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The Scandalous Hamiltons: A Gilded Age Grifter, a Founding Father's Disgraced Descendant, and a Trial at the Dawn of Tabloid Journalism
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best History & Biography (2022)An Alexander Hamilton heir, a beautiful female con artist, an abandoned baby, and the shocking courtroom drama that was splashed across front pages from coast to coast--this is the fascinating true story behind one of the greatest scandals of the Gilded Age, and the story that gave rise to the sensational tabloid journalism still driving so much of the news cycle in the 21st century.
It's a story almost too tawdry to be true--a con woman prostitute who met the descendant of a Founding Father in a brothel, duped him into marriage using an infant purchased from a baby farm, then went to prison for stabbing the couple's baby nurse--all while in a common-law marriage with another man. The scandal surrounding Evangeline and Robert Ray Hamilton, though little known today, was one of the sensations of the Gilded Age, a sordid, gripping tale involving bigamy, bribery, sex, and violence.
When the salacious Hamilton story emerged in during Eva's trial for the August 1889 stabbing, it commanded unprecedented national and international newspaper coverage thanks to the telegraph and the recently founded Associated Press. For the New York dailies, eager to capture readers through provocative headlines, Ray and Eva were a godsend.
As lurid details emerged, the public's fascination grew--how did a man of Hamilton's stature become entangled with such an adventuress? Nellie Bly, the world-famous investigative reporter, finagled an exclusive interview with Eva after her conviction. Hamilton's death under mysterious circumstances, a year after the stabbing, added to the intrigue.
Through personal correspondence, court records, and sensational newspaper accounts, The Scandalous Hamiltons explores not only the full, riveting saga of ill-fated Ray and Eva, but the rise of tabloid journalism and celebrity in a story that is both a fascinating slice of pop culture history and a timeless tale of ambition, greed, and obsession.
It's a story almost too tawdry to be true--a con woman prostitute who met the descendant of a Founding Father in a brothel, duped him into marriage using an infant purchased from a baby farm, then went to prison for stabbing the couple's baby nurse--all while in a common-law marriage with another man. The scandal surrounding Evangeline and Robert Ray Hamilton, though little known today, was one of the sensations of the Gilded Age, a sordid, gripping tale involving bigamy, bribery, sex, and violence.
When the salacious Hamilton story emerged in during Eva's trial for the August 1889 stabbing, it commanded unprecedented national and international newspaper coverage thanks to the telegraph and the recently founded Associated Press. For the New York dailies, eager to capture readers through provocative headlines, Ray and Eva were a godsend.
As lurid details emerged, the public's fascination grew--how did a man of Hamilton's stature become entangled with such an adventuress? Nellie Bly, the world-famous investigative reporter, finagled an exclusive interview with Eva after her conviction. Hamilton's death under mysterious circumstances, a year after the stabbing, added to the intrigue.
Through personal correspondence, court records, and sensational newspaper accounts, The Scandalous Hamiltons explores not only the full, riveting saga of ill-fated Ray and Eva, but the rise of tabloid journalism and celebrity in a story that is both a fascinating slice of pop culture history and a timeless tale of ambition, greed, and obsession.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published July 26, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
August 3, 2022
When Ray Hamilton’s wife is arrested for stabbing the family’s wet nurse, a great deal of scandalous truth comes out – namely, that the child is not his, nor hers.
I have not seen that seminal musical Hamilton, but I had read the doorstopper of a book it was based on. While I knew all about the successes and scandals of Alexander Hamilton’s life, I had not considered his descendants. This descendant in particular had rather fewer successes and rather more scandals.
The star of the show, though, is Eva – Hamilton? Mann? – his wife. A grifter of the highest order, she is simultaneously infuriating and sympathetic. After all, what can a woman be but out for herself? The parts of the book that involve her are the most compelling, though in general the first half of the book was very engaging.
However, I did think the story began to drift a little in the second half as the scandal becomes mostly played out, and the author apparently scoured the newspapers for tidbits of news to keep the story going. He has a fascinating story to tell, but I wonder if the book wouldn’t have been better served by not plunging straight into the action, and instead writing a bit more about the lead up to the scandal first.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I have not seen that seminal musical Hamilton, but I had read the doorstopper of a book it was based on. While I knew all about the successes and scandals of Alexander Hamilton’s life, I had not considered his descendants. This descendant in particular had rather fewer successes and rather more scandals.
