Martin Van Buren

(1783-1862) U.S. Senator, Governor of New York, Vice-President of the United States, President of the United States

Martin Van Buren's erect bearing and high, broad forehead gave him a dignified appearance, but his opponents accused him of being a sly scheming politician. They called him "The Little Magician" and "The Fox of Kinderhook," and ridiculed his courteous manners. When Van Buren continued to deal politely with his political rivals, they said this showed his lack of deep convictions.

Chronology of Van Buren's Life and Career
Dec 5, 1782	Born in Kinderhook, New York.
1797	Took part in his first court trial.
1803	Admitted to the New York Bar.
Feb 21, 1807	Married Hannah Hoes.
1808	Named Surrogate of Columbia County, New York.
1812	Elected to the New York Senate.
1816	Appointed Attorney General of New York.
Feb 5, 1819	Hannah Van Buren died.
1821	Delegate to New York State Constitutional Convention.
1821	Elected to the U.S. Senate.
1828	Elected Governor of New York.
1829	Appointed Secretary of State.
1831	Named U.S. Minister to Great Britain, but the Senate refused to confirm the appointment.
1832	Elected Vice-President of the United States.
1836	Elected President of the United States.
1840	Defeated for re-election by William Henry Harrison.
1848	Nominated for President by the Free Soil Party.
July 24, 1862	Died in Kinderhook, New York.