Presidential Profiles: Martin Van Buren (1837-1841)

Martin Van Buren was born on December 5, 1782 in Kinderhook, New York. Martin Van Buren was the son of a tavern owner (and supporter of Thomas Jefferson) of Dutch descent. This would make Van Buren the first president not born a British subject--and the first that was not even of British descent.

A lawyer by trade, Martin Van Buren would prove to be an adept politician. His ascent to the Vice Presidency with Andrew Jackson's second presidential term would seal his fate as a future president. On March 4, 1837, Martin Van Buren took the oath of office in the Capitol. His annual salary was $25,000. He would serve 1 term as president from 1837 to 1841. On March 3, 1841, Martin Van Buren's tenure as president would end. On July 24, 1862, he died at 79 years of age in Kinderhook, New York.


Martin Van Buren's Administration

First Lady: widowed before taking office
Angelica Singleton Van Buren (daughter-in-law) filled the role as White House hostess

Vice President: Richard M. Johnson (1837-41)

Secretary of State:

John Forsyth (1837-41)

Secretary of the Treasury:

Levi Woodbury (1837-41)

Secretary of War:

Joel R. Poinsett (1837-41)

Attorneys General:

Benjamin F. Butler (1837-38)
Felix Grundy (1838-39)
Henry D. Gilpin (1840-41)

Postmasters General:

Amos Kendall (1837-40)
John M. Niles (1840-41)

Secretaries of the Navy:

Mahlon Dickerson (1837-38)
James K. Paulding (1838-41)

Inaugural Information

Thirteenth Inaugural Ceremonies, March 4, 1837

For more information on President Martin Van Buren, check out these resources...

Martin Van Buren, White House

American President: Martin Van Buren, Miller Center, University of Virginia

Martin Van Buren, POTUS, Internet Public Library

Biography: 8. Martin Van Buren, PBS


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