presidential portraits Martin Van Buren Dec. 5, 1782 ~ July 24, 1862 Tribune illustration by Rick Tuma State: New York Highlights of presidency: An eco- zen. When he was vice president, he nomic depression throughout his presided over the senate with loaded Religion: He may have been Dutch presidency was a major factor in Van pistols. A political faction headed by Reformed, but he worshiped at St. Buren’s failed reelection campaign Van Buren eventually became the John’s Episcopal Church during his in 1840. The border dispute between Democratic Party. He made three presidency. Maine and New Brunswick, Canada, unsuccessful bids for reelection. One came to a head during Van Buren’s of only three presidents of Dutch Marriage: Hannah Hoes term in office and was temporarily ancestry, Van Buren and his wife settled by a truce arranged by Gen. spoke Dutch at home. His autobiog- Military service: None Winfield Scott. Van Buren opposed raphy does not mention his wife even statehood for Texas because it threat- once. Until George H.W. Bush, Van Party: Democrat ened to exacerbate the debate over Buren was the last vice president to be slavery. Texas became a state in 1845. elected to succeed the president under Term: March 4, 1837 – March 3, 1841 whom he served. He served as N.Y. Did you know? Van Buren was the state senator 1812-1820, U.S. senator Vice president: Richard Mentor first president born after the Declara- 1821-1828, N.Y. governor from Jan.- Johnson tion of Independence was signed and March 1829; secretary of state, 1829- the first president born as a U.S. citi- 1831; and vice president, 1833-1837. www.chicagotribune.com/presidents.