Katharina Buczek
However, Mary Surratt’s role was more elusive and speculative. So, for numerous Americans, Mary being grouped in with the other men was a shocking and puzzling sight.
Who Was Mary Surratt?
Mary Surratt was originally born Mary Elizabeth Jenkins– the daughter of a tobacco farmer from Maryland. She grew up in a family that owned slaves, and once she was 17-years-old, she married another slave-owning farmer named John Harrison Surratt.
And, much like many Maryland farmers who depended on slave labor, John was very open about his support of the Southern secession.
Eventually, though, a fire ended up burning down Mary and John’s farm. The flames were reportedly set by a runaway slave and forced the Surratts to pivot their business operations.
The couple then opened up a tavern located in Clinton, Maryland, which also doubled as their home. But, it appears that a tavern was not the best idea since John, who was an alcoholic, fell into substantial debt within just a few years.
It is also important to note that during the North-South conflict, Maryland was a pivotal state. Just two percent of voters favored Abraham Lincoln, despite the state remaining a part of the Union after the Civil War began.
So, soon after, John and Mary’s eldest son Isaac did join the Confederate Army. The couple’s youngest son, John Surratt Jr., also started working for the Confederate Secret Service.
Despite this, the war’s turbulent effect on the economy did not spare John Sr., and the Surratts delved head first even more debt.
By 1862, John also passed away– leaving Mary alone in a very tough financial situation. So, at 39 years old, she ultimately decided to rent out her family’s tavern and Maryland farm. At the same time, she and her sons, as well as her daughter, Anna, moved to a small Washington, D.C., townhouse that she inherited.
Mary also converted the townhome’s upper floor into a tiny boarding house. Her plan was to rent out the space in order to make a small living. Despite her seemingly good intentions, though, this boarding house would eventually seal her fate during the trial.
