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Elizabeth, or Eliza, was born in Albany, New York. She was the daughter of prominent landowner and Revolutionary War general Philip Schuyler.
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Eliza married her husband, Alexander Hamilton, within a month of meeting each other. They first met at a party held at the residence of Gertrude Cochran, her aunt, and John Cochran's wife. -
There were bumps throughout their marriage, but Eliza was always supportive and was proud of everything her husband accomplished till the very end. After his death, she worked hard to protect his legacy. She was successful in preserving and honoring the contributions made by Alexander Hamilton. -
She helped co-found the Orphan Asylum Society in 1806, establishing New York City's first private orphanage after being inspired by her husband's experience as an orphan. She held the position of the second directress, which is akin to vice president, for the organization. -
Elizabeth served as the Society's first directress for 27 years, from the day she was appointed to the role until the day she left. She had been a member of the Society for 42 years during that time.
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This is a wooden engraving piece of the Orphanage Eliza co-founded. The size is 9 x 10 cm (3 1/2 x 4 in.) -
During her 42 years with the Society, she was in charge of an estimated 765 children; she only left the organization when she moved outside New York in 1848. The Orphan Asylum Society, now known as Graham Windham, still helps thousands of needy kids each year due to her influence on child welfare.
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Eliza passed away in Washington, D.C., at the advanced age of 97. In the end, she worked tirelessly to honor the memory of her husband and other American Revolutionary War heroes, yet she was very modest about her numerous individual achievements.