Elizabeth Hamilton

Hamilton, Elizabeth, an authoress, sister of preceding, was born at Belfast in 1758. Her attention was turned to literature in 1786, by the return of her brother from India. Her Hindoo Rajah and Modern Philosophers were intended as counterfoils to free-thinking. Her writings on education were much in advance of the time, and attracted considerable attention. In 1804 a Civil List pension was settled on her. She lived much in Edinburgh, where she took an active part in ameliorating the social condition of the poor. Her Cottagers of Glenburnie, published about 1808, a simple and graphic sketch of Scotch peasant life, is perhaps the most enduring of her works. "Her warm and sincere piety was untinctured by severity, and her natural cheerfulness and lively talents rendered her delightful in society, and, in old age, a universal favourite with the young." She died at Harrogate, 13th July 1816, aged about 58. Her writings are warmly praised by Jeffrey in the Edinburgh Review.

Sources

16. Authors, Dictionary of British and American: S. Austin Allibone. 3 vols. Philadelphia, 1859-'71.

97. Cyclopaedia, Penny, with Supplement. 29 vols. London, 1833.
D'Alton, John, see Nos. 12, 117a, 197b.

196. Irishmen, Lives of Illustrious and Distinguished, Rev. James Wills, D.D. 6 vols. or 12 parts. Dublin, 1840-'7.