From the Archives - September 2026

Ancient Document: Indenture Alexander Hamilton Jr. Executor to Federal Vanderburgh

22nd of April 1861

Ancient documents fascinate researchers. In this instance, the name of the executor, Alexander Hamilton, Jr. immediately draws attention and then the name Federal Vanderburgh piques the researcher’s curiosity. Let the investigation begin!

Who was Alexander Hamilton, Jr. (1816-1889)?

There is no doubt that most have heard of Alexander Hamilton and his significance in American history, but who was Jr.?

Alexander Hamilton, Jr., executor of Margaret Livingston’s will, was the grandson of Alexander Hamilton and the husband of Angelica Livingston. Thus, Margaret Lewis Livingston, daughter of Morgan Lewis, was Alexander Jr.’s mother-in-law. See the Clermont State Historic Site for more fascinating details about “The Twisting Tale of the Hamilton-Livingston Family”.

Who was Federal Vanderburgh (1788-1886)? We can only speculate whether he was named after the Constitution.

Although we have discovered that Vanderburgh purchased land from the estate of Margaret Livingston, the only other document that is mentioned in the archives is an unscanned architectural drawing of the house. A quick search in 19th century books reveals that Federal Vanderburgh was a renowned Doctor of Homeopathy who influenced other early practitioners in New York and Connecticut. He is included in the Dictionary of Early American Philosophers. In 1866, the Homeopathic Medical Society of the State of New York published a book of Transactions where Dr. Vanderburgh is listed as President in Dutchess County. Although Dr. Vanderburgh built a successful practice in New York City, he traveled to Rhinebeck to care for some of his patients who were here for the summer. Later in life, he retired from his practice in the City and opened a practice in Rhinebeck.

This Indenture, made the twenty second day of April in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty one Between Alexander Hamilton Junior, of the City of New York, sole acting qualified Executor of the last will and testament of Margaret Livingston, deceased, late of Staatsburgh, Dutchess County and State of New York, of the first part, Federal Vanderburg of the Town of Rhinebeck in the County of Dutchess of the second part, Witnesseth, That the said party of the first part, by virtue of the power and authority to him given in and by the last Will and Testament, and for and in consideration of the sum of Two hundred dollars lawful money of the United States of America, to him in hand paid, at or before the ensealing and delivery of these presents, by the said party of the second part, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, and the said party of the second part, his heirs, executors and administrators, for ever released and discharged from the same by these presents, hath granted, bargained, sold, aligned, released, conveyed and confirmed, and by these presents doth grant, bargain, sell, alien, release, convey, and confirm unto the said party of the second part, his heirs and assigns for ever,

All that certain parcel of land taken from the south bounds of the farm formerly of Frederick Strites. Beginning at a stone set in a hollow the south west corner of the old farm of Frederick Strite and runs thence along land formerly conveyed by Thomas Tillotson to Frederick Strite. South seventy three degrees thirty minutes East eighteen chains seventy links thence north forty one degrees East five chains ninety links thence South seventy four degrees thirty minutes East ten chains fifty four links to a stone on the west bank of Landsmans Kill. North thirty three degrees East seven chains thirty links, thence North sixty six degrees East one chain and ninety links, North seventy five degrees West thirty four chains to a stake, thence South thirty six degrees forty five minutes West eight chains twenty five links along Morgan Lewis Mill Farm thence South three degrees fifteen minutes East five chains seventy links along the same to the place of beginning, containing thirty seven and three quarter acres be the same more or less.

The above description is taken from a lease of the same executed by Morgan Lewis and Gertrude his wife to Peter Brown dated May 1st, 1808, and as described also in a quit claim deed then of by the heirs of said Peter Brown, who is now deceased, to Jonathan B. Randell dated June 14th, 1832, and being now in the actual possession of said party of the second part.

State of New York

City and County of New York:

On this twenty ninth day of April 1861 before me personally appeared Francis Hamilton subscribing witness to the written conveyance to me known who being by me duly sworn did depose and say that he resided at Stapleton, Staten Island, County of Richmond, and State of New York; that he knew Alexander Hamilton Jr. the individual described and who executed the said conveyance; that he was present and saw him execute the same and for his act and deed whereupon he became the subscribing witness thereto.

Nathaniel P. Rogers Notary Public in the City of New York.

The investigation of this ancient document not only makes history come alive but also clarifies some of the relationships between individuals, their families, and their estates within Rhinebeck. However, the significance goes beyond the borders of Rhinebeck to New York State and even the nation.

Many more ancient documents are awaiting your investigation in the RHS Archives. Happy Exploring!