Peggy Schuyler Biography, Life, Death, Cause of Death & Other Facts

The Schuyler family was one of the most important families of the mid-1600s. One of their daughters, Margarita Schuyler Van Rensselaer, better known as Peggy Schuyler, was always the star of the town during her youth. Peggy’s life spanned from September 19, 1758 to March 14, 1801. Although she died at age 42, she is remembered by posterity as a woman who lived a fulfilling life.

Peggy Schuyler: Biography

Peggy was born as Margarita Schuyler VanRensselaer on September 19, 1758. She was born into the large family of Philip Schuyler, General of the Continental Army, and Catharine Schuyler (née Van Rensselaer). Peggy was the third daughter of seven siblings and was born in Albany, New York.

Peggy was married to Stephen Van Rensselaer III. Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton and Angelica Schuyler Church were her older sisters while Philip Jeremiah Schuyler was her brother. Alexander Hamilton and John Barker Church were his brothers-in-law. Peggy’s family were among the wealthy Dutch landowners located in Albany in the mid-17th century. Therefore, Peggy had a comfortable childhood, her basic education and domestic training were provided by her mother. The Schuyler family attended the Dutch Reformed Church in Albany, as did other Dutch families of that time.

The life, death, cause of death of Peggy Schulyer

Peggy lived a fulfilling life as a member of the powerful Schuyler family, she had wealth and position at her disposal. Peggy Schuler and her siblings had a privileged life and were always talked about. After her controversial marriage to Stephen Van Rensselaer III, who was then the tenth richest man in America, Peggy achieved an even higher place in society. She gave birth to three children, but only one survived: Stephen Van Rensselaer IV, who became a major general in the militia.

Unfortunately, Peggy Schuyler fell ill in 1799, and with the onset of winter in 1800 her condition deteriorated and she kicked the bucket on March 14, 1801 at age 42. She was buried at the Van Rensselaer Estate, but subsequently her body was exhumed and transferred to Albany Rural Cemetery where she was reinterred.

Other facts about Peggy Schuyler

Birth details

Peggy is the third daughter of Phillip Schuyler, a veteran and esteemed individual who was chosen by the Continental Congress as a Major General. General Phillip fought victoriously at the Battle of Saratoga. Peggy’s mother was Catharine Schuyler, a descendant of the Van Rensselaer family, whose life spanned from 1734 to 1803. As the daughter of a prominent family, Peggy demanded as much respect as possible from a woman.

Peggy’s pet name

Peggy was named Margarita Schuyler Van Rensselaer at birth, her real name was Margarita. Instead of taking a real first name like her other sisters Elizabeth and Angelica, she preferred to call herself Peggy. Meggy was actually the real nickname for her birth name, but the name morphed into Peggy over time.

family history

You can’t talk about the great wealth of landowners in Albany in the mid-1600s without mentioning the Schuyler family. They are of Dutch origin. Peggy’s parents, Phillip and Catharine, came from very powerful and respected families and the Schuyler family was very involved in the politics of this time. They met many personalities such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Due to their exalted position in society, the Schuyler sisters were very popular. Today, they’re often referred to as the Kardashians of the 1700s. Although Peggy wasn’t always mentioned, she was as tall as her socialite sisters.

Personality

Peggy has been described as having a quick wit and kind personality. She is remembered as someone whose presence can light up a room and whose personality cannot be overlooked. The socialite is very human and would always think of others first. She even risked her life once for her little brother when a group of marauders tried to assassinate her father. After realizing the baby was left alone downstairs when the Schuyler sisters were trying to save their lives, Peggy was the only person brave enough to come downstairs to retrieve the baby despite the danger. Peggy managed to save the baby but she barely escaped death at the hands of the looters.

Marriage

Peggy Schuyler married her distant cousin Stephen Van Rensselaer III who was much younger than her in June 1783. Stephen was 19 and Peggy 25. Much has been said about Stephen and Peggy’s wedding and the lovebirds had to flee so they could marry in peace. Stephen was later ranked the 10th richest man in America and a powerful landowner. Attaching herself to Stephen, Peggy made a brilliant marriage, and also secured an enviable position for herself.

Peggy’s marriage was blessed with three children, but she lost two of her infant children. Stephen Van Rensselaer IV, his only surviving child, served in the New York militia after graduating from Princeton University in 1808. Stephen retired from the army with the title of major general.