Preserving Colorado History One Story at a Time: “Aunt” Susan Bryan

While Colorado may be a relatively newly established place in terms of its borders and name, the area’s human history goes back thousands of years. For this story, we aren’t going back quite that far. Instead, we are diving into Colorado’s history during the era of Westward expansion, which coincided with the end of the American Civil War in the late 1800s. The overlap of these two historical periods in the United States is especially important for telling the story of the woman we are about to introduce; for she made her way to the mountains of Colorado after becoming a freed slave in Missouri when the Union defeated the Confederacy. 

Introducing “Aunt” Susan

“Aunt” Susan Bryan was a former slave from Missouri who became a recognized midwife in Gunnison, Colorado, until her death in 1908. The most likely scenario is that Susan made the journey from Missouri to Gunnison by foot or wagon, as most did at that time—a feat to be in awe of. She had eight children of her own, yet spent life as a freed slave caring for others’ children, including the Hartman children. Such a life was not uncommon for Black women of the time, whose primary source of economic power was providing domestic services to white families.

Deep Bonds and an even Deeper Impact

These and countless other mentions of “Aunt” Susan in the “Local Matters” sections of the local newspapers suggest her role in the community went beyond her domestic work. When we think about her work as a midwife, it is not hard to imagine how she developed close relationships with many families, particularly the women and children of Gunnison.

The photograph below captures a moment of love and trust between “Aunt” Susan and Leah Hartman. It comes from the Hartman family’s photo album, where she appears several times alongside family members. The inclusion of “Aunt” Susan in the family album suggests the Hartmans saw her as just that—family. They deeply valued her contributions to their home.

This same photo was sent by Leah herself to the Gunnison Pioneer Museum, with the letter pictured below. It reads:

The letter makes clear how important “Aunt” Susan’s role in Gunnison’s history was to Leah Hartman, one of the many children she cared for. We can only imagine that this sentiment was shared by the many children whose lives “Aunt” Susan touched.

Honoring “Aunt” Susan’s Life and Contributions to Colorado History

The community’s appreciation for “Aunt” Susan’s contributions was shown in the efforts to erect a monument in her memory. This effort ensured her contributions were not lost by an unmarked grave—for her fellow Gunnison women saw the true value “Aunt” Susan brought to so many. 

Thanks to Annie Hartman and a small group of other Gunnison women who raised the money for her gravestone, “Aunt” Susan’s memory continues to live here in Gunnison’s cemetery. In fact, you can still visit her gravesite, pictured below, at the cemetery in town. But, we hope to continue honoring “Aunt” Susan’s legacy as one of the many stories to be showcased through preserving the historic Hartman Castle in Gunnison, one of many homes she helped maintain.