How Many Kids Did Hamilton Have?

Alexander Hamilton, one of the most influential Founding Fathers of the United States, is best known for his work as the first Secretary of the Treasury and his instrumental role in shaping the nation’s financial system. However, his personal life, especially his family, also left a significant mark on American history. So, how many kids did Alexander Hamilton have? In this article, we will explore Hamilton’s children and their lives.

Alexander Hamilton’s Family Background

Alexander Hamilton’s Marriage to Eliza Schuyler

Alexander Hamilton married Eliza Schuyler on December 14, 1780. Eliza, a daughter of a prominent New York family, became Hamilton’s lifelong partner. Their marriage was a union that blended both personal and political ambition, and together they had eight children. Though Hamilton’s life was marked by controversies and a tragic end, his relationship with Eliza was one of stability and love.

The Political and Personal Life of Hamilton

Hamilton was born in 1755 in the Caribbean and rose from poverty to prominence in American politics. He played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War and helped create the U.S. Constitution. Despite his professional success, Hamilton faced personal challenges, including a highly publicized affair and a fatal duel with Aaron Burr in 1804. His family, however, was a cornerstone of his life.

Alexander Hamilton Kids Details

Alexander Hamilton and Eliza Schuyler had eight children. Their children played various roles in American history, and several of them contributed to preserving Hamilton’s legacy. Below is a breakdown of each of Hamilton’s children:

1. Philip Hamilton (1782-1801)

The first child of Alexander and Eliza Hamilton, Philip Hamilton, was born on January 22, 1782. Philip was named after his father’s brother, and like his father, he was well-educated and ambitious. Tragically, Philip was killed in a duel at the age of 19, just three years before Hamilton’s own fatal duel with Aaron Burr. His death devastated Hamilton and was a major turning point in the family’s life.

2. Angelica Hamilton (1784-1857)

Angelica Hamilton, born on September 25, 1784, was the second child of the Hamiltons. She was named after her aunt, Angelica Schuyler Church. Throughout her life, Angelica struggled with her health and was often in the shadows of her more famous siblings. She lived a relatively quiet life and passed away in 1857 at the age of 73.

3. Alexander Hamilton Jr. (1786-1875)

Alexander Hamilton Jr., born on July 4, 1786, was the third child of Alexander and Eliza. He followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a lawyer. Alexander Jr. was involved in several legal cases, including some related to defending his father’s reputation after Hamilton’s death. He lived a long life, passing away at the age of 89 in 1875.

4. James Alexander Hamilton (1788-1878)

James Alexander Hamilton, born on April 14, 1788, was the fourth child of Alexander and Eliza. James, like his brothers, became a lawyer and was active in legal and political affairs. He also worked to preserve his father’s legacy, particularly through publishing Hamilton’s letters and papers after his death.

5. John Church Hamilton (1792-1882)

The fifth child of Alexander and Eliza, John Church Hamilton, was born on August 22, 1792. John played a critical role in preserving his father’s legacy. He compiled and published his father’s writings and played an active role in defending Hamilton’s political and financial philosophies. John lived to the age of 90, passing away in 1882.

6. William Stephen Hamilton (1797-1850)

William Stephen Hamilton, born on August 4, 1797, was the sixth child of Hamilton and Eliza. William was involved in business and served as a soldier during the War of 1812. Though he didn’t gain as much recognition as his brothers, William was a vital part of the Hamilton family legacy.

7. Eliza Hamilton (1799-1859)

Eliza Hamilton, born on November 20, 1799, was the seventh child of the Hamiltons. She led a quiet life and was largely involved in her family’s affairs. Later in life, she became known for her charitable work, including her efforts to help establish the Orphan Asylum Society in New York. She lived to the age of 59, passing away in 1859.

8. Philip Hamilton II (1802-1834)

The youngest of Alexander and Eliza’s children, Philip Hamilton II, was born on January 22, 1802. Named after his older brother, Philip II lived a relatively private life and was less involved in public affairs. He passed away at the age of 32 in 1834.

Legacy of Alexander Hamilton’s Children

The Hamilton Family’s Influence on American History

While Alexander Hamilton is remembered for his role in shaping the American financial system, his children also made their own marks on American history. Several of Hamilton’s sons, especially John Church Hamilton and James Alexander Hamilton, worked diligently to preserve their father’s legacy through publications and legal work.

The Role of Eliza Hamilton After Hamilton’s Death

After Alexander Hamilton’s death, Eliza Hamilton played a critical role in maintaining her husband’s legacy. She worked tirelessly to protect Hamilton’s image and fought to ensure that his contributions to the nation were remembered. Eliza’s philanthropic work, including her establishment of the Orphan Asylum Society, also helped cement her role as an important figure in early American society.

Interesting Facts About Hamilton’s Family

The Tragic Death of Hamilton’s Son, Philip

One of the most tragic events in Alexander Hamilton’s life was the death of his son Philip in a duel. This event had a profound impact on Hamilton and marked the beginning of a series of personal losses, including his own death just a few years later.

Eliza’s Devotion to Preserving Her Husband’s Legacy

Eliza Hamilton devoted much of her life to preserving the legacy of her late husband. She spent her later years securing his papers and promoting his ideas, ensuring that Alexander Hamilton’s contributions would not be forgotten.

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Conclusion

Alexander Hamilton had eight children with his wife Eliza Schuyler. Their children, though overshadowed by their father’s historical significance, each contributed to preserving his legacy. From John Church Hamilton’s publication of Hamilton’s writings to Eliza Hamilton’s charitable works, the Hamilton family played an integral role in shaping American history.