Life Timelines Elizabeth Ann Seton

Timeline of Venerable Solanus Casey

Elizabeth Ann Seton is the first American-born saint. She was born in New York City in August, 1774. Her parents were wealthy and devout Episcopalians. Her mother died when she was only three years old.

In 1794 she married a successful business man. They had five children. When the children were young, William’s business failed and he became very ill. Elizabeth was 30 years old when her husband died.

During this period of grieving received encouragement from Catholic friends. She became knowledgeable about the Catholic faith and was received into the Catholic Church in 1805. In making the decision to convert to Catholicism, she lost the support of her wealthy family. She was a single-parent with five children and needed a way to support them. She started a school for young girls for poor families near Baltimore. This was the first Catholic school in the United States.

Soon other women joined Elizabeth in her ministry of education. After a few years they formed the first women’s religious community in the U.S., the Sisters of Charity. In 1809 Elizabeth Ann was chosen to be their first Mother Superior. The community moved to Emmitsburg, MD where she lived until her death in 1821.

On September 14, 1975 Elizabeth Ann Seton is declared a saint. Her accomplishments in her short life are extraordinary. She was a true pioneer in helping to establish the Catholic school system in this country. She also established several orphanages and hospitals which continue their special ministry to this day. .

World Timeline

1774

Virginia House of Burgess calls Continental Congress. Jesuits are expelled from Poland.


1794

U.S. Navy established. Words for “Auld Lang Syne” are published. First telegraph operates in Paris.


1805

Thomas Jefferson begins his second term as President of U.S. Napoleon is crowned King of Italy. Storyteller Hans Christian Andersen is born.


1809

James Madison becomes 4th President of U.S. Abraham Lincoln is born. Louis Braille, founder of reading system for the blind, is born.


1821

James Monroe begins second term as President of U.S.  Missouri becomes a state. Population of the U.S. is 9.6 million.


1975

U.S. launches spacecraft for 500-millions journey to Mars. Communist forces overrun South Vietnam. Powerful members of President Nixon administration are convicted and sent to prison for their roles in Watergate cover-up.