Hamilton, Angelica, 1784-1857

Angelica Hamilton (September 25, 1784 – February 6, 1857) was the second child of Elizabeth Schuyler and Alexander Hamilton. During her father's time as Secretary of the Treasury, first lady Martha Washington would take Angelica with her to dance lessons along with her own children. In November 1801, when Angelica was 17 years old, her oldest brother Philip Hamilton died of injuries resulting from a duel with George I. Eacker. The news of Philip's death precipitated a mental breakdown that left Angelica in a state described as "eternal childhood", and often unable even to recognize family members.