Hamilton, Alexander, 1755/57-1804
Gen. Alexander Hamilton is considered one of the Founding Fathers of America. Born in Nevis to Rachel Faucette Lavien and James Hamilton, he grew up with the stigma of parents who were not married. He was orphaned when his mother died of yellow fever, but was taken in by Thomas Stevens, a wealthy merchant. He eventually took a ship to Boston. He attended King’s College, which is now Columbia University. After meeting William Livingston, his revolutionary sentiments increased and, though he did not approve of attacks against Loyalists, he published articles in support of Independence. Hamilton fought in several battles throughout the Revolutionary War. He was a Federalist who contributed the most writing to the Federalist Papers. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention and was the first Secretary of the Treasury. Hamilton is considered the architect of the American financial system. He was married to Elizabeth Schuyler and together they had eight children. Alexander Hamilton died 31 hours after being shot in a duel by Vice-President Aaron Burr.