Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton

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Mrs. Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton

American socialite and philanthropist

Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton

Portrait of Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton
Name	Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton
Birth name
Birth date	August 9, 1757
Birth place	Albany, New York, British America
Death date	November 9, 1854 (aged 97)
Death place	Washington, D.C., U.S.
Alma mater
Occupation
Years active
Organization
Known for	Co-founder and deputy director of the first private orphanage in New York City
Notable works
Spouse(s)	Alexander Hamilton (m. 1780; died 1804)
Website

Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton (August 9, 1757 – November 9, 1854) was an American socialite and philanthropist. She was the wife of Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Elizabeth was a co-founder and deputy director of the first private orphanage in New York City.

Early life

Elizabeth Schuyler was born in Albany, New York, to Philip Schuyler, a Revolutionary War general, and Catherine Van Rensselaer Schuyler, a member of the influential Van Rensselaer family. She was one of eight siblings, including Angelica and Philip Jeremiah.

Marriage to Alexander Hamilton

Elizabeth married Alexander Hamilton on December 14, 1780, at the Schuyler Mansion in Albany. The couple had eight children: Philip, Angelica, Alexander Hamilton Jr., James, John, William, Eliza, and another Philip, named after their first son who died in a duel.

Philanthropy

Elizabeth was deeply involved in charitable work. In 1806, she co-founded the New York Orphan Asylum Society, which was the first private orphanage in New York City. She served as its deputy director for 27 years. Her philanthropic efforts extended to various other causes, including the establishment of schools and support for widows and orphans.

Later life and death

After Alexander Hamilton's death in 1804, Elizabeth dedicated herself to preserving his legacy. She collected his writings and sought to ensure his contributions to the founding of the United States were recognized. Elizabeth lived to the age of 97, passing away on November 9, 1854, in Washington, D.C. She was buried next to her husband in the Trinity Church Cemetery in New York City.

Legacy

Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton's legacy is remembered for her significant contributions to social causes and her efforts to preserve the history of her husband's role in the founding of the United States. Her life and work have been depicted in various historical accounts and popular culture, including the musical Hamilton.

See also

• Schuyler family
• Alexander Hamilton
• Philip Schuyler (1733–1804)
• New York Orphan Asylum Society