The star of the show, though, is Eva – Hamilton? Mann? – his wife. A grifter of the highest order, she is simultaneously infuriating and sympathetic. After all, what can a woman be but out for herself? The parts of the book that involve her are the most compelling, though in general the first half of the book was very engaging.
However, I did think the story began to drift a little in the second half as the scandal becomes mostly played out, and the author apparently scoured the newspapers for tidbits of news to keep the story going. He has a fascinating story to tell, but I wonder if the book wouldn’t have been better served by not plunging straight into the action, and instead writing a bit more about the lead up to the scandal first.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
May 10, 2023
Eva Hamilton is cold-hearted...buying babies to trick her lover into giving her money and a marriage? Yikes. Ray Hamilton is a descendant of the great Alexander Hamilton and a prominent lawyer in Albany. However, he got mixed up with a (messy) woman who bought babies and tricked men into thinking they were pregnant. Baby trafficking? Does Ray know that Alexander's wife established the first private orphanage in New York City? Oooooof.
The story of Eva and Ray were splashed all over headlines around NY and this author pulls the headlines for chapter titles. Such an interesting and crazy story for anyone interested in American history (and scandals!) – Alyssa C.
The story of Eva and Ray were splashed all over headlines around NY and this author pulls the headlines for chapter titles. Such an interesting and crazy story for anyone interested in American history (and scandals!) – Alyssa C.
January 23, 2023
Good historical information and research but just not in my area.
July 11, 2022
Eva “Kreel,” “Mann,” “Steel,” and eventually Hamilton was a con artist from the beginning. Her name changed with the day and when she had an opportunity to get her hooks into a descendent of one of the founding fathers Robert Ray Hamilton she did! She first bought a baby from a baby farm but because she didn’t feed it the baby died and so she sent her servant girl off to get another but this one had black air and there was no way Ray would believe that was the same baby so she sent her back out to get another. This one had blonde hair and would suffice this would be her embrace “baby“ they hired a wet nurse after she convinced him to marry her the only problem is the wet nurse was also a raging alcoholic just like Eva and they would argue daily and this arguing is what causes Eva to find her self in the New York jail. Hamilton immediately filed divorce papers and eventually Eva would answer This complaint with her own. The newspapers had a hey day with the ongoing events from their divorce to Eva‘s trial for stabbing her wet nurse this is what newspapers of the day lived for a famous name involved in scandal and all what a scandal it was the trial would make public all the dirty little secrets and all the secrets they had. This book was so good I love books like this I love the historical True Crime and especially a good scandal in this encompassed all of that. This was such a great book I thought the author did a wonderful job plotting the narrative and I found it hard to put the book down and will probably read this book again in the future. There are certain books that are so good you go back to them and this is definitely one of them. I received this book from net Gally and a publisher and I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review but all opinions are definitely my own.
July 22, 2022
I received an advance reading copy (arc) of this book from NetGalley.com in return for a fair review. The Scandalous Hamiltons detailed the life of Robert Ray Hamilton (the great-grandson of Alexander Hamilton) who was a member of the 400 Club that included the wealthiest families in the country and Eva Steele, a grifter, who Set her sights on Ray's money. In all probability, Ray met Eva in a whorehouse. She saw dollar signs and eventually convinced him to marry her. Everything about her was a sham. She claimed to have a baby, but instead bought one off the black market. The infant died because she neglected to feed the child--something I just can't forgive her for. She bought a second baby that also died. The third baby was blond and she didn't want it so she sent it back and purchased a fourth. She claimed that she gave birth to that child and tried to pass it off as Ray's. She duped him big time, but her grand plans unraveled when she stabbed the baby's nurse. From that day on, the Hamilton name appeared almost daily in newspapers across the country detailing the scandalous story of Eva and Ray. Was she married before? Were they legally wed? Who was the child's father? Eva was convicted of attempted murder and served time in prison. Ray was in the process of divorcing her when he met his untimely demise, but not before he had written her out of his will. Of course, she contested saying she was still his wife. The story goes on with many twists and turns and rarely a dull moment. Author Bill Schaffer did a fine job researching and writing this sordid story. If you thought truth was NOT stranger than fiction, just read this book and you will definitely change your mind! I enjoyed this one immensely.
