Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton was the wife of Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the United States. She was born into a wealthy and prominent family and enjoyed a comfortable upbringing. Although the French and Indian War took place near her childhood home, the conflict and the unrest surrounding it had little impact on her early life. She also lived through significant historical events, including the American War of Independence and the establishment of the United States as an independent nation. As her husband served as one of George Washington’s closest associates, Elizabeth had a firsthand view of the formation and development of the new country. A sociable and compassionate woman, she actively participated in charitable work and organized fundraising efforts for various social causes. She also helped establish New York City’s first private orphanage, serving as one of its founding members and deputy director.
Childhood & Early Life
Elizabeth Schuyler was born on August 9, 1757, in Albany, in the Province of New York, British America. Her father, Philip Schuyler, was a general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. Her mother, Catherine Van Rensselaer Schuyler, came from one of New York’s wealthiest and most politically prominent families. Elizabeth was one of 15 children, although only seven of the siblings survived childhood.
Both of her parents belonged to influential and affluent families. Like many wealthy landowners of the 18th century, her father owned numerous enslaved people. The Schuyler family practiced the faith of the Reformed Dutch Church of Albany. The strong religious beliefs Elizabeth developed during her childhood remained an important part of her life for many years.
As a child, Elizabeth frequently accompanied her father to significant meetings and social gatherings. On one occasion, she had the opportunity to meet Benjamin Franklin when he stayed with her family for a short period.
Marriage & Life with Alexander Hamilton
In 1780, Elizabeth traveled to Morristown, New Jersey, to visit her aunt, Gertrude. While staying there, she met Alexander Hamilton, her future husband, who was stationed in the town with George Washington and the Continental Army. At the time, Hamilton served as one of Washington’s aides-de-camp.
Elizabeth and Hamilton became engaged in April 1780, with the approval of her father, who was in Morristown representing the Continental Congress. In June of that year, Hamilton departed with the army, while Elizabeth remained in Morristown. The couple maintained their relationship through correspondence.
On December 14, 1780, Elizabeth married Alexander Hamilton at Schuyler Mansion in Albany. After a short honeymoon, Hamilton returned to his military duties under Washington. Elizabeth later joined him in New Windsor, where she assisted him with his political writing. Among her contributions was helping with part of a 31-page letter addressed to Robert Morris, who would later become one of the founding fathers of the United States.
In January 1782, Elizabeth gave birth to their first son, Philip Hamilton, named after her father. Following the end of the American Revolutionary War in 1783, the couple moved to New York City, where Alexander began practicing law. Their second child, a daughter named Angelica, was born on September 25, 1784, and was named after Elizabeth’s elder sister.
Their third child, Alexander, was born on May 16, 1786. In 1787, Elizabeth and her husband welcomed two-year-old Frances Antill, the daughter of Hamilton’s friend, Colonel Edward Antill, into their household. Frances lived with the family until she was 12, when she left to live with her elder sister. During her time with the Hamiltons, she was cared for and treated as one of their own children.
In 1787, Elizabeth agreed to sit for a portrait painted by Ralph Earl, an artist who was imprisoned for debt. Hamilton had asked whether she would pose for him so that the painter could earn money and potentially secure his release. Elizabeth willingly agreed to help, and Earl eventually managed to pay his way out of prison. On April 14, 1788, Elizabeth gave birth to their fourth son, James Alexander.
In 1789, George Washington, the first president of the United States, appointed Alexander Hamilton as the nation’s secretary of the treasury. Elizabeth supported her husband’s political career and assisted him with important writings. Her contributions included helping with the preparation of Washington’s Farewell Address. In August 1792, she gave birth to their fifth son, John Church Hamilton.
In 1791, Alexander Hamilton became involved in a brief affair with a young woman named Maria Reynolds. The affair became public in 1797 when Hamilton’s political opponents used it in an attempt to damage his reputation. After he acknowledged the extramarital relationship, which had lasted approximately a year, Elizabeth left New York and returned to her parents’ home in Albany. During this period, she gave birth to their sixth son, William Stephen Hamilton, on August 4, 1797. She returned to New York in September and eventually reconciled with her husband.
Their seventh child, a daughter named Eliza, was born on November 20, 1799. On November 24, 1801, the family suffered a devastating loss when their eldest son, Philip, died after fighting a duel with a political opponent of his father. Elizabeth’s eighth and final child, another son named Philip, often called “Little Phil,” was born on June 1, 1802.
On July 12, 1804, Alexander Hamilton died from gunshot wounds sustained during a duel with Aaron Burr, who was serving as vice president of the United States at the time. Elizabeth and their children were at his bedside when he died.
Family, Later Life & Death
Following Alexander Hamilton’s death, his estate was put up for auction to settle his outstanding debts. The executors of his will purchased the property and subsequently sold it back to Elizabeth at half the original price.
In 1833, Elizabeth sold the estate and purchased a house in New York City. For the next nine years, she lived there with two of her children, Eliza Hamilton Holly and Alexander Hamilton Jr., along with their respective spouses.
Elizabeth dedicated much of her later life to safeguarding her husband’s legacy. She carefully preserved his writings, correspondence, and personal papers while continuing to defend his reputation against criticism. Her devotion to Alexander remained strong even after his death. She also treasured a small amulet containing a sonnet he had written for her during the early stages of their courtship and chose to wear it as a lasting reminder of their relationship.
In 1806, Elizabeth joined several other women in establishing the Orphan Asylum Society, becoming its first vice president. She was appointed president of the organization in 1821 and continued in the position until 1848, when she left New York. The institution continued its work as a social service organization dedicated to supporting children.
In 1848, Elizabeth relocated to Washington, D.C., where she remained active in charitable work. She also helped raise money for the construction of the Washington Monument. On November 9, 1854, she died in Washington at the age of 97. Her remains were later buried near her husband’s grave in New York City.
Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton has been portrayed by numerous actresses in films, television productions, and theatrical performances. She is frequently remembered as Alexander Hamilton’s devoted wife, who supported him during his lifetime and worked tirelessly to preserve his memory and historical legacy after his death.