Martin Van Buren Biography: Siblings, Parents, Height, Age, Children, Wife, Obituary, Net Worth

Martin Van Buren, the eighth President of the United States, held office from 1837 to 1841.

A pivotal figure in the creation of the Democratic Party, his presidency was overshadowed by the financial panic of 1837.

Before assuming the presidency, Van Buren served as the eighth Vice President and the tenth Secretary of State under President Andrew Jackson.

Profile

• Full Name: Martin Van Buren
• Stage Name: Martin Van Buren
• Born: 5, December 1782
• Date of death: July 24, 1862 (Aged: 79 years)
• Birthplace: Kinderhook, New York, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Politician and
• Height: unknown
• Parent: Abraham Van Buren and Maria Hoes
• Siblings: 7
• Spouse: Hannah Hoes (m. 1807-1862)
• Children: Abraham Van Buren, John Van Buren, Martin Van Buren Jr., Winfield Scott Van Buren, Smith Thompson Van Buren
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $29 million

Early Life And Education

Martin Van Buren was born on December 5, 1782, in Kinderhook, New York, United States, to Abraham Van Buren and Maria Hoes, also known as Van Alen. He grew up with seven siblings, including half-siblings from his mother’s prior marriage.

Details about his formal education remain unclear. Van Buren was of Dutch descent, as his parents hailed from Dutch backgrounds, although his religious affiliation is not widely known.

Career

Martin Van Buren’s political journey began in New York, where he quickly rose to prominence. Initially focusing on his law career in Kinderhook, Van Buren’s political passion became evident early. At 18, he became active in political circles, serving as the Surrogate of Columbia County from 1808 to 1813.

His political career expanded when he won a seat in the New York State Senate in 1812, where he served two terms. In addition, he was appointed as New York’s Attorney General from 1816 to 1819.

During this period, Van Buren became known for his political acumen and founded the Albany Regency, a political organization that would dominate New York state politics for years.

Van Buren transitioned to national politics, being elected to the U.S. Senate in 1821. He quickly became a key figure in Washington, earning nicknames like “Little Magician” and “Sly Fox” for his strategic mind and political maneuvering.

A staunch supporter of states’ rights, he championed the Jeffersonian principles that opposed a strong central government. In 1828, after a successful run for governor of New York, he briefly held the office before resigning to accept the position of Secretary of State under President Andrew Jackson, further cementing his national political influence.

As Secretary of State, Van Buren played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. foreign policy, negotiating significant agreements such as a settlement with Great Britain regarding trade with the British West Indies and securing reparations from France for property seized during the Napoleonic Wars.

After serving as Vice President under Jackson from 1833 to 1837, Van Buren succeeded Jackson in the presidency, winning the election of 1836. His presidency was marked by his commitment to Jacksonian ideals and his work to address his time’s economic and political challenges.

Social Media

Martin Van Buren does not have a social media account.

Personal Life

Martin Van Buren married his childhood sweetheart, Hannah Hoes, on February 21, 1807, until he passed away in 1862. Hannah, a cousin on his mother’s side, had been a part of his life from an early age, and their bond only grew stronger as they matured.

Together, they had a family of six children: Abraham Van Buren, John Van Buren, Martin Van Buren Jr., Winfield Scott Van Buren, Smith Thompson Van Buren, and a daughter whose name remains unknown.

The couple shared a deeply rooted connection throughout their marriage, and their children grew up in a household shaped by Martin’s growing political career.

Net Worth

Martin Van Buren, the eighth President of the United States, amassed an estimated peak net worth of $29 million. His financial success was primarily attributed to his prosperous legal career, where he built a strong reputation as an attorney before transitioning into politics.