“Mat” Van Buren as his friends and family called him, was born in Kinderhook, New York on December 5, 1782. His family was not wealthy at all. His father had a farm and owned a tavern where usual town meetings were held. Everyone in his town spoke Dutch. Mat showed great intelligence in his early years at Kinderhook Academy where he studied the fundamental concepts of logic and Latin. At the age of 14 Mat left Kinderhook Academy to study law under Francis Silvester, a prominent local attorney who was also a distant relative. Mat took every free moment to study law and he got so good the news spread that Mat was on his way to becoming a fine lawyer. Mat attended the convention of Jeffersonian Republicans in Troy, New York. Although Mat was only 17 he impressed the politicians with his intelligence and maturity. Mat argued politics often with Silvester, but Mat was deeply grateful for being taught the law.

Van Buren accepted a position in a law office and within a few weeks he was on his way to New York City.

Despite the surrounding chaos, Martin’s family was doing very well. The only thing Van Buren lacked was a first lady. He had no desire to remarry. Dolley Madison brought Angelica Singleton, a North Carolina citizen to the White House. Abraham Van Buren was immediately taken with her. They were married and Angelica became the Hostess of the White House.

Martin Van Buren worked in politics until the day of his death in 1862 at Lindenwald mansion in Kinderhook, New York.

By late 1806 Mat had become one of the best lawyers in New York. Although he was just 24 he had more cases than he could handle. On February 21,1807 Mat married Hannah Hoes. During their first year of marriage a son, Abraham Van Buren, was born in December 1807. Van Buren tried his luck at Senate and won. During the next 10 years sons John, Martin Jr., and Smith were born. Van Buren’s 5th son, Winfield was born the following year. He died of sickness shortly after birth. Martin’s wife Hannah died in 1819 of tuberculosis at the age of 36.

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