(1755 - 1804)American lawyer and statesman. Hamilton was the first US secretary of the treasury (1789 - 95), and he planned and initiated many US financial policies, including federal tax and coinage systems. He was killed in a duel by Aaron Burr, a political rival who accused Hamilton of having slandered him, on 11 July 1804. —Money Glossary. Final approval circa 16/9/89