Theodosia Bartow Burr was born on June 21, 1783, a few months before the colonies declared their victory in the American Revolution and their independence as a country free from the grip of the British crown.

She was lost at sea at the age of 29 in January 1813, though the exact date is estimated to be about January 2nd or 3rd. Alston boarded a small schooner called the Patriot. The ship departed Georgetown into the open sea — never to be seen again.