White House Historical Association

Elizabeth Süverman

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"Elizabeth Süverman," White House Workers History Project, White House Historical Association, 2026, https://whha.whirlihost.com/Detail/workers/136.
Position
Unclear from Context Unclear from Context
Years in President's House
1801 – 1802
Legal Status
Free Person
Gender
Female
Race/Ethnicity
White
Presidency
Thomas Jefferson
Biography
Elizabeth “Betsy” Süverman worked at the White House with her husband, footman Christopher Süverman; she was paid $8 a month plus $1 for alcohol, but her role is unclear.1 Coachman Joseph Dougherty insinuated that Christopher, and his wife Betsy may have stolen items, including money and linens, from the Executive Mansion and its staff in April 1802.2 In June 1802, the Süvermans left the White House, but Jefferson continued to provide charitable donations for the two.3 Birth and death information for Betsy is unclear.
  1. “Memorandum Books, 1801,” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/02-02-02-0011.
  2. “To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Dougherty, [on or before 25 April 1802],” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/01-37-02-0262.
  3. “Memorandum Books, 1802,” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/02-02-02-0012.
Birthplace
Unclear from Context
Unclear from Context
Related Workers
Christopher Süverman
Transportation, 1801 – 1802
Joseph Dougherty
Transportation, 1800s
Related Association Content
https://www.whitehousehistory.org/a-well-ordered-household