July 22, 2022
The Scandalous Hamiltons is a thoroughly enjoyable rendering of one of the most outrageous marriages of the late nineteenth century. Robert Ray Hamilton, great-grandson of Alexander Hamilton, secretly marries a prostitute who claims to have given birth to his illegitimate child. If not for the many public accounts published by the newspapers during that era, one would think that Bill Shaffer has a very vivid imagination for crime stories. The trials became the national headlines for many months and even years after the end of the trials. Shaffer has written a wonderfully accurate and entertaining account of the humiliation that befell the Hamilton name through this marriage.
July 25, 2022
When will I learn? Rhetorical. The blurb says it all: Grifter, disgraced descendant, & tabloid journalism. What's missing: numerous affairs, abortions, and pay-offs.
This was just okay for me. I was disappointed that I didn't realize Scandalous was going to dominate in this fashion. I expected some immortality mixed with dirty politics.
The narration was fine.
Thank you NetGalley and Tantor Audio for accepting my request to read and review The Scandalous Hamiltons.
This was just okay for me. I was disappointed that I didn't realize Scandalous was going to dominate in this fashion. I expected some immortality mixed with dirty politics.
The narration was fine.
Thank you NetGalley and Tantor Audio for accepting my request to read and review The Scandalous Hamiltons.
July 18, 2022
Gilded Age scandal involving the descendant of Alexander Hamilton, sign me up immediately. The synopsis sounded so wild I knew I needed to pick it up, and this story was even wilder than the synopsis described. Big thank you to NetGalleyand Tantor audio for granting me access to the audio book in exchange for an honest review.
This story is wild, full of twists and turns worthy of a period melodrama. At the same time, Shaffer finds a way to humanize the key players in this narrative beyond the pages of newspapers and court documents. Beyond that he had a real back for weaving together multiple stories for multiple players across the country in a way that flowed smoothly and kept my interest.
The narrator on this was solid, he had the right voice to feel knowledgeable but also empathetic to the lives he was giving voice to in a way that immediately put me at ease, I often struggle with audiobooks because of the narrators but I will definitely pick up another voiced by Colacci
This story is wild, full of twists and turns worthy of a period melodrama. At the same time, Shaffer finds a way to humanize the key players in this narrative beyond the pages of newspapers and court documents. Beyond that he had a real back for weaving together multiple stories for multiple players across the country in a way that flowed smoothly and kept my interest.
The narrator on this was solid, he had the right voice to feel knowledgeable but also empathetic to the lives he was giving voice to in a way that immediately put me at ease, I often struggle with audiobooks because of the narrators but I will definitely pick up another voiced by Colacci
November 1, 2022
Interesting look at late 19th century New York, probably more for the die-hard NYC historian or Hamilton devotee. I kept feeling this would have made for a better long-form magazine article rather than a whole book, but still I found it interesting.
September 8, 2022
Interesting enough, but not nearly as salacious as the cover or title would suggest. A clear cash grab to capitalize on the Hamilton name. Still, glad to know the history of the Robert Ray Hamilton fountain in my neighborhood.
August 26, 2022
I was provided an ARC of this book. If you like history, mixed with scandal and drama, this book's for you! Highly recommend. Extremely entertaining yet full of facts. I learned reading this one.
July 18, 2022
Following great-grandpa's example?
Most anyone who took a course in American history (or saw the Broadway production) has heard of the famous duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton. In fact, a great deal of Mr. Hamilton's life was encased in scandal. And now here is a tale about his end-of-the-19th-century descendants.
I received an unsolicited ARC of this non-fiction work, and what follows is my honest opinion.
For the most part, I enjoyed this work. Left to my own devices in a library or bookstore, I would not have selected it. But hey, it arrived on my doorstep! I read it on a weekend when I was stuck sitting in the car, waiting. It was a great way to pass the time. The beginning grabbed and held my attention, Things got confusing when a new family/cast of characters were introduced, but eventually sorted out. There are 50 pages of sources and notes at the end.
Now, from the former professional typesetter: I only caught three errors as I was reading, but I would like to have seen more space (blank returns) in the last few chapters as the author was wrapping things up and telling the reader "what happened" to key figures, just to separate them.
The book goes on sale 7-26-22
Most anyone who took a course in American history (or saw the Broadway production) has heard of the famous duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton. In fact, a great deal of Mr. Hamilton's life was encased in scandal. And now here is a tale about his end-of-the-19th-century descendants.
I received an unsolicited ARC of this non-fiction work, and what follows is my honest opinion.
