Hamilton, Andrew (c. 1676–1741)

US lawyer and legislator. After settling in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he became attorney general and served in the colony's general assembly (1727–39). A man of many talents, he helped design Province House in Philadelphia (now known as Independence Hall). His greatest moment came when in 1735 he was asked to come to New York City to defend John Peter Zenger against the charge of seditious libel. Hamilton's legal techniques and eloquent speech won this landmark case in the history of the freedom of speech.

He immigrated to Virginia from the UK c. 1700. After serving as the steward of an estate, he married the widow of its owner; she seems to have backed him in buying a large property in Maryland, where he took up the practice of law and served in the assembly. After visiting England (1712–13), he returned to settle in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.