Aaron Burr, the third Vice President of the United States, lived a life marked by political brilliance and scandal. His daughter, born into a prominent yet turbulent family, navigated a world shaped by legacy and public scrutiny.
Understanding her birth date and early family context clarifies how Burr’s personal life intersected with the founding era. The following sections detail key dates, family background, and historical significance related to his daughter.
| Name | Birth Date | Mother | Notable Life Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theodosia Burr Alston | June 21, 1783 | Theodosia Bartow Prevost | Disappeared at sea in 1813 |
| Aaron Burr Jr. | December 6, 1784 | Edith Greenwald Burr | Died age 4 |
| Charlotte Burr | c. 1787–1788 | Edith Greenwald Burr | Infant death |
| John Pierre Burr | c. 1792 | Mary Emmons | Abolitionist and community leader |
Birth Date of Theodosia Burr Alston
Theodosia Burr Alston, Aaron Burr’s only surviving child from his first marriage to Theodosia Bartow Prevost, was born on June 21, 1783. Her birth occurred during the final years of the Revolutionary War, a period when Burr was serving as a Continental Army officer and rising in political prominence.
Her upbringing reflected privilege and education, shaped by her father’s intellectual circle and status. She became a central figure in Burr’s personal life and later experienced tragedy when she disappeared at sea in 1813.
Theodosia’s Mother and Family Background
Theodosia’s mother, Theodosia Bartow Prevost, was a widow and heiress who brought social standing and property into the marriage. Burr’s relationship with her provided stability and intellectual companionship, contrasting with his public controversies.
The household blended legal, political, and cultural influences, fostering a learning environment uncommon for women of the era. This background influenced Theodosia Alston’s own education and later philanthropic pursuits.
Other Children and Family Challenges
Aaron Burr’s later household included children from his marriage to Edith Greenwald Burr, though most did not survive infancy. Aaron Burr Jr. and Charlotte Burr both died in early childhood, leaving limited direct descendants.
These losses shaped Burr’s private life and may have deepened his emotional reliance on Theodosia. The fragility of family health in the late eighteenth century is evident in these outcomes.
Later Years and Historical Legacy
After Theodosia’s disappearance, Burr’s familial legacy became defined more by political controversy than by descendants. Yet her role as a well educated woman connected to major figures of the founding era keeps her relevant in historical narratives.
Understanding her birth date and family context helps clarify how personal experience intersected with public events in early America.
Key Takeaways
- Theodosia Burr Alston was born on June 21, 1783.
- Her mother, Theodosia Bartow Prevost, provided stability and education.
- Aaron Burr’s other children did not survive infancy.
- Theodosia disappeared at sea in 1813, ending a notable personal legacy.
- Her birth and life reflect the intersection of family and history in early America.
FAQ
Reader questions
When was Aaron Burr’s daughter Theodosia born?
Theodosia Burr Alston was born on June 21, 1783, making her the only surviving child of Aaron Burr from his first marriage.
Who was Theodosia’s mother and what was her background?
Theodosia’s mother was Theodosia Bartow Prevost, a widow and heiress who brought property and social standing to the marriage, providing a cultured and influential household.
Did Aaron Burr have other children who survived infancy?
No, his other children, including Aaron Burr Jr. and Charlotte Burr, died in early childhood, leaving Theodosia as his primary heir.
What happened to Theodosia Burr Alston later in life?
She disappeared at sea in 1813, a mysterious event that ended her life and cemented her place as a poignant figure in her father’s legacy.