For the most part, I enjoyed this work. Left to my own devices in a library or bookstore, I would not have selected it. But hey, it arrived on my doorstep! I read it on a weekend when I was stuck sitting in the car, waiting. It was a great way to pass the time. The beginning grabbed and held my attention, Things got confusing when a new family/cast of characters were introduced, but eventually sorted out. There are 50 pages of sources and notes at the end.
Now, from the former professional typesetter: I only caught three errors as I was reading, but I would like to have seen more space (blank returns) in the last few chapters as the author was wrapping things up and telling the reader "what happened" to key figures, just to separate them.
The book goes on sale 7-26-22
November 13, 2023
The Scandalous Hamiltons!, or "Scand Hams" as I call it, is the story of Alexander Hamilton's Gilded Age great grandson, who like his forebear was taken in by a comely con artist.
When I first heard of the book, I was surprised that I had not heard this story before, but as I started reading it became apparent why: there isn't that much of a story here. Instead, lots of ancillary information of little interest is heaped together to try to prop one up.
Paradoxically, it's a pretty good read because it's told with a lot of verve and skill and can serve as a nice escape to a different world, America over a century ago, particularly New York and Wyoming.
Some disappointments:
- The photos are placed too early in the book as they reveal outcomes that spoil the story.
- Mentions "Nucky" Johnson, but surprisingly fails to mention that he was the prototype for the famous "Nucky" Thompson of the Boardwalk Empire television series.
- Apparently the editor, and it sounds like, progenitor of the book is one Michaela Hamilton. Whether she is part of the Hamilton clan would seem of interest, but is not included.
When I first heard of the book, I was surprised that I had not heard this story before, but as I started reading it became apparent why: there isn't that much of a story here. Instead, lots of ancillary information of little interest is heaped together to try to prop one up.
Paradoxically, it's a pretty good read because it's told with a lot of verve and skill and can serve as a nice escape to a different world, America over a century ago, particularly New York and Wyoming.
Some disappointments:
- The photos are placed too early in the book as they reveal outcomes that spoil the story.
- Mentions "Nucky" Johnson, but surprisingly fails to mention that he was the prototype for the famous "Nucky" Thompson of the Boardwalk Empire television series.
- Apparently the editor, and it sounds like, progenitor of the book is one Michaela Hamilton. Whether she is part of the Hamilton clan would seem of interest, but is not included.
August 6, 2022
An excellent look at a gilded age scandal. When Robert Ray Hamilton, a descendant of the great Alexander Hamilton and a scion of the upper classes met Eva Mann in a brothel, the pair began an affair. After four years Eva a con woman of some repute, despaired of landing her catch and convinced Hamilton she was pregnant with their child. Months after the birth the pair eloped and married in secret. Soon the marriage was in trouble and Eva was on trial for stabbing their wet nurse. Sentenced to two years in prison, Hamilton began divorce proceedings but died before they fully began. Eva launched a bid to clam some of his estate. Soon mud-slinging ensued on both sides as each tried to prove they were in the right. This fascinating book looks at the build up to both trials and the many lives Eva led afterwards.
July 25, 2022
3.5 stars
A true crime case before true crime was a thing, and case reporting was in its infancy. The public was immediately gripped showing society’s fascination with crime cases had been happening since the beginning. After a day of socializing and drinking a woman stabs her friend what actually happened before, during, and after is a he said, she said, they said that gets played out in court. To make things more interesting the whole thing involves the descendant of a founding father only strengthening the public’s obsession with the case and all the drama surrounding it that involved for them just the murder including validity of her marriages, and paternity and even maternity of children. Vintage true crime is one of my favorite things because the things people were allowed to say, do, and get away with always blows my mind. This was really interesting and I liked watching all the court drama, and the events that followed play out.
*a copy of this book was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
A true crime case before true crime was a thing, and case reporting was in its infancy. The public was immediately gripped showing society’s fascination with crime cases had been happening since the beginning. After a day of socializing and drinking a woman stabs her friend what actually happened before, during, and after is a he said, she said, they said that gets played out in court. To make things more interesting the whole thing involves the descendant of a founding father only strengthening the public’s obsession with the case and all the drama surrounding it that involved for them just the murder including validity of her marriages, and paternity and even maternity of children. Vintage true crime is one of my favorite things because the things people were allowed to say, do, and get away with always blows my mind. This was really interesting and I liked watching all the court drama, and the events that followed play out.
