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Did Alexander Hamilton Have a Son?

Published in Alexander Hamilton Family 2 mins read

Yes, Alexander Hamilton had multiple sons. Among them was his eldest son, Philip, who was a great hope for his father's future.

Philip Hamilton was born in 1782 and tragically died young in 1801 as a result of an ill-considered duel. His death plunged Alexander Hamilton into a profound grief from which he reportedly never fully recovered.

Beyond Philip, Alexander Hamilton and his wife, Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, had several other sons who contributed to his legacy and continued their family line. These children included:

  • Alexander Hamilton Jr. (1786–1875): A lawyer and later a federal district attorney.
  • James Alexander Hamilton (1788–1878): Also a lawyer and politician, serving as Acting Secretary of State under Andrew Jackson.
  • John Church Hamilton (1792–1882): A historian and biographer, known for his comprehensive biography of his father.
  • William Stephen Hamilton (1797–1850): A miner and politician who spent much of his life in the American West.
  • Philip Hamilton (1802–1884): Born after his elder brother's death and named in his honor, he also pursued a legal career.

Alexander Hamilton's Sons at a Glance

To better visualize his immediate family, here is a summary of Alexander Hamilton's sons:

Son's Name Birth Year Death Year Notable Information
Philip Hamilton 1782 1801 Eldest son, died in a duel; his father's proudest hope.
Alexander Hamilton Jr. 1786 1875 Lawyer, federal district attorney.
James Alexander Hamilton 1788 1878 Lawyer, politician, Acting Secretary of State.
John Church Hamilton 1792 1882 Historian, biographer of his father.
William Stephen Hamilton 1797 1850 Miner, politician who resided in the American West.
Philip Hamilton 1802 1884 Named after his older brother, pursued a career in law.

Understanding Alexander Hamilton's Family

Alexander Hamilton, a prominent Founding Father, had a total of eight children with Elizabeth Schuyler: six sons and two daughters. His family life, though often overshadowed by his political career, was a significant part of his personal world. The legacy of his children, particularly his sons, extended into various fields, from law and politics to history and westward expansion.

For more detailed information on Alexander Hamilton's family and life, you can refer to reputable historical resources such as the National Archives or the New-York Historical Society.