Elizabeth (Eliza) Croghan Hancock was the second daughter of William and Lucy Croghan on April 8, 1800. Eliza and her sister attended Louisa Keats’ Domestic Academy in Springfield, KY, but returned home a short time later as her mother, Lucy, began to “pine” for her daughters. Upon their return, Lucy and their aunt Emilia Clarke oversaw their education.
Eliza married George Hancock in 1819 at the age of 19. In 1828, the couple became the legal owners of Locust Grove and remained here until 1834. During this time, Eliza helped run the estate with the assistance of her mother, who remained living at Locust Grove with them when she was not visiting Ann in Washington, D.C.
Tragically, in the fall of 1832, Eliza contracted Cholera, a waterborne disease that was a common cause of death in river cities like Louisville. She suffered for months, and by June of 1833 had “relapsed” according to the family’s physician. She died in June of 1833.
Although Eliza, tragically, had a very short life, her impact on the family was evident. Eliza leaves the legacy of a lively, compassionate, and family-oriented woman.