Louis Carré Hamersley (1840-1883)

He was born in New York City and educated in England at Christchurch College, Oxford. On returning to the States he enrolled at the Law School of the University of the City of New York to better manage the considerable real estate empire he inherited. On the outbreak of Civil War, he joined the 7th Regiment before becoming a Captain with the 9th National Guard of the State of New York. In 1858, he married Lily, daughter of Commodore Price U.S.N., of Troy, New York. Having neither siblings nor children he left the entire income of his $5 million fortune for his wife to enjoy and after her death all his estate was to be transferred to the male heirs of his cousin, J. Hooker Hamersley. After his death, his widow became the 8th Duchess of Marlborough and took up residence at Blenheim Palace before marrying Lord Beresford.