*a copy of this book was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
August 7, 2023
The dramatic story of Robert Hamilton, Alexander Hamilton's great grandson, and his tumultuous relationship with Eva Steele creates the basic narrative of this book, but more space is devoted to drawing back some curtains on lives during the gilded age. Fascinating.
July 19, 2022
In the time of all things Hamilton, it was interesting to read about other lesser-known Hamiltons!
Eva and Ray were recently married and have one child… or do they?
When Eva ends up on trial for a stabbing, the depths of deception that unravel are unreal.
The book provides the reader with the big picture while capturing attention with the deception that is Eva.
If you want to a real-life view to add to your Hamilton knowledge, pick this one up!
Thank you to @kensingtonbooks and @btc_books for a copy of this book. The review expresses my own personal opinions.
Eva and Ray were recently married and have one child… or do they?
When Eva ends up on trial for a stabbing, the depths of deception that unravel are unreal.
The book provides the reader with the big picture while capturing attention with the deception that is Eva.
If you want to a real-life view to add to your Hamilton knowledge, pick this one up!
Thank you to @kensingtonbooks and @btc_books for a copy of this book. The review expresses my own personal opinions.
August 30, 2022
Crazy story from history! A fast paced, interesting read
January 6, 2024
So drawn out. Could have been so much shorter. Lots of unnecessary details that don't have anything to do with the main story.
March 26, 2024
Mr Shaffer wraps up all manner of loose ends in the final chapters. Very, very interesting.
July 20, 2022
A history buff, I especially enjoy being enlightened of events that I’m unfamiliar with. Bill Shaffer has done a remarkable job in doing that, bringing the story of Robert Ray Hamilton, great grandson of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, to life. This thoroughly researched book, The Scandalous Hamiltons, checks all the boxes of the engrossing true story of Ray & his deceitful wife Eva. It’s all there…scandal, attempted murder, baby trafficking, & court room drama. I was delighted to receive the ARC as this book was engrossing from page one & hard to put down.
September 14, 2023
A fascinating story. I am always impressed with the amount of research authors do in order to uncover this amount of historical information. I enjoyed the audio version.
November 19, 2022
I wouldn’t call this a “must read” by any means, but it was a well written and well researched account of the tumultuous life of Alexander Hamilton’s great-grandson. Definitely interesting and I quite liked it.
May 4, 2023
Seems The Gilded Age Was A Bit Tarnishef
Ah...money,naivete, boy meets street wise girl.
Gee, what can happen there?
Well according to Bill Shaffer plenty!
If you like reading stuff like the Enquirer you'll love this because it's all true. Shaffer has done an excellent job digging for dirt in one of our country's legendary
Great Job!
Ah...money,naivete, boy meets street wise girl.
Gee, what can happen there?
Well according to Bill Shaffer plenty!
If you like reading stuff like the Enquirer you'll love this because it's all true. Shaffer has done an excellent job digging for dirt in one of our country's legendary
Great Job!
April 24, 2023
Eva Hamilton is cold hearted.... buying babies to trick her lover into giving her money and a marriage? Yikes. Ray Hamilton is a descendant of the great Alexander Hamilton and a prominent lawyer in Albany. However, he got mixed up with a (messy) woman who bought babies and tricked men into thinking they were pregnant. Oooooof. Eva Hamilton is a piece of work, calling babies ugly and disappointing. The story of Eva and Ray were splashed all over headlines around NY and her motives are uncovered in court....
May 18, 2022
Gilded Age New York was full of sensational journalism and there were plenty of scandals to catch a reader's eye - torrid love affairs, crooked politicians, swindlers and women's rights that would barely make a major headline today filled the many daily newspapers of the city. One case covered many of the hot topics, that of the supposed marriage of one of Alexander Hamilton's descendants and his fortune seeking, swindler wife. Robert Ray Hamilton was not the oldest son but his decision to marry well beneath him to his lover who tried to pass off a baby as his kept the wedding out of the society pages. When a cat fight broke out between his wife Evangeline and the baby's nurse which resulted in a stabbing, Robert filed for divorce. Once Eva was in jail charged with the stabbing it didn't take long for the court to discover that she was still married to her friend's son and multiple babies were purchased. In the end Robert fled New York for adventure in Wyoming and died there in a suspicious accident while Eva proclaimed her innocence to the end and still fought for part of the Hamilton estate. This book has it all - seduction, corruption and a big dose of scandal which will appeal to those historical buffs, readers of Caleb Carr and viewers of The Gilded Age who wanted more of the seedy side. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.
