How Did Peggy Schuyler Die?
Margarita “Peggy” Schuyler Van Rensselaer, the third daughter of Continental Army General Philip Schuyler, passed away on March 14, 1801, in Albany, New York. Her death was a result of a prolonged illness that worsened during the winter of 1800-1801. As her health declined, Peggy’s condition became dire, leading to her eventual passing.
During her illness, Alexander Hamilton, who was in Albany for legal business at the time, visited Peggy frequently and kept her sister Eliza informed. Despite his support, Peggy’s health deteriorated to the point where she could no longer fight her illness. Following her death, Peggy was laid to rest in the family plot at the Van Rensselaer estate and later reinterred at Albany Rural Cemetery.
Peggy Schuyler’s Life and Family
Peggy Schuyler was born on September 19, 1758, in Albany, New York, to Catherine Van Rensselaer Schuyler and Philip Schuyler. She was the third of eleven children and had two older sisters, Angelica and Eliza, who were known as the “Schuyler Sisters.” Peggy came from a wealthy and well-regarded Dutch-American family, with her father being a prominent figure in the Continental Army during the American Revolution.
In 1783, Peggy married Stephen Van Rensselaer III, a distant cousin, and they had three children together. However, only one of their children, Stephen Van Rensselaer IV, survived to adulthood.
Peggy’s marriage to Stephen solidified the connection between the Schuyler and Van Rensselaer families, two prominent and influential families of the time. This marriage further elevated Peggy’s position in society and ensured her access to wealth and privilege.
Peggy Schuyler’s Relationship with Alexander Hamilton
Throughout history, there has been speculation surrounding the nature of Peggy Schuyler’s relationship with Alexander Hamilton. While rumors of a romantic involvement between Peggy’s sister Angelica and Hamilton have circulated, there is no concrete evidence to suggest anything other than a platonic connection between Peggy and Hamilton. Peggy’s relationship with Hamilton was primarily one of friendship and support.
Peggy and Hamilton began corresponding in 1780 when Hamilton started courting Peggy’s sister Eliza. Their interactions were purely friendly and centered around the events of the day, politics, and general updates. It is important to note that Peggy’s letters to Hamilton have not survived, but the biographer Ron Chernow, known for his comprehensive work on Hamilton, has shed light on their relationship. According to Chernow, the attraction between Hamilton and Angelica was strong, but Peggy’s role was that of a supportive and friendly confidante.
While Peggy’s connection to Hamilton may not have been romantic, their friendship played a significant role in the larger narrative surrounding the Schuyler sisters and their involvement in the political and social circles of the time. Peggy’s support of Hamilton’s aspirations and her place within the Schuyler family added to her overall significance in the historical context.
Peggy Schuyler and Angelica Schuyler
Another aspect often intertwined with Peggy’s relationship with Hamilton is her bond with her sister Angelica. Angelica, known for her intelligence and charm, has been portrayed as having a close relationship with Hamilton in popular culture. However, historical evidence suggests that Peggy and Angelica had a strong sisterly bond, and there is no indication of any romantic involvement between Angelica and Hamilton beyond a close friendship.
The complexities of their relationships remain a topic of discussion, but it is essential to separate fact from fiction. Peggy Schuyler’s role in the lives of her sisters, her connection to Hamilton, and her place in history contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the Schuyler family’s influence during this pivotal period in American history.
Peggy Schuyler’s Legacy and Popularity
Peggy Schuyler, the youngest of the famous “Schuyler Sisters,” has experienced a resurgence in recognition and popularity in recent years, thanks to the phenomenal success of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway musical “Hamilton.” In the musical, Peggy is portrayed as one of the dynamic trio, and her character plays a significant role in the song “The Schuyler Sisters.”
Bringing Peggy to life on stage, the talented Jasmine Cephas Jones originated the role and received a Grammy Award for her outstanding performance on the original cast album. The portrayal of Peggy in “Hamilton” has captivated audiences worldwide, making her an unforgettable character.
Additionally, Peggy Schuyler’s final resting place has become a point of interest for fans of the musical and history enthusiasts alike. Her tombstone and the family vault can be found in Lot 1, Section 14 of the historic Albany Rural Cemetery. Fans often visit this site to pay their respects and connect with the legacy of Peggy Schuyler, immersing themselves in the rich history that inspired the musical.
