Alexander and Philip Hamilton Duels

Alexander Hamilton (1755-1804), first Secretary of the Treasury, had two sons, both named Philip.  Philip the younger (1802-1884) was assistant District Attorney in New York and was a member and Past Master of Albion Lodge 26. He was often confused with his older brother of the same name who died prior to the second Philip's birth.  The elder Philip (1782-1801) died in a duel with George I. Eacker.  Philip challenged Eacker to the duel on the west bank of the Hudson River in Weehawken, NJ, for insulting his father.  Three years later, Alexander Hamilton died from a fatal wound in a duel with Vice President Aaron Burr, held on the same spot where his son Philip had died.

Alexander Hamilton's Masonic affiliation is in doubt.  He was recorded as having visited American Union Lodge in Morristown, NJ, on December 27, 1779, when Washington is supposed to have raised General Lafayette. Some speculate it may have been someone else with the same name.  Hamilton also is said to appear standing next to George Washington in the painting "The Petition," which depicts the presentation of a petition to Brother Washington to become Grand Master of the United States.