Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton was the first native born American to be canonized by the Catholic Church. At the age of 19, Elizabeth married William Seton, a wealthy businessman. They had five children together. William died while they were living in Italy. As a young widow, Elizabeth discovered Catholicism. She returned to the United States and joined the Catholic Church. She founded the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph's, and she began St. Joseph's Academy and Free School. She was the first citizen born in the United States to be given the title of "Saint."