Martin Van Buren
(1782–1862)

Martin Van BurenAnecdote...

Van Buren was so obnoxious to the southern states that he received only nine popular votes there in his 1848 campaign, all from Virginia. His supporters raised a cry of fraud. "Yes, fraud," said a Virginian, "and we are still looking for the son-of-a-bitch who voted nine times."

 

Quote-worthy...

As to the presidency, the two happiest days of my life were those of my entrance upon the office and my surrender of it. —Martin Van Buren


Biographical Note...

U.S. politician, 8th president of the United States (1837–41). Though carefullly groomed by his predecessor, Andrew Jackson, Van Buren was bedeviled by problems arising fromJackson's economic policies. He was glad to retire to his farm when defeated in the 1840 election.


More Information...

Read the White House entry for Martin Van Buren and his wife, Hannah Hoes Van Buren.