SUSANNA DICKINSON - ALAMO SURVIVOR

Susanna Dickinson lived from 1814 to 1883 and was born in Tennessee USA. At a young age, she was married to a man named Almaron Dickinson and lived in Gonzales, Texas which was part of Mexico. Susanna had eloped at the age of 15 with the artillery officer who was twice her age. The Dicksons were an immigrant family at the time. In 1835 there was a rebellion against the Mexican government and much of Texas wanted to leave Mexico and become an independent country. Susanna was 20 years of age at the time. She would become an important eye witness to the events of the Battle of the Alamo from the Texan defender's perspective. Her husband, who had become a blacksmith ,offered his services as an artilleryman with the hastily assembled Texan army.

With and her daughter, Angelina, young Susanna accompanied her husband to the Alamo and witnessed the 12 day siege. She did laundry and cooked for many of the defenders, including David Crocket.

During the final hour when the Mexican army stormed the old missionary, her husband was killed while manning a cannon at the chapel. The Mexican forces breached the defencive walls and began killing the Texan defenders in accordance with siege warfare rules. This meant that no quarter would be offered to the armed defenders or anyone deemed worthy enough of resisting the Mexican army. Once this battle started there was no turning back. All the Texan fighters, to the man, were killed.

The Mexican army then entered the sacristy where it is believed Susanna, her daughter and other women and children, plus non combatants were hiding. Those believed to be involved defending the Alamo were killed. It is believed at least one combatant tried to hide among them and was killed. Also a young boy standing with a blanket wrapped about him was mistaken for an armed defender and shot by the nervous Mexican soldiers who had been through an hour long bloody battle.

Each survivor that was deemed none combatant was interviewed by General Santa Anna and then let go. Susanna Dickinson and her daughter were released with the other women and children plus non combatant slaves - one named Joe who was Jim Bowie's slave.  He accompanied Susanna Dickinson and her daughter as they left the destruction of the Alamo mission.

Susanna Dickinson went through a number of trials and tribulations afterwards, but eventually she did receive over due support from the government of Texas. This was not forth coming immediately after Texas won its war with Mexico.

In later years many historians and newspaper writers wanted to know more of Susanna's remarkable story. She lived to the age of 69 and was only aged 20 when the Alamo fell. There are a few photographs taken of her in later life. She outlived her baby daughter Angelina who passed away in 1871 aged 37. 

When Susanna Dickinson left the sacristy of the Alamo mission she claimed there were many bodies lying about. She admitted to seeing Davy Crocket's lifeless body among the dead. For more concerning this lady please click the link below.

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