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.