April 5, 2023
What crazy lives some people live. Eva and Robert Ray Hamilton were such people. Ray got involved with Eva, a liar and schemer. Oh, well. He was a rich fool and Eva was a smart, conniving pauper.
April 25, 2022
THE SCANDALOUS HAMILTONS
BY: BILL SHAFFER
Anybody who is interested in History would love this well above average written comprehensive and epic story of Robert Ray Hamilton and the scandal that rocked the world during the Gilded age for years. Robert Ray Hamilton got duped by a wicked and corrupt woman named Evangeline who was already in a common law marriage to Josh Mann. I felt very sorry for Robert Ray Hamilton who got entangled with a scheming woman who for reasons I will list sold a lot of newspapers over the course of at least five years while she tried to insinuate herself into corruptly trying to get her hands on the wealth of Ray Hamilton's money. She had too many last names for me to list, but two of them were Steele and Mann. There is a fountain that Robert Ray Hamilton had bequeathed in his will of $10,000.00 that was to be built as a Hamilton memorial that he allocated his funds which still stands today in Riverside Drive, at the end of West Seventy-Sixth Street, New York City. It finally got finished in 1906, sixteen years after his tragic death. I had never heard of this monument before and I am willing to bet neither have you. I had not known about this sad story that so captured this nation's attention for years that with every headline published it was devoured by the public. The Country could not get enough of this story and, sadly today little is known about it even though in NYC a Memorial Fountain was erected.
Robert Ray Hamilton was the great grandson of one of our Founding Father's, Alexander Hamilton, who was a member in President George Washington's circle. He along with the other Founding Fathers took part in drafting our Country's United States Constitution. He is most notably of interest to me because of his role in paying off the debts incurred during the Revolutionary War and, Alexander Hamilton is responsible for being the first to establish this Country's first two banks. Most people, probably remember him for being killed in the duel that took place with Aaron Burr. I can't stop thinking about this prestigious family's history and their important contributions and all of the tragedies they have endured. As I write this review I feel so much sadness for all of the suffering this famous family has incurred.
In the case of Robert Ray Hamilton he was a lawyer who graduated from Columbia Law School and was a politician that spent most of the week in Albany and traveled back to New York City on the weekends. He was from a wealthy family which was one of the famous "Four hundred," richest which four hundred refers to how many people could fit into Mrs. Astor's ballroom. He was known to the other elite and to his friends and family as Ray Hamilton. Evangeline Steele was born poor and from Pennsylvania. She was involved in prostitution and was a Gilded age con woman and actress who was already the common law wife of another poor man named Josh Mann who off and on lived with his mother. I think his mother helped Eva purchase the babies of which one of them died from starvation, which Ray Hamilton knew nothing about until after a Detective by the name of Thomas Byrnes uncovered after Eva's arrest. Had she not been sent to Trenton, she would most likely have been indicted for the baby's death in New York City. None of this was known to Ray before he entered into an unlawful marriage with a woman who duped him. In the time period that this takes place during the three last decades of the 1800's. Ray would be dead in 1890 because of his circumstances of a series of events that occurred indirectly because of his meeting swindler Evangeline. Along with already being in a common law marriage Eva was also in a tumultuous on again off again relationship with Robert Ray Hamilton. She tricked him into marrying her by pretending to have given birth to their daughter Beatrice Ray Hamilton. She had never been pregnant and got at least two babies that she purchased from a Baby farm. Eva was violent and drank heavily and she sent out her wet nurse to buy whiskey at the end of their stay in Atlantic City. She was arguing with Ray about not wanting to accept the $5000.00 he had promised to give Eva annually. He had no intention of living with Eva and on that morning she had slashed Ray's clothes with a knife. She had sent the wet nurse to buy whiskey and when she returned she stabbed her with the dagger. She was arguing with Ray because she didn't want to accept the $5000.00. She knew he was incredibly wealthy and she wanted more money. At one point she threw the baby's wash basin across the room. The family downstairs could hear the commotion and after stabbing the wet nurse in the stomach the police were called. Both Eva and Ray were arrested and Ray posted $600.00 bail and was released while Eva remained in jail.
