9. Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton helped write the Federalist Papers and Washington’s Farewell Address
George Washington originally hoped to retire after his first term as President, and he had James Madison prepare a farewell address for publication at that time. Emerging political divisions caused him to reconsider, accepting a second term. As that term came to an end, the original address was sent to Alexander Hamilton for revision. Hamilton re-wrote the letter, reading passages to his wife, Elizabeth, and together they prepared what became Washington’s famous warning against the perils of political parties. Previously, Elizabeth aided Hamilton’s writings in defense of the federal government during the debates over the Constitution. The impact of her influence with her husband was substantial.
Following Hamilton’s death in a duel with Aaron Burr, Elizabeth became an influential reformer and philanthropist. In 1806 she helped form the Orphan Asylum Society, serving as its Second Directress. Fifteen years later she assumed the role of First Directress, which she held for 27 years. The Society housed, fed, and educated over 700 orphans. The Society remains in existence as Grand Windham, serving the New York City metropolitan area. It assists over 4,500 children each year. Elizabeth’s role in the founding of the American government and in social reforms remained all but forgotten for two centuries, until the appearance of the musical Hamilton! in 2015.