Alexander Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton was born in the island of Nevis, in the West Indies, in 1757. He was of Scotch descent, and was left an orphan at an early age. He was placed in a counting-house, and soon displayed remarkable ability. His writings attracted attention, and friends supplied him with the means of coming to America.

He entered a college in New York, and took an active part in the measures adopted to resist the encroachments of the British government. He wrote a number of able pamphlets, and soon became known as one of the most vigorous and effective writers of the day.

He entered the army, and was appointed aide-de-camp to General Washington. He served with distinction throughout the war, and was present at the siege of Yorktown. After the close of the war, he studied law, and entered upon the practice of his profession in New York.

He was a member of the convention which framed the Constitution of the United States, and was one of its ablest advocates. He wrote a number of the papers in the “Federalist,” and rendered important services in securing the adoption of the Constitution by the States.

He was appointed Secretary of the Treasury by President Washington, and organized the financial system of the country. His measures were bold and comprehensive, and laid the foundation of the national credit. He retired from office, and resumed the practice of law.

He was killed in a duel with Aaron Burr, on the 12th of July, 1804. His death was regarded as a national calamity, and his memory is cherished by the American people as that of one of the greatest of their statesmen.

Source:
McCabe, James D. The Centennial Book of American Biography. Philadelphia and Chicago: P. W. Ziegler & Co., 1876. Patriot Echoes Archive