You can imagine the front page headlines this debacle incurred because the newly associated press reported it in every newspaper from coast to coast. Eva was held in jail and then sentenced to two years in Trenton, New Jersey's State Penn. Ray held a low profile but Nellie Bly (who I wrote about in "Madwoman," by Louisa Treger, which I will leave my review for that in a link at the bottom) interviewed Eva in the Trenton prison. I have given more than I should have but seeing as this is not Historical fiction, but real life history and non-fiction--it will give you an idea about whether you wish to read this or not. I highly, highly recommend this for everyone, but especially for those History Buffs. There is so much history in this excellent work and a lot more to this story. There is so much to this very detailed oriented part of history that this is one you will not want to miss. It is new to be recently added to Net Galley and it already is one of the most requested books.
As promised here is a link to my review if you want to know more about Nellie Bly who was the first woman to write for newspapers on investigative reporting. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I couldn't have LOVED this book more! I am grateful that I took a chance on this one because I was on the fence about it. Five Bright Sparkling Stars!
Publication Date: July 26, 2022
Thank you to Net Galley, Bill Shaffer and Kensington Books-Citadel Publishing for generously providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. I owe you all a Great debt of Gratitude. All opinions are my own.
#TheScandalousHamiltons #BillShaffer KensingtonBooksCitadelPublishing #NetGalley
BY: BILL SHAFFER
Anybody who is interested in History would love this well above average written comprehensive and epic story of Robert Ray Hamilton and the scandal that rocked the world during the Gilded age for years. Robert Ray Hamilton got duped by a wicked and corrupt woman named Evangeline who was already in a common law marriage to Josh Mann. I felt very sorry for Robert Ray Hamilton who got entangled with a scheming woman who for reasons I will list sold a lot of newspapers over the course of at least five years while she tried to insinuate herself into corruptly trying to get her hands on the wealth of Ray Hamilton's money. She had too many last names for me to list, but two of them were Steele and Mann. There is a fountain that Robert Ray Hamilton had bequeathed in his will of $10,000.00 that was to be built as a Hamilton memorial that he allocated his funds which still stands today in Riverside Drive, at the end of West Seventy-Sixth Street, New York City. It finally got finished in 1906, sixteen years after his tragic death. I had never heard of this monument before and I am willing to bet neither have you. I had not known about this sad story that so captured this nation's attention for years that with every headline published it was devoured by the public. The Country could not get enough of this story and, sadly today little is known about it even though in NYC a Memorial Fountain was erected.
Robert Ray Hamilton was the great grandson of one of our Founding Father's, Alexander Hamilton, who was a member in President George Washington's circle. He along with the other Founding Fathers took part in drafting our Country's United States Constitution. He is most notably of interest to me because of his role in paying off the debts incurred during the Revolutionary War and, Alexander Hamilton is responsible for being the first to establish this Country's first two banks. Most people, probably remember him for being killed in the duel that took place with Aaron Burr. I can't stop thinking about this prestigious family's history and their important contributions and all of the tragedies they have endured. As I write this review I feel so much sadness for all of the suffering this famous family has incurred.
In the case of Robert Ray Hamilton he was a lawyer who graduated from Columbia Law School and was a politician that spent most of the week in Albany and traveled back to New York City on the weekends. He was from a wealthy family which was one of the famous "Four hundred," richest which four hundred refers to how many people could fit into Mrs. Astor's ballroom. He was known to the other elite and to his friends and family as Ray Hamilton. Evangeline Steele was born poor and from Pennsylvania. She was involved in prostitution and was a Gilded age con woman and actress who was already the common law wife of another poor man named Josh Mann who off and on lived with his mother. I think his mother helped Eva purchase the babies of which one of them died from starvation, which Ray Hamilton knew nothing about until after a Detective by the name of Thomas Byrnes uncovered after Eva's arrest. Had she not been sent to Trenton, she would most likely have been indicted for the baby's death in New York City. None of this was known to Ray before he entered into an unlawful marriage with a woman who duped him. In the time period that this takes place during the three last decades of the 1800's. Ray would be dead in 1890 because of his circumstances of a series of events that occurred indirectly because of his meeting swindler Evangeline. Along with already being in a common law marriage Eva was also in a tumultuous on again off again relationship with Robert Ray Hamilton. She tricked him into marrying her by pretending to have given birth to their daughter Beatrice Ray Hamilton. She had never been pregnant and got at least two babies that she purchased from a Baby farm. Eva was violent and drank heavily and she sent out her wet nurse to buy whiskey at the end of their stay in Atlantic City. She was arguing with Ray about not wanting to accept the $5000.00 he had promised to give Eva annually. He had no intention of living with Eva and on that morning she had slashed Ray's clothes with a knife. She had sent the wet nurse to buy whiskey and when she returned she stabbed her with the dagger. She was arguing with Ray because she didn't want to accept the $5000.00. She knew he was incredibly wealthy and she wanted more money. At one point she threw the baby's wash basin across the room. The family downstairs could hear the commotion and after stabbing the wet nurse in the stomach the police were called. Both Eva and Ray were arrested and Ray posted $600.00 bail and was released while Eva remained in jail.
