Exploring the Lives of Descendants from 8 Infamous Historical Figures Today

Genealogy often reveals surprising stories about your ancestors. While some take pride in their heritage—like the direct descendants of Davy Crockett and Leo Tolstoy, who gather for lively reunions—others might prefer to keep certain connections under wraps. Being linked to a famous or infamous historical figure can come with its own set of challenges. Here’s a look at what the descendants of eight controversial figures are up to today.

1. A descendant of Aaron Burr shares a close friendship with Alexander Hamilton's fifth-great-granddaughter.

In 1804, Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr found themselves locked in a bitter rivalry, culminating in a duel that tragically ended Hamilton’s life. Over two centuries later, the animosity between their families has faded: today, descendants from both sides enjoy kayaking together. Antonio Burr, a relative of Aaron Burr who played the vice president in a 2004 reenactment of the duel, once held the position of Commodore at the Inwood Canoe Club in New York. Interestingly, Alexandra Hamilton Woods, the great-great-great-great-granddaughter of Alexander Hamilton, served as the club’s treasurer and collaborated with Burr. The two discovered their shared ancestry and love for canoeing after a casual conversation at a social gathering.

“I would often joke with him about our family histories,” Hamilton Woods told the New York Post in 2015. “We’ve had many fascinating discussions. But I hold Antonio in high regard and have deep respect for him.” While both defend their ancestors' actions during the duel, Hamilton Woods noted, "When it comes to club matters, Antonio and I usually see eye to eye.”

2. The great-nephews of Adolf Hitler now lead quiet lives as proud Americans on Long Island.

Descendants from Adolf Hitler's paternal lineage now call Long Island, New York, their home, where they proudly display the American flag. Their father, William Patrick Hitler, was the son of Adolf’s half-brother Alois, sharing the same father. William relocated to the U.S. in 1939 after a dispute with his uncle and later penned an article titled “Why I Hate My Uncle” for the July 4, 1939 issue of Look magazine. Adolf Hitler, in turn, referred to William as “my loathsome nephew.”

During World War II, William served in the United States Navy and was awarded a Purple Heart for his service. After the war, he changed his name and raised four sons, three of whom now live quietly on Long Island and seldom speak to reporters. Neighbors recall their childhood in Patchogue as uneventful, and their adult lives have been similarly low-key: one brother works as a social worker, while the other two co-own a landscaping business. None have married or had children.

3. Benito Mussolini’s granddaughter is a former Playboy model turned politician.

On April 1, 2019, the Washington Post published the following: "Alessandra Mussolini, granddaughter of fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, is locked in a heated dispute with Jim Carrey, the actor famous for Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and Dumb and Dumber. No, this isn’t an April Fools’ prank, and yes, the Internet is responsible."

4. The great-great [...] grandson of Christopher Columbus serves as a Spanish Naval Admiral.

It’s not unusual for a child to follow their parents’ career path, or even a grandchild to step into the family trade. However, it’s rare to find a descendant 500 years later carrying on the family legacy and its associated titles. This is reportedly true for Cristóbal Colón de Carvajal y Gorosábel, a direct descendant of Christopher Columbus, 18 generations removed. Cristóbal not only served in the Spanish Navy, sailed globally, and commanded his own ship in his youth, but he also retains ceremonial titles passed down through his family: Admiral and Adelantado Mayor of the Indies, the 18th Duke of Veragua, and the 16th Marquis of Jamaica. He told the BBC these titles are now largely "honorific."

Though 70-year-old Colón has little involvement in the United States, he gained widespread attention when named grand marshal of the 1992 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, sparking protests from Native American groups. Eventually, he shared the role with U.S. Representative Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a Native American politician from Colorado. Today, he occasionally appears in the news to defend his infamous ancestor.

5. The granddaughter of Josef Stalin is a punk enthusiast who practices Buddhism.

In 1967, Stalin’s sole daughter, Svetlana Alliluyeva, caused a scandal by defecting to the United States. Her daughter, Olga Peters, also known as Chrese Evans, has fully embraced American life. Recent reports indicate Evans resides in Oregon, where she practices Buddhism and runs an antiques business. With striking tattoos and punk-rock hairstyles, she’s been photographed holding a toy Kalashnikov, leading the New York Post to declare: “Stalin’s granddaughter is an all-American rebel.”

6. A descendant of Napoleon Bonaparte wed the great-great-great-niece of Napoleon’s second wife.

Napoleon Bonaparte penned deeply romantic love letters to his first wife, Josephine, in the late 18th century. (For example: “I hope soon to hold you tightly and shower you with countless fiery kisses.”) It seems this flair for passionate writing has been inherited by his descendants.

In 2019, Jean-Christophe, Prince Napoléon—an investment banker and the great-great-great-great-nephew of Napoleon—married Countess Olympia von und zu Arco-Zinneberg of Austria, the great-great-great-niece of Napoleon’s second wife, Archduchess Marie-Louise of Austria. Reflecting on their union, he remarked: “When I met Olympia, I was captivated by her eyes, not her ancestry.” A testament, perhaps, to his inherited eloquence from his famous ancestor.

7 and 8. The great-grandson of Hideki Tojo and the grandson of Harry S. Truman are seeking redemption.

Hideki Tojo, Japan’s Prime Minister for much of World War II, was executed as a Class-A war criminal in 1948. His great-grandson, Hidetoshi Tojo, now an entrepreneur, is focused on reconciliation. As reported by The Associated Press, he has connected with Clifton Truman Daniel, the grandson of U.S. President Harry S. Truman, to collaborate on initiatives aimed at fostering unity.

“Achieving complete reconciliation immediately is challenging,” Tojo stated in 2015, as noted by the Miami Herald. “But by respecting one another, we can build understanding, which is a crucial first step.”

Clifton Truman Daniel, himself the descendant of a contentious historical figure, actively supports the survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and is a strong advocate for nuclear disarmament.