When Elizabeth “Eliza” Schuyler married Alexander Hamilton in December 1780, the pair would have seemed like a great mismatch on paper. She was rich, he was poor. She came from a well-established, highly-regarded family, he was an orphaned immigrant. But despite these differences, the pair formed a lasting bond that has been the subject of numerous books and the award-winning musical, Hamilton.
Eliza's Noble Heritage and Influential Family
Born in August 1757, Eliza was one of eight surviving children of Philip Schuyler and Catherine Van Rensselaer. Catherine, affectionately known as Kitty, descended from one of New York State’s oldest and most respected Dutch families. She was a well-known beauty and a socialite in Albany, captivating many with her charm.
Philip Schuyler, Eliza’s father, was also from a prestigious lineage. He commanded a militia during the French and Indian War in the 1750s and became a significant landowner in Albany. His political involvement included multiple terms in the Continental Congress and planning key Revolutionary War battles, such as the turning point victory at Saratoga in 1777. His political career continued when he served as a U.S. senator from New York from 1789 to 1791.
Hamilton's Humble Beginnings
Unlike Eliza, Hamilton’s prospects were bleak from the start. Born around 1755 on the island of Nevis in the British West Indies, he faced a tumultuous childhood. His mother, Rachel Faucette, was born to British and French Huguenot parents and struggled after being abandoned by Hamilton’s father. After her death in 1768, Hamilton was left an orphan, which shaped his future ambitions.
Despite his challenging beginnings, Hamilton possessed remarkable intelligence and ambition. He worked at a local import-export firm, impressing his employers with his skills. His passion for education led him to write an impactful essay about a hurricane that devastated Nevis, prompting local businessmen to fund his move to America for further education.
Becoming Influential Figures Amidst Revolutionary Times
Hamilton attended King’s College, now known as Columbia University, where he immersed himself in the political debates of pre-war New York City. As a teenager, he gained recognition for his pamphlets advocating for the Revolutionary cause. His desire to prove himself led him to form an artillery company and serve in critical battles during the war.
Through his military endeavors, Hamilton caught the attention of several Colonial generals, but he declined their offers to join their staffs. When George Washington requested Hamilton to be his aide-de-camp, it marked the beginning of a significant relationship that would shape both their lives, with Hamilton finding a father figure in Washington.
A Blossoming Relationship Between Social Classes
Eliza’s worries about her family’s acceptance of Hamilton were quickly alleviated. The Schuyler family embraced Hamilton, with Eliza's sister Angelica forming a close friendship with him. Both Philip Schuyler and Eliza recognized Hamilton’s rising star, especially in light of his close relationship with George Washington.
The Trials and Triumphs of Their Marriage
Unlike two of her sisters who eloped due to family disapproval, Eliza received her father's blessing to marry Hamilton. On December 14, 1780, they wed at the Schuyler family home in Albany, marking the start of a loving yet tumultuous marriage.
Together, they raised a large family, but their lives were marked by tragedy, including the loss of their eldest son in a duel while defending Hamilton's honor. Hamilton's ambition brought him to the pinnacle of power, but his hubris also led to challenges, including public revelations of his infidelity that deeply affected Eliza.
Through it all, Eliza remained steadfastly loyal to Hamilton. After his death in 1804, she dedicated her life to preserving his legacy, ensuring that Hamilton's contributions to America's founding were not forgotten. Eliza lived to the age of 97, passing away in 1854.
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