You can imagine the front page headlines this debacle incurred because the newly associated press reported it in every newspaper from coast to coast. Eva was held in jail and then sentenced to two years in Trenton, New Jersey's State Penn. Ray held a low profile but Nellie Bly (who I wrote about in "Madwoman," by Louisa Treger, which I will leave my review for that in a link at the bottom) interviewed Eva in the Trenton prison. I have given more than I should have but seeing as this is not Historical fiction, but real life history and non-fiction--it will give you an idea about whether you wish to read this or not. I highly, highly recommend this for everyone, but especially for those History Buffs. There is so much history in this excellent work and a lot more to this story. There is so much to this very detailed oriented part of history that this is one you will not want to miss. It is new to be recently added to Net Galley and it already is one of the most requested books.
As promised here is a link to my review if you want to know more about Nellie Bly who was the first woman to write for newspapers on investigative reporting. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I couldn't have LOVED this book more! I am grateful that I took a chance on this one because I was on the fence about it. Five Bright Sparkling Stars!
Publication Date: July 26, 2022
Thank you to Net Galley, Bill Shaffer and Kensington Books-Citadel Publishing for generously providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. I owe you all a Great debt of Gratitude. All opinions are my own.
#TheScandalousHamiltons #BillShaffer KensingtonBooksCitadelPublishing #NetGalley
December 15, 2022
This historical account of a great-grandson of Alexander Hamilton reads like a mystery as well as the tragedy it is. Mr. Shaffer's research leads us into the life of the very twisted woman who ensnared Robert Ray Hamilton. The author lays out the case and lets us draw our own conclusions, but boy, she gives me the shivers. I cannot without choking up go into the way she throws away babies. This is also about Ray, yes, but without her, his story would be dull and probably not written about (which would have been a good thing, poor guy). Halfway through the book--yes, at the 50% mark-- I thought the story was done. It could have been over, because the reader has decided against the wife/mistress and she was in jail. But wait, there's more! Bill Shaffer takes us further into the lives of both Ray and Eva and I won't give it away, but you will want to read the last half! Great research, smoothly and cohesively woven into a chronological account of the tragedy of what can happen when you stray from the straight-and-narrow (my words and thoughts). The author kept me on the edge of my seat. In a way, I think he ends with a twinge of hope though.
January 27, 2023
I don't give away spoilers in my reviews.
I was excited to read The Scandalous Hamiltons because I love crime, mystery and the gilded age. This book didn't disappoint.
If I didn't know Eva was a real person, I would have still found her fascinating. She certainly looked out for herself from a young age and never gave up putting herself first. The drama of her life was eye-opening.
I felt sorry for Ray Hamilton. I felt he was blindsided and taken advantage of by Eva. I appreciate the chronological order of the book since it made it easy to follow.
All the other characters - especially Joshua Mann, were just as dramatic. I'm not sure if Mr. Mann was in on all Eva's schemes or if he was taken advantage of by her as well. I suspecet a little of both.
Poor Beatrice was heartbreaking. I was very touched at the end and am glad Mr. Shaffer ended the book as he did.
Really fascinating life and trial of a con artist, of a rich man and of the fallout.
I was excited to read The Scandalous Hamiltons because I love crime, mystery and the gilded age. This book didn't disappoint.
If I didn't know Eva was a real person, I would have still found her fascinating. She certainly looked out for herself from a young age and never gave up putting herself first. The drama of her life was eye-opening.
I felt sorry for Ray Hamilton. I felt he was blindsided and taken advantage of by Eva. I appreciate the chronological order of the book since it made it easy to follow.
All the other characters - especially Joshua Mann, were just as dramatic. I'm not sure if Mr. Mann was in on all Eva's schemes or if he was taken advantage of by her as well. I suspecet a little of both.
Poor Beatrice was heartbreaking. I was very touched at the end and am glad Mr. Shaffer ended the book as he did.
Really fascinating life and trial of a con artist, of a rich man and of the fallout.
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