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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February 8, 1837: Richard Johnson becomes the first VPOTUS chosen by the U.S. Senate

Today is the 175th anniversary of Richard Johnson becoming the ninth Vice President of the U.S. This is an important anniversary because it marks the first and only time the U.S. Senate chose a VP. In the early years of this nation, the president and vice president were elected separately, and each required a certain number of electoral votes. With 147 votes, Richard Johnson was one vote shy and thus not elected to the office. Since Martin Van Buren could not serve without a vice president, the Senate, using the 12 Amendment, elected Johnson as vice president.

For more information, check out these resources...

Richard Mentor Johnson, 9th Vice President, U.S. Senate Art and History

Richard Mentor Johnson, Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress

Electoral Votes for President and Vice President 1837-1853, NARA

The Electoral College by William C. Kimberling, Deputy Director, FEC Office of Election Administration



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President Martin Van Buren's Birthday

Today marks the 227th birthday of our 8th president, Martin Van Buren. President Van Buren served from 1837 to 1841 and was known as the “The Little Magician.” He is quoted as saying that the two happiest days of his life were assuming the office of President and surrendering the office of President. To learn more, click on these links:

White House: Biography of Martin Van Buren


American President: Martin Van Buren






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