Who Was James Alexander Hamilton? A Forgotten Son of a Founding Father

James Alexander Hamilton, born in 1788 and living well into the late 19th century, remains one of the lesser-known figures of early American history despite his deep personal connections to the Founding Fathers.

The third son of Alexander Hamilton—America’s first Secretary of the Treasury—and Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, James led a life immersed in politics, war, law, and diplomacy.

Though his father’s achievements have long cast a large historical shadow, James Alexander Hamilton’s contributions were significant in their own right. 

Key Roles and Accomplishments

Early Life and Education

James Alexander Hamilton was born on April 14, 1788, in New York City, during the early years of the American republic. He was the fourth of eight children of Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler.

His father at the time was deeply involved in the political framework of the newly formed United States and would later become the first Secretary of the Treasury under President George Washington.

James’s early life was heavily shaped by the political environment in which his family lived. He grew up at Hamilton Grange, the family’s estate in upper Manhattan, surrounded by political figures, legal minds, and military veterans of the Revolutionary War.

From a young age, he was exposed to the workings of the American government and to his father’s principles of governance, federalism, and economic policy.

At the age of 16, James experienced the traumatic death of his father, who was mortally wounded in the infamous duel with Aaron Burr in 1804. The loss was deeply personal but also had material consequences.

Alexander Hamilton had died in debt, leaving his widow and children in reduced financial circumstances. James, however, pushed forward with his education.

He enrolled in Columbia College, the same institution his father had attended when it was known as King’s College. He graduated in 1805, just one year after his father’s death.

After graduation, James chose to pursue a career in law and read law under Judge Nathaniel Pendleton, a close friend of his father who had served as Hamilton’s second in the fatal duel.

James was admitted to the bar in 1809, entering into professional legal practice in New York.

Military Service During the War of 1812

With tensions between the United States and Great Britain escalating, James Alexander Hamilton joined the American military effort during the War of 1812, a conflict that was seen as a second war for American independence. He was appointed as a brigade major and inspector in the New York State Militia.

In this role, he was responsible for organizing militia units, training soldiers, and overseeing the implementation of military discipline and operational readiness. While James did not serve in a combat-heavy capacity, his role was important in helping the state prepare for British incursions, especially in the vulnerable Hudson Valley and New York Harbor regions.

The War of 1812 was a proving ground for many young American leaders, and for James, it was a vital entry into public service and national defense. It also reinforced his belief in the necessity of a strong, yet constitutionally bounded, federal government—a belief that would later inform his political writings and alignments.

Legal Career and Public Service

Following the war, James returned to New York and resumed his legal career. He built a strong reputation as a competent and ethical attorney. Unlike many lawyers of his time who sought wealth through speculation or high-profile corporate law, Hamilton maintained a public-service ethos.

He often took on cases related to federal authority, trade law, and maritime disputes—areas of importance in a port city like New York.

His commitment to public service was recognized by President Andrew Jackson, who in 1829 appointed him United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York. This was (and remains) one of the most prominent and powerful prosecutorial positions in the country. During his tenure, James oversaw numerous federal prosecutions, including issues related to customs violations, smuggling, and early financial fraud.

He held the post until 1834, and while his exact case record is not fully documented, contemporaries noted that he brought a level of legal integrity and consistency to the office. He helped modernize how the U.S. Attorney’s office operated and set a standard for future appointees.

His time in office coincided with the rise of the Jacksonian Democratic movement, and Hamilton found himself closely aligned with some of its principles—particularly opposition to concentrated financial power.

Acting Secretary of State

Perhaps the most nationally visible moment in James Alexander Hamilton’s career came when he briefly served as Acting Secretary of State under President Jackson in March 1829. This occurred at the start of Jackson’s presidency, as his official nominee, Martin Van Buren, had not yet been confirmed by the Senate.

Though his time in the role lasted only a few weeks, Hamilton was entrusted with overseeing the foreign policy operations of the government. During this time, he handled official diplomatic correspondence, supervised the functioning of the department, and drafted Jackson’s first Inaugural Address—a significant historical document that laid out the new administration’s vision.

