Hamilton's early life was filled with hardship and struggle from "summary" of Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
Hamilton’s early years were marked by poverty, abandonment, and uncertainty. Born out of wedlock on the Caribbean island of Nevis, he faced a world that offered little promise or opportunity. His father, James Hamilton, disappeared from his life at an early age, leaving Alexander and his mother, Rachel Lavien, to fend for themselves in a society that frowned upon illegitimate children. The stigma of his birth followed him throughout his childhood, shaping his identity and fueling his ambition to rise above his circumstances.
Rachel Lavien struggled to provide for her son, working as a seamstress and laundress to make ends meet. However, her efforts were often in vain as she fell ill and eventually passed away when Alexander was just a young boy. With no family to turn to for support, he was left orphaned and destitute, forced to rely on the charity of distant relatives and strangers. The loss of his mother dealt a crushing blow to his already fragile sense of security, leaving him adrift in a world that seemed intent on keeping him down.
Despite his difficult circumstances, Hamilton possessed a keen intellect and a relentless drive to succeed. He excelled in school, impressing his teachers and earning the admiration of his peers. His thirst for knowledge was insatiable, driving him to read voraciously and educate himself in a wide range of subjects. His intelligence and determination set him apart from his peers, but they also served as a reminder of the obstacles he faced in a society that valued birth and pedigree above all else.
Hamilton’s early experiences instilled in him a deep sense of self-reliance and resilience. He learned to navigate the complexities of a world that often seemed indifferent to his struggles, relying on his wits and his work ethic to carve out a place for himself. His early hardships taught him the value of perseverance and determination, qualities that would serve him well in the years to come. Despite the challenges he faced, Hamilton never lost sight of his ultimate goal: to rise above his humble beginnings and make a name for himself in a world that had so often rejected him.
