground in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. This special place is known as the Sedgwick Pie. It's a large, circular plot where 139 family members are buried.

Her Books for Young Readers

Susan Sedgwick wrote several books, many of them for young people. Here are some of her published works:

• Sedgwick, Susan Anne Livingston Ridley (1829). The Morals of Pleasure. Philadelphia: Carey, Lea, & Carey. ISBN 9781446032749. https://books.google.com/books?id=Bxecu_95IyMC&q=susan+sedgwick.
• Sedgwick, Susan Anne Livingston Ridley (1830). The Children's Week. Boston: Carter and Hendee. https://books.google.com/books?id=DtIqAAAAYAAJ&q=susan+ann+livingston+ridley+sedgwick.
• Sedgwick, Susan Anne Livingston Ridley (1830). The Young Emigrants: A Tale Designed for Young Persons. Boston: Carter and Hendee. https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/011407772.
• Sedgwick, Susan Anne Livingston Ridley (1834). Allen Prescott; or, The Fortunes of a New England Boy. New York: Harper & Brothers, Publishers. https://books.google.com/books?id=fx3oAAAAMAAJ&q=susan+ann+livingston+ridley+sedgwick.
• Sedgwick, Susan Anne Livingston Ridley (1859). Walter Thornley, or A Peep at the Past. New York: Harper & Brothers, Publishers. https://books.google.com/books?id=0YMEAQAAIAAJ&q=susan+ann+livingston+ridley+sedgwick.