He Lost His Wife To Tuberculosis And Never Remarried

Martin Van Buren married Hannah Hoes, who was 23 years old, when he was 24 years old. The ceremony was held on February 21, 1807, at the bride's sister's house in Catskill, New York. Martin's first cousin's daughter was Hannah. She and Martin had been friends since they were little. She was born in Valatie and, like Van Buren, spent most of her childhood there. She spoke Dutch as her native tongue and spoke English with a distinct accent.

Five children were eventually born to the marriage, four of whom reached adulthood. After contracting tuberculosis, Hannah Van Buren passed away on February 5, 1819, at the age of 35. Never remarrying, Martin Van Buren. Abraham Van Buren, Martin Van Buren's oldest child, wed Angelica Singleton in 1838. Martin appointed his daughter-in-law to serve as his hostess because he was a widower when he was elected president. The presidential parties were brought to life by Angelica van Buren. Martin's opponents used the fact that she was influenced by European court culture to charge the president with leading a regal lifestyle.