Elizabeth Hanson

Who was Elizabeth Hanson?

Elizabeth Meader Hanson was a colonial American woman who was captured by Native Americans and held hostage for over twenty-two months until she and most of her children were ransomed by her husband John Hanson. Her remaining child, Sarah, remained in captivity, and John died of exposure and illness attempting to secure her release. Ultimately, Sarah was married to the French Jean Baptiste Sabourin, thereby securing her freedom. Her story, God's Mercy Surmounting Man's Cruelty, Exemplified in the Captivity and Redemption of Elizabeth Hanson, was written and edited by Samuel Bownas, and its first edition was published by Samuel Keimer in 1728. It was republished in London in 1760 as An Account of the Captivity of Elizabeth Hanson.