Hamilton’s short stint reflected both Jackson’s trust in him and his capacity for high-level administrative work. It also placed him in direct connection with major political figures of the time, including Van Buren, Henry Clay, and John C. Calhoun. His brief role was symbolic of his standing in early American politics and his reputation as a trusted legal and constitutional mind.

Political Beliefs and Bank Opposition

James Alexander Hamilton’s political ideology underwent a notable shift from his father’s legacy. While Alexander Hamilton had been a Federalist and a staunch advocate of a national bank, James came to oppose the Second Bank of the United States, echoing the populist and decentralizing rhetoric of the Jacksonian Democrats.

In 1830, Hamilton wrote a detailed letter to President Jackson expressing his belief that the national bank was unconstitutional. He argued that the bank wielded too much power over the economy and posed a threat to both individual liberty and democratic governance.

His position was not merely rhetorical—Hamilton’s letter became part of the Jackson administration’s broader justification for the Bank War, which ultimately led to the non-renewal of the bank’s charter.

Despite the divergence from his father’s views, James argued that the early Federalist model had evolved and that the dangers of centralized finance were more acute by the 1830s. He remained a Democrat throughout the Jackson and Van Buren years and was seen as a consistent supporter of local sovereignty and limited federal intervention in financial markets.

Preservation of His Father’s Legacy

In the latter half of his life, James became deeply engaged in efforts to preserve the legacy of his father. He collected, edited, and published many of Alexander Hamilton’s writings, and worked to defend his father against political detractors such as Thomas Jefferson, who had, in his later years, published sharp criticisms of Hamilton’s financial policies.

James published “Reminiscences of James A. Hamilton” in 1869, a detailed memoir that included recollections of his own life as well as commentary on his father’s career. The work provided a personal but fact-rich view into both family and national history.

In it, James presented his father not as a monarchist or elitist, as some had accused, but as a practical visionary who understood the financial and political needs of a growing republic.

Additionally, James assisted his mother, Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, in organizing Alexander’s documents, letters, and personal papers, many of which are now part of the Library of Congress and foundational to modern scholarship on the founding era.

Later Life and Civic Engagement

In retirement, James lived at his estate in Irvington, New York, named “Nevis” after the Caribbean island where his father was born. The estate became a social and intellectual gathering place, hosting politicians, writers, and thinkers of the mid-19th century.

James remained active in civic causes. He supported public education, opposed slavery, and spoke out in favor of legal and constitutional reform. He participated in state constitutional conventions and advised New York officials on matters related to justice and equity.

In 1851, he was part of the U.S. delegation at the first America’s Cup yachting competition, demonstrating his enduring engagement with civic life even into his 60s.

Personal Life

James Alexander Hamilton married Mary Morris in 1810. She came from the prominent Morris family of New York, connecting James to another powerful and influential lineage. Together, they had five children, including Alexander Jr., Eliza, Frances, Mary, and Angelica.

James maintained a strong connection to his family throughout his life and took great care in preserving family history. He ensured his father’s burial site at Trinity Church in Manhattan was maintained and advocated for the recognition of his father’s contributions throughout the country.

Death and Legacy

James Alexander Hamilton died on September 24, 1878, at the age of 90. He was buried at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Tarrytown, New York, alongside his wife and other members of the Hamilton family.

Although not remembered as a primary architect of American government, James Alexander Hamilton contributed in meaningful ways to the growth and administration of the United States.

His work as a federal prosecutor, military officer, acting Secretary of State, and legal reformer placed him at the heart of important national developments during the early and middle 19th century.

Final Thoughts

James Alexander Hamilton lived a life of service, duty, and intellectual integrity. Though overshadowed by the towering legacy of his father, his accomplishments in law, government, and political reform stand on their own.

His commitment to constitutional government, public integrity, and historical preservation makes him an important—if underrecognized—figure in American history.