Few Hannigs in history better represent the dedication, perseverance, ingenuity, and commitment to family and community as does Angelina Elizabeth Dickinson Hannig—the lone adult survivor of the Alamo. Although she is a Hannig by marriage, her's is a story of determination and strength associated with the Hannig name. She became a Hannig through her refusal—at great personal risk—to accept the proposal of comfort and safety from her country's enemy.

Little is known of the early life of Susannah Wilkerson Dickinson (Hannig) before she married Alamo Defender Almeron Dickinson on May 24, 1829. They migrated to Texas. Present in the Alamo garrison during the siege and Battle of the Alamo in which husband Almeron was a casualty, Susannah Dickinson (Hannig)'s life was spared as the lone adult "Anglo" survivor by General and President Santa Anna. Consequently, she became the most extensively quoted eyewitness source to the final and subsequent events surrounding the Alamo defeat of March 6, 1836, in San Antonio. She was successful in protecting her child while defending the Alamo. She was first found by English-speaking General Juan Almonte who asked for her and said, "If you wish to save your life, follow me." Little is known as to how Susannah was injured in the leg or ankle by a bullet. She was escorted from her hiding place in the chapel. Taken from her was her fifteen-month-old daughter Angelina Elizabeth (1834–1871), who was also an infant survivor of the attack. When she was eventually taken to Santa Anna's quarters, she found Angelina sitting on the lap of the dictator. He offered to adopt her and provide the best education and support for them in Mexico if she would renounce her loyalties to all but Mexico. Refusing to concede her loyalty and considering what she thought was in the best interest of her daughter, she refused the advance by the dictator. After refusal of the offer, Santa Anna rebuffed her but spared her life; Susannah was subsequently released and sent to Gonzales where she became the sole messenger of what had happened at the Alamo.

How Susannah met future spouse German-born Joseph W. Hannig is unclear. The marriage to Hannig was a prosperous and happy one. In Austin of the late 1800s where the family moved, Mr. Hannig was a major business innovator and developer involved in numerous and diverse business ventures. Among these were furniture making, undertaking, and milling in which he introduced new levels of quality in his products for the time and period. He owned a shop at 205 Pecan St. Susannah was described as "a very dignified old lady and all who knew her respected her, and she was always ready to talk about her past experiences...." Mr. Hannig by standards of the day was a very successful man and good husband providing for Susannah comfortable circumstances the remainder of her life, including numerous servants who became her friends. She was known to be the historic excellent cook of her youth and homemaker. She raised and, perhaps recalling the shelter the chapel provided her at the Alamo, educated her grandchildren in Catholic schools and convents, and was active in the church and social affairs around her. In Austin circles, Susannah became somewhat a celebrity particularly among the circles in which her husband's activities in the community put her in contact. She was very active in relating her experiences in the Alamo and commemorating its heroes whenever called on. She was frequently involved in litigation as she was called on repeatedly to verify participation by various individuals in the siege in legal proceedings initiated by descendants. She died in Austin on October 7, 1883. Mr. Hannig lived in San Antonio until his death in 1890, where he continued his successful businesses and contributions to civic affairs.

Hannig had a marble marker placed on wife Susannah's grave in Austin's Oakwood Cemetery. In the centennial year of 1936, state historical markers were placed around the state for its heroes, but none for Susannah Dickinson Hannig. Relatives took up the crusade to mark her gravesite. After many denials by the legislature, with Hannig-type determination, on March 2, 1949, the state placed a slab of white marble over the gravesite of Alamo widow and survivor Susannah Dickinson Hannig. A cenotaph to Susannah Dickinson Hannig also stands in the Texas State Cemetery in Austin.

No one knows if Susannah Dickinson Hannig would have survived the Alamo without her resourcefulness, her refusal to give up even after receiving a painful wound, nor do we know what would have come if she had accepted an offer to receive the benefits and comforts of surrendering to her enemy. Surely given her wounded condition, it would have been a tempting offer. We do know that her resourcefulness, loyalty, and determination served her, her descendants, and her country well, for which she has been fittingly described as a hero.

Hannig Law Firm carries on the tradition of loyalty through adverse times. Litigation has been described as "civilized war". While that may be the subject of debate, what remains unquestioned is Hannig determination, dedication, and loyalty in even the most difficult of circumstances, whether transactional or litigation. The next time you hear "Remember the Alamo" we hope you will remember many of the lessons from one individual's courage in the face of danger.