Club Meeting 9th February 2026">Club Meeting 9th February 2026

President Graham welcomed members to the meeting including member David Hollister today’s speaker.

TThe President introduced today’s speaker, our member John Hollister on the life of Alexander Hamilton, who although never President was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He began by asking if anyone had seen the musical “Hamilton”. One member had and had not enjoyed it – an opinion shared by John who found the modern “rap” music difficult to follow!

Hamilton was born in the Caribbean island of Nevis in 1757 and despite difficult family circumstances impressed a local businessman sufficiently to be sent to New York to further his education. He decided not to follow his earlier studies in languages and the classics, choosing to concentrate on medicine. Initially a royalist he became disillusioned with the attitude of the British parliament. Around this time he met George Washington and became involved in the Revolutionary War. Hamilton rose rapidly through the ranks of the army and took part in many of the battles and at the age of 23 became ADC to Washington. After the Declaration of Independence he became involved in the drafting of the US Constitution and was the first secretary of the treasury.

His personal life involved several scandals with rumours of affairs. He also had a bitter feud with his political rival Aaron Burr, who he accused of being an unprincipled cheat. Burr challenged him to a duel which Hamilton after much agonising accepted “to save his honour” but stated he would “throw his shot” ie not aim at his opponent. The result was that he was fatally wounded and died in hospital in New York in 1804 at the age of 47.

Hamilton is remembered as a defining figure particularly in his organisation of the Federal Reserve and the New York Stock Exchange, and is commemorated on the $10 note.

Following questions from the floor the vote of thanks was given by the President. Members showed their appreciation of a fine talk with a round of applause.