Hannah Van Buren

Wife of Martin Van Buren; died before he took office on March 4, 1837.

Born in 1783 in Kinderhook, New York, Hannah Van Buren unfortunately passed away 18 years prior to the presidency of her husband, Martin Van Buren. Although fairly common at the time, both Hannah and Martin's ancestors came from the same Dutch community before immigrating to the United States, and the two had shared family lines. After 1812, Hannah Van Buren contracted consumption, or tuberculosis, which rendered her deeply weak as the disease consumed her body. She passed in 1819 and is considered one of America's forgotten First Ladies, as Martin Van Buren rarely talked about her following her death. Had she survived, she would have been our 8th First Lady of the United States.

Born: 8 March 1783, Kinderhook, New York

Died: 5 February 1819, Albany, New York

Early Life and Family Background:

Hannah Hoes Van Buren was born on 8 March 1783 in Kinderhook, New York. Her father, Johannes Dircksen Hoes, was a farmer born on 25 May 1753 in Kinderhook, and her mother, Maria Quakenbush, was born on 26 January 1754, also in Kinderhook. The Hoes family, like many in their community, were of Dutch descent, and Hannah grew up in a predominantly Dutch-speaking environment. Her parents were married on 4 February 1776 and had four children, including Hannah.

Hannah’s siblings included Maria Hoes Van Dyck, who married Reverend Lawrence H. Van Dyck of Stone Arabia, New York, and Peter I. Hoes. The Hoes family was well-established in Kinderhook, and through her mother, Hannah was related to several prominent families, including the Roosevelts and Elizabeth Monroe. Her nephew, John Cantine Farrell Hoes, became a notable clergyman in New York State.

Education and Early Life:

Hannah Hoes received her education in a local Kinderhook school taught by master Vrouw Lange. Dutch was her first language, reflecting the cultural heritage of her community. While there is no extensive documentation of her education, it is known that she was taught the essential skills required for managing a household, such as sewing, spinning, weaving, embroidery, and food preservation. She also learned to oversee the kitchen and manage the household, including directing the duties of any servants or enslaved household members..

Marriage to Martin Van Buren:

Hannah and Martin Van Buren were first cousins, sharing a close familial bond from an early age. They grew up together in Kinderhook, and their relationship blossomed into a lifelong partnership. Martin left Kinderhook at the age of 20 to train in law in New York City but returned to marry Hannah once he had established himself professionally. They were married on 21 February 1807 at the Hoxton House Inn in Catskill, New York. The Dutch Reformed Church ceremony was performed by Judge Moses Cantine.

The couple settled in Kinderhook and started their family. They had six children, five of whom survived infancy: Abraham (1807-1873), John (1810-1866), Martin Jr. (1812-1855), Winfield Scott (1814, died in infancy), and Smith Thompson (1817-1876). One daughter was stillborn.

Life in Hudson and Albany:

A year after their marriage, Martin and Hannah moved from Kinderhook to the nearby town of Hudson, New York, where Martin began his law practice and quickly became involved in local politics. In 1812, Martin Van Buren was elected to the New York State Senate, and the family relocated to Albany, the state capital.

In Albany, Martin Van Buren’s political career flourished. He established strong political alliances and formed one of the first political machines in American politics, known as the Albany Regency. For Hannah, life in Albany meant managing a busy household and raising her children in a city bustling with political activity. Their home frequently hosted Martin’s political allies and associates, lawyers, and influential figures in the state.

Hannah was devoted to her family and her faith. She joined the local Presbyterian Church, where she participated in various charitable activities. Despite her busy household duties, she maintained a deep connection to her religious community, reflecting her upbringing in the Dutch Reformed Church.

Health Struggles and Final Years:

Hannah’s health began to decline as she contracted tuberculosis, then commonly known as consumption. The disease progressively weakened her, making it difficult for her to perform daily activities. Despite her illness, she became pregnant in March 1816, and the birth of her youngest son, Smith Thompson, in January 1817 further strained her health.

Her condition worsened to the point where she was largely confined to her bed, unable to spend much time with her young children. Recognizing the severity of her illness, her niece Christina Cantine came to help manage the household. Despite her declining health, Hannah’s concern for others remained strong. She requested that the money typically spent on pallbearer scarves for her funeral be used to buy food for the needy in Albany.

Death and Legacy:

Hannah Van Buren died on 5 February 1819 in Albany, New York, at the age of 35. She was initially buried in the Second Presbyterian Church cemetery in Albany. In 1855, her remains were re-interred at the Kinderhook Cemetery in Kinderhook, New York.

Martin Van Buren never remarried after Hannah’s death, yet her influence on his life and career remained significant. Despite his deep love and respect for her, Martin chose not to mention Hannah in his nearly 800-page autobiography, possibly due to the intense grief and painful memories associated with her illness and death. His second son, John, was not even certain of her correct first name, reflecting the deep emotional impact of her loss on the family.

Martin Van Buren’s Presidency:

Martin Van Buren served as the eighth President of the United States from 4 March 1837 to 4 March 1841. During his presidency, the White House lacked a formal First Lady for the first year and eight months. Martin eventually enlisted the help of his eldest son’s wife, Angelica Singleton Van Buren, to serve as the official hostess.

Angelica Singleton Van Buren:

Angelica, born into a prominent South Carolina family, married Abraham Van Buren in November 1838. She quickly assumed the role of First Lady, accompanying Martin Van Buren to public events and managing the social aspects of the presidency. Angelica’s tenure as White House hostess was marked by her attempts to introduce European-style formality to the receptions and events, although these efforts were sometimes criticized.

Conclusion:

Hannah Hoes Van Buren’s life was marked by her dedication to her family, her faith, and her community. Her influence on Martin Van Buren’s early life and career was profound, despite her early death. She provided a stable and loving home environment that allowed Martin to pursue his political ambitions. Her legacy continued through her family’s influence on Martin Van Buren’s presidency, bridging the gap left by her absence.