Authors Note: I wrote this essay my freshman year but I actually think it’s better than half the stuff I’ve written this year. As with all of my original drafts, this is unedited.
Why Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton Deserves Her Own Musical
“Not only did she live, she prevailed.” said biographer Ronald Chernow of Elizabeth
Schuyler Hamilton (Long). Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton is truly an inspiring woman. For
Elizabeth, tragedy was a frequent visitor. Within a time period of three years, Elizabeth dealt with the death of her eldest son, husband, sister, and mother. (Chernow, Alexander Hamilton 46).
After several misfortunes in life, Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton remained quick witted and helpful to those around her in many ways.
Elizabeth Schuyler was born on August 9, 1757 in Albany, New York to Revolutionary
War Major General Philip Schuyler and Catherine Van Rensselaer. Her mother was from one of
New York’s richest families, giving Elizabeth and her two sisters, Angelica and Peggy, a very easy life. Due to their father’s military experience, military leaders and patriots often visited
(Long).
In 1780, Elizabeth Schuyler met Alexander Hamilton at a winter ball. The two became infatuated with each other very quickly and began courting. In a letter to his good friend John
Laurens, Alexander wrote, “I give up my liberty to Miss Schuyler. She is a good-hearted girl who, I am sure, will never play the termagant.” December 14, 1780 Alexander Hamilton and
Elizabeth Schuyler were married in the Schuyler mansion (Chernow 9).
In the summer of 1791, Elizabeth and her five children were vacationing at her father’s home in Albany, Alexander stayed in Philadelphia to work. Alexander was seduced by a woman named Maria Reynolds. The two have an affair for five years. Alexander is thought to be stealing government money, so he publishes The Reynold’s Pamphlet. This pamphlet described the affair
in detail and was humiliating to Elizabeth, who tried to instill religious and moral values in her children (PBS) (Hamilton).
On November 20, 1801 Elizabeth’s oldest son, Philip defended his father against George
I. Eacker. The two decided to duel in Weehawken, New Jersey and on November 23, Eacker killed Philip (PBS). July 11, 1804, Alexander and former associate Aaron Burr dueled, killing
Alexander (Hamilton and Burr). Within a time period of three years Elizabeth dealt with the death of her oldest son, sister Peggy, mother, and husband. Eliza was now left with little income and eight children. Elizabeth lost her home, but was given it back at half the original price due to the generosity of Alexander’s friends (Chernow 46).
Despite all of this tragedy, Elizabeth did not sulk or hide away; instead, she began to organize her husband’s letters and writing to preserve his legacy. Along with other evangelical women, Elizabeth cofounded the New York Orphan Asylum Society. This was the first private orphanage in New York City, and is still around today. In 1818, she went to the state legislature and received a charter for the Hamilton Free School; this was the first school in the Washington
Heights area of Manhattan. Elizabeth also raised funds for the Washington Monument with her friend Dolley Madison (Chernow 46).
Elizabeth Hamilton remained witty until the end. In the time before her death she had done many things and was more than ready to be reunited with her beloved Alexander. On
November 9, 1854 ninety-seven year old Elizabeth passed away from old age (Chernow 46).
Despite all of the tragedy Elizabeth experienced in her long lifetime, she remained sharp and helped those around her. She established an orphanage, school, and helped build a very important monument all before her death. She also raised eight children and cared for several children in the orphanage like they were her own. She was loved by nearly all who met her and
an inspiring woman. Elizabeth encourages others to be the good they want to see in this world.
Few women in all of America’s history will ever be able to compare to Elizabeth’s long list of tragedies and the way she was able to come back from them.
Works Cited
Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr Dueled to the Death. n.d. Web.
Alexander Hamilton. PBS. 2007. Web.
Chernow, Ron. Alexander Hamilton. n.d. Web.
—. Alexander Hamilton. n.d. Web.
Hamilton, Alexander. "Reynolds Pamphlet." 1797.
Long, Kat. "Why Elizabeth Hamiton is Deserving of a Musical of Her Own." 25 Feb.
2016. Smithsonian.com. Web. elizabeth-hamilton-deserving-musical-her-own-180958214/>. PBS. The Duel. n.d. Web.