Short Biography of Martin Van Buren: Fast Overview of his Life Facts and Info: Martin Van Buren was the 8th president of America whose presidency was dogged by an economic depression that led to bank failures and food riots known as the "Panic of 1837." For additional info refer to 20 Facts about Martin Van Buren. Short Biography of Martin Van Buren: His Parents, Date of Birth and Place of Birth Facts and Info: Martin Van Buren was born on December 5, 1782 in Kinderhook, New York. He is the only president of Dutch ancestry and Martin Van Buren and his wife spoke Dutch at home. Van Buren was a third cousin twice removed to Theodore Roosevelt. He died on July 24, 1862 in New York. Short Biography of Martin Van Buren: His Education and Career Facts and Info: The career of Martin Van Buren included the roles of Lawyer, Politician and Statesman. He became the 8th president of America in 1837 and served for 4 years until 1841. Van Buren made three unsuccessful bids for re-election. Short Biography of Martin Van Buren: His Family, Wife and Kids Facts and Info: Martin Van Buren married Hannah Hoes who was his childhood sweetheart and distant relative. All of their ancestors came from the small Dutch community of Kinderhook. He became known by the nickname "Old Kinderhook." People said "Is it OK?" referring to the initials of his nickname and the word okay was derived. Martin Van Buren and his wife Hannah had 4 children. Their names were Abraham, John, Martin and Smith. Angelica Van Buren Short Biography of Martin Van Buren: His Presidency Facts and Info: Martin Van Buren belonged to the Democrat Political Party of which he was one of the founders. He was 54 years old when he was inaugurated as the 8th president. Richard Johnson stood as the Vice president. For additional facts refer to his Presidential Cabinet members. Short Biography of Martin Van Buren: What he was like! Facts and Info: Martin Van Buren was a slim man standing at 5 feet 6 inches and was unkindly described as "a little squirt". His favourite foods were oysters, doughnuts, raisins, figs, and meat. He had large mutton-chop sideburns which were fashionable during this era. The family owned two tiger cubs as pets. He was the first president born an American citizen as his predecessors were born as British subjects, before the Declaration of Independence. Short Biography of Martin Van Buren: important Events in his Political life Facts and Info: During his lifetime he played a key role in important events of the era. Martin Van Buren was president in 1838 when more than 15,000 Cherokee Indians were forced to march from Georgia to Oklahoma Indian Territory. Approximately 4,000 died from starvation and disease along the “Trail of Tears.” Short Biography of Martin Van Buren: Illnesses Facts and Info: During his life Martin Van Buren suffered from frequent colds, indigestion (dyspepsia), gout and asthma. Gout is a disease that is caused by excess build up of uric acids in the joints. Gout was a important health concern in the 1800s and primarily brought on by high fat diets and consuming too much meat. It was dubbed “The Disease of the Kings” or “Rich Man’s Disease.” Short Biography of Martin Van Buren: His Death and Burial Facts and Info: Martin Van Buren died of asthmatic suffocation on July 24, 1862 in New York. He had become weak and largely bed bound and on July 21 he became comatose and died three days later at the age of 79. He was buried in Kinderhook Cemetery, New York. |