An American Family History

Susannah Fiske was born on April 7, 1674 in Watertown, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. She was the daughter of Lieutenant Nathan Fiske and Elizabeth Fry.

She did not marry. Her will was proved June 29, 1752.

During the 17th and 18th centuries an adult unmarried woman was considered to have the legal status of feme sole, while a married woman had the status of feme covert. A feme sole could own property and sign contracts. A feme covert was not recognized as having legal rights and obligations distinct from those of her husband and could not own any property. When a woman became a widow she became a feme sole again.