The life and times of Susanna Bransford Emery Holmes Delitch Engalitcheff.
In 1884, a 25-year-old ‘spinster’ moved to the rough and tumble town of Park City, Utah. With her expressive eyes, long brown hair and trim figure, Susanna Bransford made quite an impression upon the local townsfolk. However, few would have guessed that by the end of her life, this striking, ambitious woman would be widowed four times, named one of Utah’s wealthiest people, and would forever be known as Park City’s Silver Queen.
Upon her arrival at the small mountain community, Susie (as she was called by her closest friends) began procuring work as a seamstress and hairdresser. Not long after that she was introduced to “the very handsome, well-liked postmaster, Albion Emery.” Despite a 13-year age difference, Susie quickly fell for the charming, intelligent man, and after a brief engagement, the couple was married.
Park City Silver
It was around this time, they heard about a promising, albeit risky, investment in a local mine. Together, they borrowed $8,000 and bought into the lease. Soon, the mine was paying substantial dividends and the Emery’s lifestyle greatly improved. At the same time, Albion became involved in politics and Susie became an enthusiastic hostess. (A party invitation from the Emery’s became a highly sought after social statement.)
In 1892, Albion and his partners organized the Silver King Mining Co. The mining venture immediately began producing high-quality silver and soon became one of the most profitable in the United States. Virtually overnight, Susie and Albion went from well-off to extremely wealthy. The couple purchased a large home in the prestigious Salt Lake City neighborhood of 300 East and 100 South, and they decorated it with all the latest fashions.
“Crowned” a Queen
Sadly however, Albion’s health deteriorated in March of 1894, and on June 13th, he died of liver and heart failure. Devastated, Susie wasn’t sure how to move on without the love of her life. Unfortunately, she wasn’t allowed to grieve for very long. Only three months after Alibion’s death, R.C. Chambers, superintendent of the Ontario Mine, sued for a large portion of the Emery estate. Chambers claimed he hadn’t been compensated properly for a prior loan.
Although the courts determined that Susie was the rightful inheritor to the fortune, the publicity surrounding the case caused damage to her reputation. She was portrayed as a greedy, selfish parvenu, and was soon being called the Silver Queen.
Despite its undertones, the title did fit well. By the end of the 20th century, Susie was reportedly earning $1,000 a day — equivalent to $38,000 in today’s dollars! In addition to her large fortune, Susie was young, attractive and stylish. Furthermore, she possessed a magnetic, seductive personality. It was no wonder that she had plenty of admirers all wanting to make her their wife.
Colonel Holmes
About five years after Albion’s passing, she was introduced to the very wealthy but much older Colonel Edwin Holmes. After many years of courting, Susie accepted Holme’s marriage proposal, and in 1899 they were wed at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. (Susie quite scandalously hyphenated her new last name to Emery-Holmes, a practice she would continue through each of her marriages.) It was reported that the Colonel indulged Susie’s many desires and eccentricities and they remained married until his passing at the age of 82.
Life Goes On
Alone once more, the wealthy and alluring widow was now 66. Once again she attracted suitors and was soon being pursued by the dashing Yugoslavian physician, Dr. Radovac Delitch. Although he was 30 years her junior, they enjoyed each other’s company and decided to marry in June of 1930. This created quite a stir among Susie’s family and the entire Knickerbocker Society. Despite the gossip and disapproval, the two spent their days throwing extravagant parties, traveling around the globe and enjoying life.
Eventually however, the mutual attraction dissipated and Delitch became highly jealous and controlling. Susie was not prone to tolerating such behavior and she abruptly sent the good doctor away on a European cruise. A month later, Susie received the devastating news that Delitch had committed suicide while on the ship. A note indicated that he was sad, alone, and desperate. Susie grieved her loss in private and arranged to have the Yugolslavian Navy bury Delitch at sea.
Yet again, Susie found herself a widow. However, she didn’t remain alone long. Her charms and charisma caught the eye of a Russian prince who was only 15 years her junior this time. Nicholas (Nicki) Engalitcheff claimed to be related to the Romanovs and a descendant of Genghis Khan. He was the perfect travel companion for the Silver Queen, as she had the money and he had the title. They married in 1933, and spent the next two years together until he unexpectedly died of a stroke.
After the death of her fourth husband, Susie remained single until her own passing in 1942.
During her lifetime, the Silver Queen was known for her extravagant and flamboyant behavior. However she was also praised for her civic-mindedness. She hosted a charity event for the Orphan’s Home Day Nursery Association, donated to the Symphony Orchestra and the Salvation Army, and gave generously to the community’s poor.
Having lived such an extraordinary life, it’s really no surprise that the moniker of Park City’s Silver Queen has stayed with her for well over a century. Nor would it be a surprise if she holds onto the title for another 100 years.
Feature Image from Park City Museum.
